The DOOM CAPTCHA is a new and creative verification system developed by Guillermo Rauch, CEO of Vercel, offering a unique twist on proving users’ humanity. Instead of traditional methods like selecting images or typing distorted text, this system requires users to play a short level of the classic DOOM and eliminate three monsters to pass verification.

The DOOM CAPTCHA runs a WebAssembly version of DOOM directly in the browser. Users must navigate a small section of the game, armed only with a pistol, and defeat three enemies to prove they are not bots. The challenge is based on the secret level E1M9 from the original DOOM, but it has been modified to start players with minimal resources, making it quite difficult—especially since it appears to run on higher difficulty settings like Ultra-Violence or Nightmare.

The concept has gained traction online, especially among developers and retro gaming fans, with many praising its creativity and nostalgic appeal. However, some users have noted its difficulty, with many struggling to complete the task even after multiple attempts. Comments on platforms like Hacker News and Reddit describe it as “fun but frustrating,” with some suggesting tweaks like easier difficulty settings or adding strafing mechanics to make it more accessible.

While it’s an innovative twist on bot verification, it is unlikely to become a widespread solution. Bots can be trained to play DOOM, making this method less effective against advanced AI. Additionally, accessibility concerns have been raised, as not all users may have the gaming skills or hardware required to complete the challenge.

The DOOM CAPTCHA is available as a demo on Vercel’s platform and has been shared widely across tech and gaming communities. While it may not replace traditional CAPTCHAs anytime soon, it serves as a fun experiment that combines nostalgia with modern web technology.