Algorithm Uses ‘Tetris’ Blocks and Game Mechanics to Create Pixel Art of Video Game Characters

Michael Birken has created a Tetris Printer Algorithm that creates pixel art of video game characters — like Mario, Link, Samus, Ms. Pac-Man, and even Blooper the squid — within an actual game of Tetris. The algorithm rotates, positions, and places a predetermined set of Tetrominos (Tetris blocks), eliminating the unnecessary blocks and leaving behind a pixel art sprite. For a more detailed explanation of how the algorithm works, take a look at Birken’s website. Previously, we wrote about Birken’s “Post-it Note Arcade” stop motion animation.

via MetaFilter