"Dangerous Dave in Copyright Infringement" was indeed a tech demo created by John Carmack and Tom Hall in 1990, showcasing a groundbreaking new technology for smooth scrolling EGA graphics on early PCs. At the time, most computer games used CGA or EGA graphics, which were often very blocky and limited in terms of color and smoothness. Carmack, who would later become a key figure in id Software's success, demonstrated his innovative method for smooth scrolling—a huge leap forward in terms of visual quality for 2D platformers. This technology would later become a cornerstone in games developed by id Software, such as Wolfenstein 3D and Doom. The title "Dangerous Dave in Copyright Infringement" was a bit of a joke, poking fun at the idea of "copyright infringement" because the demo's basic concept and graphics were heavily inspired by other games, and it was more about showcasing the technology than being a fully-developed game. The game itself was relatively simple, with a minimalistic plot, where the character "Dangerous Dave" had to navigate through platforms. Key Features of the Demo: Smooth Scrolling: The most important aspect of the demo was the smooth scrolling technology Carmack had developed, which allowed for much smoother transitions when moving around the game's levels. Before this, many games had choppy or static screen transitions. Platforming Gameplay: Similar to the later Dangerous Dave games, this demo involved platformer-style gameplay, where the character moves through a 2D environment, dodging obstacles and performing basic platforming tasks. EGA Graphics: The demo was built for EGA graphics (which could display up to 16 colors), showing off the capabilities of Carmack's technology in a format that was widely supported by computers at the time. Tech Demo Purpose: Unlike fully fleshed-out games, "Dangerous Dave in Copyright Infringement" was created primarily to demonstrate the new smooth scrolling technique, which would influence the future of video games. It served as a proof of concept that demonstrated the potential of Carmack's technical prowess. Humorous Title: The title "Copyright Infringement" was likely a playful nod to how common it was for early game developers to borrow or be influenced by other popular titles of the era, sometimes even directly copying elements from other games. Influence and Legacy: This demo was crucial in laying the groundwork for id Software's later successes, especially Wolfenstein 3D (1992) and Doom (1993), both of which would push the boundaries of gaming technology even further, utilizing Carmack's expertise with graphics rendering and 3D engines. The smooth scrolling technology in this demo was a key milestone in the evolution of 2D platformers and first-person shooters, influencing not only id's future games but also the broader gaming industry. The demo was never intended to be a full game, but it was incredibly important in demonstrating Carmack's revolutionary work. Today, it’s a piece of gaming history that is remembered for its technical achievement and as a precursor to some of the most influential games ever made.
4/24/2024