In a groundbreaking move by the development team at Ninjalerts, a data analysis platform for Bitcoin Ordinals enthusiasts, they have encoded Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) software onto a single satoshi. This initiative allows the Bitcoin community to play classic games within the Bitcoin ecosystem, marking a significant first in this area.
Trevor Owens, CEO of Ninjalerts, revealed that adapting the software to operate across all ecosystems took six months. He highlighted the potential of Bitcoin to permanently host all JPEGs, suggesting that at least classic games could now be played on the blockchain.
Owens emphasized the goal of encoding SNES on the blockchain was to address the preservation issue of classic video games. Citing research that 90% of these games are at risk due to this problem, he advocated for Bitcoin as the optimal space to safeguard these cultural digital artifacts for future generations.
Besides preserving cultural works, encoding SNES software in the Bitcoin ecosystem is seen as an effort by Ninjalerts to elevate the technical level of their Bitcoin Ordinals projects. Owens expressed a desire to leverage Ordinals’ capabilities in a way that is difficult to replicate on the Ethereum network. He also shared an extensive 88-page GitBook article detailing visuals, codes, and the project’s methodology.
Community reactions are mixed, with some members recognizing the significance of coding a game on Bitcoin, while others express concerns. One user defines the development as taking Ordinals to the next level of entertainment and versatility, while another refers to it as the second season for Ordinals. Questions about copyright holders’ permissions and potential legal consequences have also been raised.