Demoscene Compo -säännöt

Each competition’s rules are regulated by the following general rules as well as specific rules as specified in the following pages. General rules always apply except when overridden by specific rules.

The rules are intended to be compact and precise. We advise you to read them carefully and use conservative planning with respect to deadlines and other limits. If in doubt, please contact CompoCrew for clarification.

• The author of an entry or their designated proxy must be present at the party to be eligible to participate in graphics or music compos and to receive any prizes the entry might win. A valid IBAN is mandatory for any money prizes to be paid out.

• Entering compos which allow remote entries doesn’t require a ticket. You still need a ticket to vote.

• Competition entries must be uploaded to the competition system before the given deadline.

• All deadlines are hard deadlines. There is no update deadline anymore. However, if you are in trouble and need more time, contact the compo organizer.

• All material constituting an entry must be previously unreleased. This means that the material in the demo (e.g. graphics, music) has not been used in any previously released production.

  • All assets (music, graphics, etc.) used in entries must be original. No covers, remixes, re-arrangements, or sampling of copywritten songs or other works.
  • You may, however, include material in your realtime or development entries that participates at the same event in the music or graphics competitions.
  • Also, you can include some previously released components in your work if they do not constitute the main portion of the work. For example you can use previously released fonts and samples in creating your work if you have permission to use them.
  • After the entry has been shown in the compo you are free to release or exhibit it.

• No purely AI-generated content is allowed unless it is specifically allowed by individual competition rules. While we do recognize that AI-generated content can provide assistance or inspiration, the majority of the submitted entry must consist of own/group work.

• You must own or have permission to use all the material present in your production. In case of a potential copyright infringement problem, it is your duty to prove this. Please read the copyright FAQ.

• Don’t use trademarked or copyrighted content such as logos without permission.

• There is no equivalent to “fair use” under Finnish copyright law, so entries relying on it will be disqualified.

• Please note that the Finnish copyright law doesn’t make exceptions for fan art.

• You must accept the competition contract when submitting your entry. This contract governs the rights and responsibilities of you and the event organizers.

• Organizers reserve the right to disqualify a production containing explicit sexual, racist, or disturbing material or breaking any rule applicable to the particular competition.

• Organizers reserve the right to change any and all prizes and prize principles in any competition. This applies especially to competitions where the quality or number of productions is too low to justify the full prize amount.

• To receive a physical prize, you or your representative must attend the prize-giving ceremony.

• Organizers reserve the right to augment or modify the competition rules if deemed necessary, especially to clarify ambiguities or resolve contradictions in the rules.

• Note that you MAY NOT use ANY music which you haven’t acquired necessary copyrights and permissions. This means that you have either composed the music by yourself or have got a permission from the original author, who is not a member of any copyright association such as Teosto or Gramex. If the music has been published on a record label it is then most probably controlled by Teosto and Gramex thus it is impossible for you to get any permission to use it in your work for free. You will be liable for any and all possible copyright infringements caused by your work.

• Shown entries are preselected by a jury and/or compo organizers. If your entry is not shown, it will not be released by Assembly.

• Entry must be in an executable form. Pure animation files are not allowed in real-time competitions. Executables only including an animation and an animation player will not be accepted.
• Every competition has its own maximum duration, shown but organizers may choose to stop the production before the end.
• The production must work from read-only media and must not modify system settings (for example: Windows registry). However, you may use the platform’s standard temporary directory during the execution of your entry for storing data, if such a service is available.
• The demo must show in a similar manner every time it’s executed.
• Entries which we cannot be run on the compo machines will be disqualified. To prevent this, you can ask us to test your production on the compo machines. Do this early and you will even have time to fix any problems that might arise.
• A screenshot image must be submitted with the entry to the competition management system.
• You must hide the mouse cursor.
• You do not have to be present at the party place to compete! Remote entries are welcome!
• Although not forbidden, we recommend not using import by ordinal for DLLs with non-fixed ordinals to ensure better compatibility.
• Entries will be recorded at 1080p60 (or possibly 1080p50) resolution.

