Demoparty Argentina

Rules 2024

Compo categories

Click on the category name for details

 

 

GENERAL RULES (IMPORTANT)

At Flashparty we adhere to the Demoscene Ethics Project and we try to make an event that's friendly for demoscene newcomers, prioritizing the promotion of the arts that appropriate technology outside of the formats and limits of the market and institutions.

  • All entries must be unreleased. (Never released before this event is finished.)
  • We'll receive entry submissions via this form, we won't accept entries sent via other means.
    The entry file must be uploaded to a file sharing site so the organizers can download it from a single link. In case the entry comprises more than one file, they must all be put inside a single .ZIP file.
    In case you need to fix an error or update your entry, fill a new form and tell us in the comments to the organizers that the previous form must be discarded.
    No modifications or updates will be accepted after the deadline. 
  • In this edition each artist/group will be able to choose if they want their entry to be shown anonymously or if they want their author names to be shown. The anonymity option will only be for the stream and the voting. The authors of all entries will be revealed when the results are shown and when entries are distributed after the party.
    Many times an entry is viewed by the audience in a different light when they know the artist who created it. We want to give artists the posibility of controlling and playing with this factor.
  • The entries will be shown in random order inside each category. This ensures there'll be no pre-judging implied by the organizers.
  • The first 3 place winners of each category will be awarded a certificate.
  • Compo machine for PC Demo/intro - Hard: i7, 32GB RAM, with NVIDIA RTX 3090 videocard. Soft: Windows 11 23H2 / Ubuntu Desktop 24.04 LTS 
  • Remixes are allowed, but not obvious copies. You must always attribute the original author and you can't infringe copyright or we won't be able to exhibit your entry during the stream.
  • ATTENTION: the amount of entries per artist/group allowed varies depending on the category. Please check carefully the rules of the category you're submitting to.
  • The organizers reserve the right to reject or not show entries they consider inappropriate, offensive or don't follow the rules, or because of organization issues.
  • The organizers can change the category of an entry in case they consider the category proposed by the participant is not adequate.
  • After the event, all entries will be distributed freely. Participating in this event implies consent for such distribution. If you want to specify a free use and distribution licence, you can do so in the submit form in the "instructions for the organizers" section.
  • Entries that have been completely generated with AI are not allowed. (e.g. entries where you just typed a prompt with not any further re-elaboration).
    If AI techniques were used to create an entry it must be declared in the submission form so that we can evaluate how to best present it. If the use of undeclared AI art is detected it will mean disqualification.
  • Certificates will be delivered digitally, in case of requiring them in a physical format, the shipping costs will be paid by the participant.
  • If you want a screenshot of your entry to be shown in the voting system please include in the ZIP file a PNG / JPG picture of less than 200kb in size.
  • Deadline is september 25, 2024, 23:59 argentine time (UTC -3). 

 

CATEGORIES

 

PC DEMO



  • Compo machine: check the general rules. 
  • Must be executable real-time generated and must be able to exit by pressing the ESC key.
  • Browser entries allowed, please specify the browser.
  • Total filesize from 64kb to 500Mb.
  • All non-standard libraries must be included in the same package/zip file.
  • In case of less than 3 entries presented this category will be fused with PC intro 64kb in a combined category.
  • No duration limit, but the organizers reserve the right to halt reproduction in case of considering the rest of the entry repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265 codec, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fpsfps preferred, we recommend you use kkapture, for more instructions on how to capture your demo or intro check this article).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.



OLDSCHOOL / ALTERNATIVE PLATFORM DEMO

  • Executable animation completely generated by the device in realtime.
  • Any retro platform is allowed: C64, MSX, ATARI, AMIGA, NES, GAMEBOY, SEGA, retro PC, etc.
  • In this category we also allow other unusual low-power platforms: PSP, Nintendo DS, arduino, Pico8, TIC-80, etc.
  • Please specify if your entry uses video acceleration so we can arrange a fair competition with other entries.
  • No limit for quantity of files, disks, cartridges, etc.
  • Arrange the entry for easiness of execution in the most standard way including all necessary files, for example, for Amiga 500 deliver a bootable .ADF file straight into the entry, for Commodore 64 give us a .D64 that can be loaded with LOAD”*”,8,1 and so on for each platform within the possibilities and using the best criteria in each case.
  • Send instructions about how to execute the entry in the submit form or in a .txt file inside the package.
  • In case of more than 3 entries presented for a specific platform (C64, MSX, ATARI, Amiga, etc.) they will have their own separate category.
  • In case of less than 3 entries for this category altogether, it will be fused with oldschool / alternative intro in a combined category.
  • No playtime limit, but the organizers reserve the right to end execution in case of considering the rest of the entry to be repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Please describe briefly the platform used in the text for the stream slide, so the audience can understand its limitations.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.



