What:

Ripples on Water is an interactive Pico-8 simulation exploring the motion and interaction of water ripples. The project visualizes wave patterns created by pebbles as they bounce off the water and environment. This in turn affects the creatures that inhabit it.

Why:

The sketch began as an experiment in fluid-like motion within Pico-8’s tight limitations. I wanted to capture the quiet, hypnotic effect of ripples on a still surface. It grew to include environmental effects and inhabitants as I continued to learn. 

How:

• Ripple Generation: Each interaction creates a circular wave that expands outward over time.

• Amplitude Decay: Ripples fade gradually using easing functions, blending into the background.

• Interference Patterns: When multiple ripples overlap, additive calculations create believable interference and distortion.

• Color and Shading: Brightness and palette cycling simulate reflection and depth without transparency.

• Optimization: The system limits active ripples, deleting older ones to maintain stable performance.