The game of life (by Conway)

Explanation

The game of life is not really a game, as there is actually no player. It is a simple set of rules that determines a process.

In a 2D table (seen on the right, 60*60), each cell represnet a (biological) cell. A cell can have two states, dead/empty (white) or alive (black). Its state will depend on his 8 neighbours cell (horizontally, vertically and diagonally).

Here are 3 rules that "run" the game.

  • If an empty/dead cell has exactly 3 living cells arounds, then it become alive, as a "new-born" (reproduction)
  • If a living cell has 2 or 3 neighbours, it remains alive (survival)
  • Any other case, the cell dies (overpopulation) or remains empty (underpopulation, therefore not reproducing)

Controls

You can click on a cell to change its state, create some layout and see where it is going

Special pattern

There are some particular layouts that are cool to see. Re-create them and watch them evolving ;)

Pulsar

Spaceship

Light weight spaceship

Heavy weight spaceship

Penta-decathlon

Replicator

Spaceship launcher


That's it ?

It may seems pointless at first view. This is a typical excercie for IT-students but there is more, much more...

This page is a small presentation of the game of life, which can only hold 60*60 cells. The awesomeness reside in the simplicity og the game, and the complexity of the result. This is called the game of life for an excellent anaology to life: The emergence.

From a simple set of rules we create interractions between elements in a 2D universe. These elements (cells) will develop and evolve. Some to a stable system and becomes more than what there were defined from. Just like living organisme. We are a very complex system but deep down, the coding is actually quite simple.

We do unimaginable far more what cells purposely do. You can look up for much more complexe system and pattern that create amazing designs and will blow your mind !

Or with other environements (1D) which also has their cool pattern / designs. Look up for videos. This is very interesting if you are curious enough.

Do not miss the most incredible thing about this game. Re-creating Logic gates which lead to machine like a digital clock or even a simulation of the game by itself

Remember, all of this is generated by a set of 3 rules...