PC INTRO 64KB

  • Compo machine check the general rules. If your demo requires different specs we'll use the video capture for the stream. 
  • Filesize limit max 64 KB in one executable file.
  • Must be executable real-time generated and must be able to exit by pressing the ESC key.
  • Browser entries are allowed as long as they follow the rules and are packed inside a png-with-embedded-html (check JsEXE o Paginator) and all libraries are contained inside. Please specify browser.
  • Max file size: single executable up to 64kb (no other files inside the folder can be loaded during execution).
  • In case of less than 3 entries presented it will be fused with PC demo in a single compo.
  • No playtime limit, but the organizers reserve the right to end execution in case of considering the rest of the entry to be repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred, we recommend you use kkapture, for more instructions on how to capture your demo or intro check this article).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.


PC INTRO 4KB

  • Compo machine: check the general rules.  
  • Filesize limit max 4 KB in one executable file.
  • Must be executable real-time generated and must be able to exit by pressing the ESC key.
  • Browser entries are allowed as long as they follow the rules and are packed inside a png-with-embedded-html (check JsEXE o Paginator) and all libraries are contained inside. Please specify browser.
  • Max file size: single executable up to 4kb (no other files inside the folder can be loaded during execution).
  • In case of less than 3 entries presented it will be fused with PC demo in a single compo.
  • No playtime limit, but the organizers reserve the right to end execution in case of considering the rest of the entry to be repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred, we recommend you use kkapture, for more instructions on how to capture your demo or intro check this article).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.



OLDSCHOOL / ALTERNATIVE PLATFORM INTRO

  • Executable animation completely generated by the device in realtime.
  • Filesize limit max 64 KB in one executable file.
  • Any retro platform is allowed: C64, MSX, ATARI, AMIGA, NES, GAMEBOY, SEGA, retro PC, etc.
  • In this category we also allow other unusual low-power platforms: PSP, Nintendo DS, arduino, Pico8, TIC-80, etc.
  • Please specify if your entry uses video acceleration so we can arrange a fair competition with other entries.
  • No limit for quantity of files, disks, cartridges, etc.
  • Arrange the entry for easiness of execution in the most standard way including all necessary files, for example, for Amiga 500 deliver a bootable .ADF file straight into the entry, for Commodore 64 give us a .D64 that can be loaded with LOAD”*”,8,1 and so on for each platform within the possibilities and using the best criteria in each case.
  • Send instructions about how to execute the entry in the submit form or in a .txt file inside the package.
  • In case of more than 3 entries presented for a specific platform (C64, MSX, ATARI, Amiga, etc.) they will have their own separate category.
  • In case of less than 3 entries for this category altogether, it will be fused with oldschool / alternative demo in a combined category.
  • No playtime limit, but the organizers reserve the right to end execution in case of considering the rest of the entry to be repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.



256 BYTES INTRO


  • Executable animation completely generated by the device in realtime.
  • One executable file of up to 256 BYTES maximum filesize
  • Any platform allowed: DOS (PC), C64, ZX SPECTRUM, MSX, ATARI, AMIGA, NES, GAMEBOY, SEGA, etc.
  • In case of less than 3 entries for this category altogether, it will be fused with oldschool / alternative intro in a combined category.
  • Arrange the entry for easiness of execution in the most standard way including all necessary files, for example, for Amiga 500 deliver a bootable .ADF file straight into the entry, for Commodore 64 give us a .D64 that can be loaded with LOAD”*”,8,1 and so on for each platform within the possibilities and using the best criteria in each case.
  • No playtime limit, but the organizers reserve the right to end execution in case of considering the rest of the entry to be repetitive or irrelevant.
  • You must include a real resolution video capture of the entry in H.264 or H.265, MP4 container, try to make the filesize reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred).
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Up to 2 entries per artist/group allowed in this category.