• Demo may not last longer than 8 minutes.
• 2 GB size limit for the compressed archive
• Entry must run on a Desktop platform.
• The user must be able to exit at any time by pressing a key. On PC, this key must be ESC.

This competition is only for beginners. Remember that this competition is more about taking part, learning, and cheering for everyone than taking it too seriously!

General rules and Demo competition rules apply with the following addition:

• The creator(s) must be beginners in demo making, i.e. to not have published any demos (procedural art) at demo parties before this. Groups must have a previously unused name to prevent name bias in voting (“namevoting”).

“One scene” is only a name and a recommendation – you can have two or more scenes if they fit in the 1 minute running time. This competition is especially intended for newcomers but is open to everyone. Just remember that this competition is more about taking part, learning, and cheering for everyone rather than taking it too seriously!

General rules and Demo competition rules apply with the following addition:

• The scene will be shown for at most 1 minute. It may either loop over the same contents or finish at any time before the 1 minute maximum running time.

• Maximum size in executable form is 1024 bytes.
• The file size of the intro will be shown on the screen before the entry is shown.
• Intro may not last longer than 3 minutes.
• The production must be a single file. Additional info files are fine but will be deleted prior to running the intro.
• Entry must run on a Desktop or Oldskool platform.
• The user must be able to exit at any time by pressing a key. On PC, this key must be ESC.
• For Oldskool entries, check out the submitting instructions from the Oldskool compo rules.

• Maximum size in executable form is 4096 bytes.
• Intro may not last longer than 8 minutes.
• The production must be a single file. Additional info files are fine but they will be deleted prior to running the intro.
• Entry must run on a Desktop or an Oldskool platform
• The user must be able to exit at any time by pressing a key. On PC, this key must be ESC.
• For Oldskool entries, check out the submitting instructions from the Oldskool compos rules.

This is a combined demo competition for oldskool hardware in the 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit era. The goal is to make a demo that runs on a legacy platform and shows or plays something interesting. Emulators or FPGA hardware can be used for development, but the end-product should work and be tested on the real hardware. If your chosen platform doesn’t fit the rules, consider submitting to the Real Wild compo. Feedback with good argumentation regarding the platform list is welcome.

• Demo may not last longer than 8 minutes.
• Demo must run on Oldskool 8-bit & 16-bit or Oldskool 32-bit & 64-bit platform (see below for details).
• Demo must be launchable using the standard procedure for that platform. If in doubt, ask us.
• No size limit, but it  must be reasonable in the context of the platform you’re releasing on.
• When submitting:
  • Specify the exact hardware configuration: machine type, PAL/NTSC, memory, required add-ons, SID model, etc.
  • Provide an internet-distributable version (e.g., disk image, CD-ROM image, or ZIP with executable and data files).
  • Provide a high-quality video capture. We may assist at the party place.
• Capturing the entry:
  • Preferably make your own high-bitrate capture.
  • Emulator or FPGA capture is discouraged and should be a last resort.
  • Ensure your entry works on real hardware.
  • For questions, contact mattip on Discord, or email: <oldskool-contact@assembly.org>.

• Any oldskool home computer, console, or handheld with at most a 16-bit data bus.
  • Includes up to 4th-gen consoles and 5th-gen handhelds.
  • Examples: C64, Atari 2600, VIC-20, ZX Spectrum, Amiga 500, Atari ST(e), NES, SNES, Mega Drive, Game Boy Color, etc.
• Modern mass storage is allowed but must work from period-correct media where applicable.
• Vintage add-ons are allowed but must be clearly stated.
• Full FPGA systems are not allowed (submit to Real Wild). FPGA peripherals (e.g., Ultimate1541) are allowed.

