Scientist Trains Rats to Play DOOM II, Considers Launching Twitch Channel

[Tsing]

Image: Viktor Tóth



A Feinstein Institutes neuroengineer by the name of Viktor Tóth has reportedly succeeded in teaching a group of rats how to play DOOM II, id Software’s classic 1994 shooter.



As explained by Tóth in a viral Medium article, the rodents were trained using an inexpensive VR setup (less than $2,000), the bulk of which comprises a large polystyrene ball that the rats can run on to move Doomguy through the game’s now-archaic corridors. A little tube that gives sugary water as a treat for rewarding “correct” behaviors can also be seen in a video shared by Tóth.









Tóth told science and technology outlet Futurism in a recent interview that he is considering starting a Twitch channel to make some money off of his work and confirm that rats are intelligent enough to “play” first-person shooters.



“Yes, I think so,” Tóth said when asked whether he...

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[Brian_B]

That rat is probably better than I am at it too

*edit

Also, is it the scientists, or the rat, who is considering starting a twitch channel?

/s

 

[MadMummy76]

Karl Pilkington would love this.

 

[Dogsofjune]

Should be a Willard reboot out soon then....