 



FREESTYLE GFX

  • Graphics created in any resolution with any technique.
  • This category allows 3D renders, photo retouching, drawings and any other type of image that can't be considered pixel-art.
  • Send it in a popular image file format (JPG, PNG)
  • Include work stages.
  • In case of less than 3 entries presented it will be fused with the 8 bit / pixel art category.
  • Fully or partially AI generated images must be declared as so and the technique must be mentioned in the description slide. If there're 3 or more AI generated or AI assisted entries they'll have their own category.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.



OLDSCHOOL PIXEL ART GFX

  • Max resolution 320x256
  • Max 256 colors
  • PNG format
  • Include workstages
  • Specify which retro-computer platform the gfx is made for in the submit form.
  • Include a file, executable or that can be read for the specific platform for which the entry is targeted (such as .PRG for C64, MSX, ZX Spectrum, Amiga, NES, SNES, SEGA MEGADRIVE, etc.)
  • In case of more than 3 entries presented for a specific platform, it will have its own separate category.
  • AI generated images not allowed in this category, if detected they will be moved to Freestyle category.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.



NEWSCHOOL PIXEL ART GFX

  • For this category there's no technical limit of resolution and amount of colors, but the aesthetic of the piece will be evaluated to conform to pixel art style. If the work doesn't fit the style it will be changed to Freestyle GFX category.
  • PNG format
  • Include workstages
  • In case of less than 3 entries submitted it will be combined with Freestyle GFX category.
  • AI generated images not allowed in this category, if detected they will be moved to Freestyle category.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.

 

 VOXEL ART

  • Entry must be generated using Magica Voxel (free, open source software).
  • Maximum voxel amount is 128 x 128 x 128 (width x height x depth).
  • 20 colors max.
  • Lightning and material types unrestricted.
  • Send the Magica Voxel file and a 1920x1080 resolution screenshot.
  • The entry will be shown from different angles.
  • In case there are less than 3 entries submitted for this category, it will be combined with "Freestyle GFX".
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.



TEXT ART

Text art is a massive compo in Flashparty, and we take it very seriously, respecting each platform as it should be.

All kind of genres of text art will be accepted this year, classified in this order:

1- Initially, there will be two broad categories: Retro text art and Extended text art.
Suppose the entry respects the original device or terminal limitations; in that case, it will be classified as Retro. If it has any innovation in its respective type (different charset, colors, or constraints) will be then classified as Extended Text Art. Pretty simple, eh?

2- If at least three entries per platform are submitted, a new category will be opened. For instance: More than 2 Teletext entries will create their category, and so on. Usually, enough entries for any of the most well-known terminals and computers are received to have their category.

Specifications:

These are the constraints considered for each significant text art type in the Retro text art category:

ANSI: 80 columns, no ICE Colors. 500 rows max.
PETSCII: standard colors, character set, and constraints, 40x25.
ASCII: 80 columns, Amiga or PC Standart charset. 500 rows max.
TELETEXT: 40 columns × 24 rows character grid, level 1 colors and constraints.

Remember, you can break any of these restrictions, considering that the entry will be placed in the extended text art category.

New hot additions:

We kindly invite you to consider these other two new text art categories, which will have their compos if there are enough entries:
RTTY (Radio Packet compatible): 72 columns and Baudot code: uppercase letters, space, numbers, and any of these chars: -?:%@£().,'=/+
UNICODE Messenger: 20 columns x 40 rows, Unicode.

The first category covers ancient protocols of text art, while the latter massifies text art in the current messenger systems (Whatsapp, Telegram, etc.).

  • Together with the original file, send a capture of the entry in real size in PNG format.
  • The entry will be zoomed-in, some details shown and then fully zoomed out during the stream, for better appreciation.
  • Only 1 entry per artist per platform allowed in this category (Eg: 1 PETSCII, 1 ANSI).



STREAMING MUSIC

  • MP3 320kbps format.
  • An important part of the musical piece must be generated by electronic means.
  • No playtime limit but the organizers reserve the right to interrupt the playing if they consider the piece to be excesively repetitive or monotonous after the 3 minute mark.
  • If less than 3 entries are presented in this category it will be fused with TRACKED / OLDSCHOOL MUSIC.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.
  • The organizers will make their best effort to play all the entries, in case there's a tremendously excesive amount of entries there's the possibility some can be excluded, the exclusion would be done in a random manner without pre-selection based on any criteria. Entries that might not be streamed will not be distributed.