• Any home computer, console, or handheld with a 32-bit or 64-bit CPU, with limits:
  • Amiga/PC must run on compo machines or equivalent.
  • Consoles: part of 5th-gen (e.g., PS1, Saturn, N64).
  • Handhelds: similar spec to others listed (e.g., GBA, N-Gage, DS).
  • Other platforms must be similar spec – ask for verification.
  • Examples: Pentium 133 MHz, Amiga AGA/060, Atari Falcon, PS1, Saturn, 3DO, N64, DS.
• Modern mass storage is allowed but must also run from period-correct media.
• Vintage CPU turbo cards are allowed and must be declared.
  • PC 3D accelerator cards are not allowed if they exceed compo spec.
• Full FPGA systems are not allowed. FPGA peripherals (e.g., PSIO flash cart) are OK.

• Allowed platforms: TIC-80, PICO-8, PICOTRON, Quadplay, Voxatron, MicroW8, and IBNIZ.
• Entry can run on multiple cartridges (specify size in notes).
• Production may not last longer than 5 minutes.

• All entries must be previously unreleased (no Game Jams, Steam/App Store pages, trailers, etc.).
• Entry must run on a Desktop, Oldskool, or Mobile platform.
• Presentation:
  • Max 3 minutes showing time (game itself can be longer).
  • Recommended: submit a presentation video in the short film format.
• The game must be playable!
• Must allow exiting at any time (e.g., ESC or menu).
• The game may write settings/saves/high scores to disk/registry.
• May use network connections.
• PC version must support 1080p resolution.
• Submit a screenshot along with the entry.
• Multi-platform support allowed (Windows, Java, Linux, Mac, 3DS, Android, iOS, etc.).
• For Oldskool entries, see Oldskool compo rules.

• There are no restrictions on composing techniques. Just make sure it’s an original piece and in a supported format.
• All entries must be 100% original and unreleased. No covers, no remixes, no copyrighted samples or other copyrighted material.
• If you are using Creative Commons or Public Domain material, state so in your entry form and cite the source! Do not forget to give credit where credit is due!
• Generative AI may not be used for significant portions of the song, such as entire vocal or instrument tracks.
• Supported formats are 320 kbps MP3, HQ OGG, WAV, and FLAC.
• A preselection jury will be held to comply with the time limit of each compo (typically 45 minutes). So do your best! If your entry is not shown, it will not be released by Assembly.
• It is up to you (not organisers) to submit to a suitable competition. Submitting to a wrong category (e.g. ambient music to the dance music competition) will simply result in a low jury score or disqualification.
• Volume control (ReplayGain or similar) will be applied. It is recommended to normalise the volume of your entry, but making it as loud as possible by excessive compression gives no advantage in the competition.

No restrictions! Make the track you have always wanted to do with the platform of your choice.

• See general music rules.
• Listening Music is considered to be music that is not suited to the dance music competition.
• Entry must be no longer than 3 minutes 30 seconds. Substantially exceeding this limit will result in disqualification (not fade-out)!

Make people dance!

• See general music rules.
• Your tune must have a danceable beat and character, no restrictions otherwise.
• Entry must be no longer than 3 minutes 30 seconds. Substantially exceeding this limit will result in disqualification (not fade-out)!
• The dance music competition might be presented as a DJ mix, where parts of your track may be crossfaded or mixed in with other compo tunes. The full track will still be released afterwards.

Fast music competitions started off with trackers, and the entries were made with a strict time limit and the same set of samples for each contestant. Since then we’ve spiced things up by removing the use of samples, forcing specific chord changes, limiting the genre to italo and making people sing “Assembly 25 years” into their headphones, for example. What’s in store for this year will be revealed at the party!

• See general music rules.
• Fast Music is created at the party with additional rules and restrictions that will be revealed 1.5 hours before the deadline.
• Entry must be no longer than 3 minutes 30 seconds (3:30).
• No software restrictions (usually).
• Submit the finished tune into the compo system before the competition deadline.

The tracked music compo will be held at the Scene Lounge, and has different file formats than the other music competitions.

