The Demoscene: A cursory introduction

A cursory introduction

THE DEMOSCENE

WHAT IS A DEMO?

Computer-generated real-time multimedia art

Strictly limited

Hardware

Size

Time

Competitive in nature (a technical showcase)

A great way to meet chicks

HISTORY OF DEMOS

Getting sidetracked: history of warez

The first demos: cracktros

Warez scene spins off the demo scene

Demos on multiple platforms:

C64

Atari ST

Amiga

WHAT, THEN, IS THE DEMOSCENE?

A decentralized digital subculture

No formal definition, no ruling body

Anyone can be a member

Lurkers

Contributors

Organizers

… AND WHAT ARE DEMO PARTIES?

Conventions which focus on demos:

Demos shown on the big screen

Competitions are held

Optionally, prizes are given

… or on the associated subculture:

Retro-computing

Hardware hacking

Music

Underground art

WHO ARE THE SCENERS?

Everyone:

Hippies

Professional software developers

Computer prodigies

Aspiring musicians and artists

DEMO SHOWCASE

The Popular Demo by Farbrausch

“1995” by MFX and Kewlers

Debris by Farbrausch

Rupture by Andromeda Software Development