TRACKED / OLDSCHOOL MUSIC

  • Allowed platforms: MOD (Sound/Noise/Fast/ProTracker), XM (Fasttracker II), S3M (ScreamTracker 3), IT (ImpulseTracker), DIGI (DigiBooster), AON (Art Of Noise), MED (OctaMED), FC (Future Composer), AHX/THX (AHX), HVL (HivelyTracker), DMF (DefleMask), FTM/NSF (FamiTracker), SID, PT3, GBS (Gameboy), etc.
    Also any format for the following platforms/devices:
    SID (6581/6582/8580), VIC, TED chips (Commodore), POKEY, TIA (Atari), PSG chips: YM2149, AY-3-89xx, SN764xx (Atari ST, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, MSX, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive), Philips SAA1099 (SAM Coupé, Game Blaster, Silicon Graphics), Yamaha FM chips: OPL, OPN, OPM families (AdLib, Turbosound FM, Sega Master System, Sega Mega Drive, fancy Japanese computers/arcades), Game Boy products family (GB, GBC, GBA), DAVE (Enterprise 64/128), Ricoh 2A03/2A07, Ricoh 2C33 family (NES, Famicom Disk System), Konami RC, VRC6, VRC7, Nintendo MMC5, Namco 163 (NES cartridges), Konami SCC/SCC+ (MSX cartridges), Hudson Soft HuC6280 (PC Engine)
    The list is open, if you want to send us something not on the list, deliver it to us together with instructions on how to play it in an emulated environment.
  • Maximum file size is 2MB.
  • Mandatory, include an MP3 320kbs version of the entry, in case we are unable to play it in original hardware.
  • No playtime limit but the organizers reserve the right to interrupt the playing if they consider the piece to be excesively repetitive or monotonous after the 3 minute mark.
  • PC/Amiga format entries will be played using openMPT (if the format is not supported by openMPT, another player, emulator or real hardware will be used).
  • Send an executable in case the platform requires it.
  • If more than 3 entries are presented for any single platform it wil have its own separate category.
  • If less than 3 entries are presented in this category it will be fused with STREAMING MUSIC.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.
  • The organizers will make their best effort to play all the entries, in case there's a tremendously excesive amount of entries there's the possibility some can be excluded, the exclusion would be done in a random manner without pre-selection based on any criteria. Entries that might not be streamed will not be distributed.

 

INDIE VIDEOGAME DEVELOPMENT

  • The game presented should be unreleased. (Assets like sounds or graphics could be previously released, but not the game itself).
  • Any platform allowed (PC current or retro, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Famicom, SEGA Megadrive/genesis, Amiga, etc.) windows, linux, etc.
  • It can be made using tools (Godot, Unity, etc.)
  • Full complete games or games in development with a playable demo are allowed.
  • Send a demonstration video up to 3 minutes in length. (Resolutions: 1920x1080 or 1280x720, 60fps, H.264/H.265 codec).
  • Send a .ZIP file with a game and all its assets. Without installer. Up to 256MB in size.
  • Add an explanation in the submit form detailing what tool was used to create it, if it uses special controllers, or any other relevant information.
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG or PNG format.
  • Only 1 entry allowed per group or artist for this category.



ANIMATION / WILD

  • All that is not included in the other categories: audiovisual entries, 3d/2d animation, conceptual art, exotic platforms, music disks, slideshows, interactive (non videogames), animations done with tools and environments like processing, puredata, etc. or other work produced with electronic platforms and the alike.
  • Send the audiovisual entries in video format with H264 or H265 codec and MP4 container, try to make file size reasonable (up to 20mbps, 60fps preferred).
  • In case of an interactive entry, send a video of how it works.
  • In case of .GIF animations, we'll create a separate category if there's at lest 3 entries with that meet the following criteria:
    • 640x480 resolution max
    • 16 colors max
    • 2MB filesize max
  • The use of other people's face image without their consent is forbidden, entries that don't comply will this will be disqualified.
  • No playtime limit but the organization reserves the right to interrupt reproduction if the entry is unnecessarily long.
  • Send a screenshot of your entry for the votesystem in JPG format.
  • Only 1 entry per artist allowed in this category.