Demoscene programs

[MonkZy]

I was not active in the demoscene, I was more a consumer. I always saw the demoscene as creativity. Not necesarily art, but creation definitely. So demos were always expressive. Some producers had swagger, my morphing pixel ball has more dots than yours, type of stuff. Some were artsy. They all had one thing in common, a need to create things on computers. And may that trait in human nature never cease.

"Only in freedom can one have folly" -
some random internet guy

[Hikaru]

Can you see the problem yet?

Things that make a demo for me:

- it was created as a part of demoscene movement
- it's more or less calculated real time

I agree, the second point is problematic. Many demos have precalculated parts and there are always fierce discussions when there is too much precalculations so demo stops being a demo.

I'd say the first point is just as problematic. Consider something like this. - I dunno just the first example I could think of. I can more or less imagine it working as a PC 'demo', given the glitchy specific kind of visuals with an appropriate song and all... However, the origin of these videos is in fact very different, and historically this is a country with little to no 'demoscene' presence.

If I had to put it bluntly, you'd probably be hard-pressed and/or grasping for straws to find 'dat elusive demoscene identity' thing.

[MonkZy]

If I had to put it bluntly, you'd probably be hard-pressed and/or grasping for straws to find 'dat elusive demoscene identity' thing.

Most often you can identify demoscene stuff as stuff that was released as a demo, most often at a party or some such. As soon as I watched your posted video, I was thinking 'what hardeware/OS', so yes, some things might look 'demosceney'. Nobody is releasing finished video's as demos though (afaik). Not sure the scene would be into that. If it was a flash animation, you could slip it in I think.

[Nomad]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnzBd1LVy40[/media]

256b

http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=73231

[Ralf]

Consider something like this

Yes, very "demoscenish" in fact.

Just like this:
[media]https://youtu.be/rDBbaGCCIhk[/media]

(actually if I understand correctly it's something called "vapourwave", a new trendy word for 21 centrury guys mimicking 80s style )

[Hikaru]

(actually if I understand correctly it's something called "vapourwave", a new trendy word for 21 centrury guys mimicking 80s style )

Yeah, it's a number of closely related audio/visual styles. My impression of it is that, rather than simply mimicking, it's more about remembering and recreating the 'dreams from yesterday' - not without a good share of irony, but still with fondness. The kind of future that never happened. (:

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgEGqK9wl44[/media]

[Nomad]

For me the vaporwave stuff just reminds me of citypop Not that its a bad thing just I remember the original.

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOL1GaKCjqk[/media]

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2hhI9UgBOc[/media]

[Ralf]

For me the vaporwave stuff just reminds me of citypop. Not that its a bad thing just I remember the original.

Yes, feels a bit similar.

Vaporvawe as I understand it doesn't try to be original. It brings stuff that became a bit forgotten, remixes it and pimps it up a little bit.

Like this remix of old Pepsi commercials:
[media]
https://youtu.be/OrR1TGQY20Y[/media]

[MatGubbins]

I could drink a Dr Pepper right now...

[AndyC]

If you look at demos merely as a product of their output, then yes they'll seem pointless. Some of the appeal ultimately comes from understanding the limitations of a system and appreciating the skill in finding ways around that. Being able to do so whilst conveying an artistic concept makes something worth watching through.

[Nomad]

I guess its the effect it has on certain people, I would bet money that this is not just myself.

Sure there must be some programmers that are such good artists/musicians/coders that every demo looks easy but I think they are a tiny minority.

The majority of people could benefit from watching and thinking about the techniques behind the demos. Undoubtedly it would lead to improvements in their own skill.

I think a good demo not only entertains but it causes a person to question what they thought was possible on the target system.