ASCIIMATA16 is a generative exploration of cellular automata in real-time that transforms a 512x512 pixel canvas into a dynamic grid of evolving ASCII characters. Users can freely navigate this grid, exploring the intricate patterns as they develop.

Each ASCIIMATA16 mint is uniquely assigned one of eight neighborhood types, with unique rules driving the evolution of patterns. The visuals are enriched by 16-color palettes, paying homage to classic computing and pixel art, from nostalgic Commodore 64 and CGA colors to modern palettes like Endesga-16 and PICO-8.

Each piece randomly selects 16 character sets from a pool of 32, each containing 16 characters that represent different states and intensities, creating a dynamic blend of text and visuals.

ASCIIMATA16 is highly interactive and responsive, offering various controls for deep engagement. It adapts seamlessly to any window size, even during runtime. With a font size of 8, a 4096x4096 pixel screen would be needed to display the entire 512x512 grid of ASCII characters at once.

[CONTROLS]

{KEYBOARD}
> [wasd] - Move the view around the map
> [space] - Pause
> [r] - Reset to initial state
> [t] - Toggle frame skip to slow down the automaton
> [1-9] - Create GIF output with duration in seconds
> [0] - Create PNG output
> [q/e] - Rotate the view by 90°
> [arrow up/down] - Cycle font size {8, 16, 32, 64, 128}
> [x] - Cycle kaleidoscope effect {off, 1, 2, 4, 8 mirror lines}
> [c] - Toggle character color mode {sampled, fixed [white]}
> [v] - Swap character and cell background colors
> [b] - Cycle cell background color {black, white}

A rare debug color mode, with a 1% chance of activation per mint, offers a glimpse into the underlying processes, adding depth for the technically curious. If your mint includes this feature, press [n] to toggle the debug color mode on and off.

{MOUSE}
> [short left drag] - Flick the view around the map

{TOUCH}
> [swipe] - Flick the view around the map
> [double tap] - Cycle font size {8, 16, 32, 64, 128}
> [long press] - Cycle kaleidoscope effect {off, 1, 2, 4, 8 mirror lines}

Created using p5.js, p5.asciify and GLSL.

ASCIIMATA16 © 2024 by humanbydefinition is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0