In December 1994, Realtech VR embarked on a journey to Denmark to participate in one of the most iconic demo parties of its time: The Party 1994, held from December 27 to December 30 at the Herning Messecenter in Herning, Denmark. With 2,700 visitors, it was a gathering of creative minds and groundbreaking tech enthusiasts, making it a perfect setting to showcase our demo, Dimension.
The Journey to Denmark
On December 26, 1994, we set off from France to Denmark, traveling in a bus organized by Mentasm. It was a grueling 17-hour journey by car, but the excitement and anticipation made the trip memorable. I personally brought along my PC for the event, a 386DX40 with an ET4000 video card and 4MB of RAM – modest hardware by today’s standards, but enough to support the magic we’d created.
Upon arrival, we quickly set up, eager to ensure Dimension was ready to run smoothly. At the time, the demo was still running in 16-bit, but we had managed to acquire a copy of Watcom C++ to compile a 32-bit version. A patch for the demo, featuring this updated version, was released later in 1995. I recall spending time at the event recompiling parts of the engine to optimize its performance.
The Demo: Dimension
Dimension was a testament to what software rendering could achieve in the mid-90s. It was a three-part demo featuring:
- Advanced 3D rendering with texture mapping and vertex-animated morphing effects for animations.
- Special effects like motion blur.
- A hidden 640×480 resolution mode, included in the later 32-bit version.
Despite the hardware limitations, Dimension pushed boundaries and demonstrated what was possible on a 386DX with meticulous optimization and creative design. The demo attracted significant attention at the event, especially for its innovative rendering techniques.
One memorable moment was when another French demo group, Noon, who were known for their use of dolphins in their “No!” demo, came to check out our work. They remarked on how we also used a dolphin in Dimension, although they humorously pointed out that their version was “better.”
The Competition
Dimension competed in the highly competitive PC Demo Compo, which featured some incredible entries. Here are the top results from the event:
- Project Angel by Impact Studios
- No! by Noon
- Contagio by The Coexistence
- So Be It by Xtacy
- Dimension by Realtech VR
While we finished in 5th place, the initial voting had Dimension leading the ranks before the final results were announced. The competition was fierce, and we were proud of our placement among such legendary demos.
Prizes and Memories
One of the most exciting rewards we received was a Gravis Ultrasound Max, a significant upgrade from my Sound Blaster AWE 32. Alongside this, there were other goodies like CDs, adding to the thrill of the experience.
The event was not just about competition; it was also about connection. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with incredible individuals from the demo scene, such as Hubert Nguyen from Impact Studios and members of Ra from Noon. These meetings fostered relationships that continued beyond the event.
Legacy of Dimension
30 years later, Dimension remains a pivotal moment in Realtech VR’s history. It showcased our dedication to pushing technical and creative boundaries. As we celebrate this anniversary, we look back on the experience with immense pride and gratitude for the memories and connections forged at The Party 1994.
Here’s to 30 years of innovation and creativity – and to many more to come!