About Breadbox
BREADBOX is a retro computer simulator program.
Available on Steam Early Access.
Objective
The Breadbox aims to faithfully recreate the nostalgic experience of retro computers through an immersive visual simulation.
Design and development principles
- Prioritize Aesthetics: Highlight the nostalgic charm by faithfully recreating the original design of retro computers and their peripherals.
- Immerse the User: Craft an immersive first-person experience where users can explore animated objects, interact with authentic hardware, and hear the nostalgic sounds of vintage computing.
- Functional Authenticity: Ensure fully operational computers within the simulation, seamlessly integrated with emulators for an authentic retro computing.
- Realism in Interaction: Create a realistic simulation that mirrors real-life interactions, capturing the essence of those early computing days.
While the principles serve as a guideline for the project, further work is needed to add additional features and align some of the current features more closely with these goals.
Why
The Breadbox project serves as a time capsule, preserving the essence of a bygone era—the days when 8-bit computers ruled the digital landscape. Here’s why this project matters:
- Authentic Nostalgia: By meticulously simulating the original environment of retro computers, the Breadbox allows users to step back in time. It’s not just about software or games; it’s about reliving the tactile joy of clunky keyboards, the glow of pixelated screens, and the whir of cassette tape loading. For those who never owned these vintage machines, the Breadbox offers an authentic glimpse into computing history.
- Vanishing Hardware: Vintage computers are becoming increasingly scarce. The project’s urgency lies in capturing their essence while we still have access to working hardware and knowledgeable enthusiasts. The Breadbox bridges the gap between past and present, ensuring that the legacy of these machines lives on.
- Visual Emphasis: The Breadbox prioritizes aesthetics. It’s not just about functionality; it’s about seeing and feeling the past. Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, the Breadbox lets you witness the iconic design and visual quirks of retro computers.
- Preserving Culture: Through the Breadbox, we safeguard the user experiences of retro computers and various peripherals that shaped an entire generation. It’s a tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for today’s digital world.
- Hardware Protection: Using a simulator or emulator keeps your real vintage hardware safe from wear and tear. No need to risk those delicate components.
- Hardware-Less Experience: When you crave the look and feel of retro hardware but lack the physical machines, the Breadbox steps in. It’s nostalgia without clutter, or need for physical shelf space.
In summary, the Breadbox project aims to preserve computing memories, inspire curiosity and celebrate the groundbreaking computers that shaped our digital journey.
The Project
The Breadbox project is an ambitious undertaking, and in reality, it will never reach a definitive endpoint. There will always be new computer models, peripherals, software features, and technical details to implement. As a result, the project will evolve dynamically and iteratively, with additional features and models added incrementally. The pace of progress heavily relies on public interest and support.
Project status
- Development of Early access version
- Beta testing
- Release of Early access version
- Maturing product (small development, bugfixes) <- current state
- Transition to 'Full' release version
- Continual release iterations with additional models and features
Computer models included in current version
- Commodore PET-2001-8
- Commodore VIC-20
- Commodore 64
State of visual look
The most relevant 3D objects, like computers, disk drives, etc, are modeled in excellent quality. Some smaller objects e.g. PET IEEE-488 cable plug is just a mockup. Missing details, mockups, and other low-quality models will be done in some point.
Visual effects in the scenes, e.g. lighting, shadows, and materials, are still in an early state. Some may think, that it is already very good, and yes, we are also quite happy with it. But expect more improvements in this area, we aim for a photorealistic look!
State of emulation
The emulator is an independent component, which handles the computer emulation part. In the end, the emulation quality depends on the current state of the emulator in use. In addition to that, there are also many features in the emulator, which are not supported in Breadbox integration. Some features that are relevant to simulation may be added later.
Screen streaming
Works just perfectly. It will not be as fast as a plain emulator, but a common user won't see any latency. Most gamers or other kind of heavy users will use a real machine or an emulator anyway. And still, you can play any game with Breabox just fine. So in our perspective, the current latency is insignificant, but this is surely an area that needs to be constantly monitored.
State of user experience
The user interface of the simulation is done as a first-person view. The user is stationary in front of the virtual desk with some relevant devices and objects on the table. Actions are done by point and click method.
There are alternative ways to create the user experience. The current approach was chosen because it will give users good control over all actions. It's also a convenient approach for a small development team or a single developer. We hope to prototype alternative approaches in the future. In the meantime, we keep improving the current implementation.
State of realistic simulation
The simulator is designed to closely simulate real-world activities with computers, peripherals, and related items.
The current focus is on basic usage, like powering up and using the machinery and attaching different kinds of media, floppy disks, tapes, and cartridges. All of this is already working very well, but there is still a lot to improve.
Lots of features related to this area, like 360 view, cable handling, and monitor controls, are postponed to future releases.
Monitor CRT shader
CRT shader is another early-state version. It gives some look and feel of scanlines and pixels, but yeah, expect more later on.
Challenges
Overall, creating a retro computer simulator is a challenging but rewarding project that requires resources and support to get it going.
With sufficient support for this project, it is possible to create this valuable product for getting to know the history and use of old computers.
So if the project interests you, buy it to support its further development.