Conducting the classic game Snake using Digital Microfluidics technology
In an unexpected twist, the OpenDrop digital microfluidics platform, originally designed for biological research, has been transformed into a unique gaming console by British science communicator, [Steve Mould](https://www.stevemould.com/). This platform, consisting of an 8x14 grid of electrodes coated in a dielectric, now manipulates water droplets to create a liquid display, capable of running classic games such as Snake, Pac-Man, and Frogger [1][2][3].
The journey to gaming began when Steve received his OpenDrop device from Switzerland and started developing simplified versions of these games that could run on the platform's 8x14 "pixel" grid. However, adapting these games for a water-based display proved challenging due to the unpredictable behaviour of water droplets, the need for precise voltage control, and the constraints of the two-dimensional platform [1][2].
One of the most significant obstacles was the adaptation of Pac-Man. The conservation of mass caused Pac-Man to grow when eating ghosts, making the game unwieldy. On the other hand, Snake was easier to adapt because it respects the laws of classical mechanics, allowing the snake to grow by one unit each time it consumes food [2][3].
Despite these challenges, Steve, in collaboration with the OpenDrop's inventor and Copilot, has managed to create a functioning game console. He has even taken it a step further by offering a challenge to code and run another game on the OpenDrop, with a prize for the first working Tetris implementation on the device [4][5].
The OpenDrop's transition into gaming marks a significant milestone in the evolution of display technology. Since the introduction of CRT in the late 1800s, various technologies like Nixie tubes, flip dots, gas plasma, LCD, LED, ePaper, and now water-based technology, have graced our screens [6]. The OpenDrop, priced at €1,000, adds another layer to this rich history, demonstrating the versatility and innovative potential of technology.
As we look forward, it's about time for a watery implementation of Tetris. The source code for starting a Tetris implementation on the OpenDrop can be found in the video description, inviting developers worldwide to join Steve in this unique gaming adventure [7]. The OpenDrop's water-based display may not yet rival the graphical prowess of modern gaming consoles, but it offers an exciting, albeit unconventional, approach to gaming that encourages experimentation and creativity.
References: [1] Mould, S. (2021). OpenDrop Gaming: Turning a Biology Tool into a Game Console. YouTube.
Science has taken an unconventional turn with the OpenDrop digital microfluidics platform being transformed into a unique gaming console. This advancement, despite initially designed for biological research, showcases the medical-conditions, gadgets, and technology it can adapt to, such as creating a water-based display running classic games like Snake, Pac-Man, Frogger, and potentially, Tetris.