• Maximum size: 1 MB (1,048,576 bytes)
• Maximum length: 3 minutes. If your song is longer, it will be faded out after 3 minutes.
• Maximum amount of channels you can use is eight (8).
• If your song loops, it will be faded out after the first loop.
• Allowed formats: MOD, S3M, XM, and IT.
• Please provide a recording of your entry in MP3 (256kbps or higher), OGG (256kbps or higher) or WAV format.
• Entries will be played in Trackmeister with the following settings:
  • MOD: No Interpolation, No Ramping, 50% Stereo Separation, normal MOD playback mode.
  • S3M/XM/IT: Sinc Interpolation, Sensitive Ramping, 50% Stereo Separation.
• All entries must be 100% original and unreleased.
• No remixes, no copyrighted material.
• If you are using Creative Commons or Public Domain material, state so in your entry form and cite the source! Do not forget to give credit where credit is due!!
• Remote entries are ALLOWED!

READ THIS FIRST. The following file format rules apply to all graphics competitions except for pixeled graphics.

• The only supported image formats are PNG and JPG. Only RGB colour space allowed – no CMYK images.
• If the original image was in vector format, you may include the image in the submission package also in SVG format. However, the PNG or JPEG image will be the primary submission and will be shown on the big screen.
• Pictures will be shown in 1920×1080 resolution with full 24 bit color depth.
• Submit a version of the final image with NO visible signature. Name this file with “_nosig” prefix (e.g. “cool_image.png” for the final image and “cool_image_nosig.png” for unsigned version of the same image).
• You don’t have to submit an image with a signature, only an unsigned version is necessary.
• A text file named “readme.txt” stating used techniques and sources of any material used in the entry must be submitted. If possible, we will tell the information about the techniques when showing the pictures on the big screen and when voting for them in the entry/votesystem.
• Once more: entries without a no-signature version will be disqualified.

• The image resolution must be 1920×1080 and must be submitted in supported file formats, see Graphics formats above.
• You must submit clear evidence of the process of creating the freestyle graphics competition picture in the form of at least SIX versions of the unfinished picture that show the creation process.
• This means that the different steps of the process (e.g. outline, coloring, retouching) are shown in different files from different points in time when the picture is being created
• If you are using a modeler, it is not sufficient to submit six pictures of the final picture from different viewpoints! If you are using a photograph, take a few extra shots and include them as a proof.
• The resolution of the unfinished pictures must be at least the same as the resolution of the final picture, but you can also submit higher resolution pictures.
• Order the unfinished stages of the picture by renaming the files with appropriate prefixes (f.i. “stage1.png”, “stage2.png”) and put them into a subdirectory called “unfinished” in the ZIP archive.
• You can use any technique you want to produce the picture: you can draw on paper and scan that picture, take a photograph and retouch it, use a 3D modeller tool, draw pixel by pixel or do whatever you want.
• Write the techniques used in the PMS while submitting the image, maximum of 5 words (i.e. “Scanned photo + editing”, “3DS Max + light photoshopping”, “completely vector based”, “Composition of multiple methods”).
• You may also include the image in source or vector format in the submission package, if the size of the package does not exceed 10 MB.
• While you are allowed to use stock photos in your entry, clearly the majority of the entry must be your own creation. Use only stock photos you have the rights to.
• The AI tools of Adobe® Photoshop® or similar software in the Freestyle Graphics compo is prohibited.
• See also must-follow guidelines on Graphics formats.

The photo competition does not have a theme this time. Go do art!

• The image resolution must be 1920×1080 and must be submitted in supported file formats, see Graphics formats above.
• Only minor retouching and adjustments are allowed, such as:
  • crop, straighten, lens corrections
  • scale
  • color temperature
  • exposure adjustment
  • desaturate
• Do not add or remove elements from the picture.
• Composite photos are not allowed, meaning that the photo should be taken with a single exposure. This rules out photos taken using internal photo stacking and HDR, for example.
• Submit the photo without watermarks or signatures. If you make adjustments, submit the original version as a JPG or PNG (1920×1080 minimum if applicable). Original version and possible behind the scenes -material will not be distributed. If you have submitted a scan of a photograph or a slide, prepare to present the original media to the jury as well. In such case, the original media will be returned via the Infodesk.
• Picture must be previously unreleased.
• Since this is a photo competition, make art!
• See also must-follow guidelines on Graphics formats. Please.
• Ignoring any of these rules very easily leads to disqualification.

