The Demo Scene

2009-12-13

The "demo scene" is a subculture that creates computer programs that generate and display short animations. These "demos" often feature computer generated music. Most of the artwork is not made directly. Rather, patterns are programmed for how shapes, objects, and colors, should appear and move. The programmers work alone or in small teams. The demo scene has several large annual meet-ups where teams compete. Demos are made on location typically over only a day or two. A lot of beautiful and innovative work has come out of this scene for over 25 years. I have no doubt that main-steam computer graphics owe much and will continue to owe much to the demo scene.

Here are some videos of a few of my favorite demos. Enjoy!