• The image resolution must be 1920×1080 and must be submitted in supported file formats, see Graphics formats above.
• You have 1.5 hours to complete your picture. Submit the finished picture by the competition deadline.
• Your picture must adhere to the theme and contain a specific graphical element which will be published on the Assembly website at the beginning of the competition.
• Submit one version of the image without your signature (follow the link on supported image formats for details). No intermediate stages are required.
• The AI tools of Adobe® Photoshop® or similar software in the Fast Graphics compo are prohibited.
• See also must-follow guidelines on Graphics formats.

• The media must be fully generated by an AI tool via prompts, without any post-processing or resizing.

• The media can be anything that can be shown on the screen; it may include just a picture but is not limited to that. Audio, video, and combinations are allowed as long as they are generated by AI without human intervention.

• AI upscaling is allowed as part of the generating process, as long as it happens automatically and does not require human intervention.

• No starting media may be used – no white noise, no AI-generated pictures, nothing.

• No inpainting or outpainting on the image is allowed.

• The media must be previously unpublished before the competition.

• You may participate with one entry only.

• You must submit clear evidence of the process of creating the media in the form of at least some versions (an appropriate amount depending on the process and tool) of the unfinished media that demonstrate the creation process:

  • Create a folder with the title of the art piece (mytitle)

  • Place the art piece into the folder, in the format it came out of the AI tool. Do not remove any metadata from the file. Name it the same as the folder.

  • Place information about the system used (e.g., ComfyUI), model checkpoint, LoRA, LyCORIS, and any plugins used into a text file called “system_info.txt” (mytitle/system_info.txt)

  • Create another folder inside this folder called “process” (mytitle/process)

  • Place the prompt for the art into the process folder in a text file called “prompt.txt” (mytitle/process/prompt.txt)

  • Place screenshots or screen capture videos you have taken during the creation into the process folder.

  • Finally, compress the first folder (mytitle) into a zip file with the same title as before, so it becomes mytitle.zip, so you may submit it as a single file.

• Platform can be anything that can run real-time graphics! This includes any hardware (e.g. iPods, oscilloscopes, LCD displays, basically anything that can produce real-time moving images) or software platforms/interpreters/emulators running on modern hardware.
• If your demo can be run on both real hardware and on an emulator on PC, of course it is preferred to run it on real hardware. For avoidance of doubt, all real-time rendered graphics demos that don’t fit in the demo competition or the Oldskool demo competition will fit here in terms of the platform.
• The demo must be delivered in both executable (if possible) and a video file – see the Short Film rules about allowed formats.
• If you don’t have the necessary hardware to record the video on your own, contact the organizers to set up a recording session. Do this one week prior to the party. We will be glad to help!
• If you bring your entry to be recorded at the party place and the device/platform doesn’t have an external audio output, the soundtrack of the entry must be delivered separately.
• Demo may not last longer than 5 minutes.
• Hardware and/or components must have been previously released (no unreleased R&D hardware).
• You must provide specific instructions to build, configure, install, and run the entry on the platform. If the platform/device is your own specific hack, the instructions to do such a hardware hack must be included.
• To prove your entry really runs on the platform, you must either:
  • bring the hardware to the party place and show your demo to the organizers / the jury, or
  • in case of remote entries, record a proof video if the actual competition video does not provide enough proof. Organizers/jury judge the proof. If in doubt, contact the organizers.
• Pure animation files are not allowed in real-time competitions. Executables that only include an animation and an animation player will not be accepted.
• Remote entries are allowed.

• The production must be submitted in a video format supported by VLC for Windows.
• The film may not last longer than 5 minutes.
• Computer-generated pieces of art (e.g. animations, machinima, etc.) are preferred over plain home video types of entries. You can submit any videos of real-time generated graphics on odd devices to the Real Wild demo competition.
• Remote entries are allowed.