# This 3D ASCII Cyberpunk City Should Be a Full Game

Created with JavaScript and HTML, this demo could shape the future of gaming.

- **Source:** [Gizmodo](https://brifing.si/source/63382431-cef0-4c41-883e-2f88dc21351e)
- **Published:** 2026-08-19
- **Original article:** <https://gizmodo.com/this-3d-ascii-cyberpunk-city-should-absolutely-be-turned-into-a-full-game-2000799927>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ab2f7c06-62b7-4c5d-b6c5-d1560107d5d9

## The Origins of ASCII Art

ASCII art emerged from the effort to create recognizable images using a limited character set. This technique found its place in popular culture elements like Dwarf Fortress and The Matrix. Today, this art form has evolved into three-dimensional worlds, gaining a new dimension.

## The 3D ASCII World

Independent developer Grow Now Games reinterpreted ASCII art as a three-dimensional cyberpunk city in a demo shared on YouTube. This demo aims to create the sensation of walking through a data-filled world, reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077's braindance sequences.

## Technical Details

The demo was created using a custom ray-casting engine instead of 3D models or shaders. The engine works with JavaScript and Canvas in a single HTML file. Players can move on a grid similar to Wolfenstein 3D while having the freedom to look up and down.

## World Details

The created world is filled with moving cars, semi-transparent trees, and wandering characters. These details successfully reflect the cyberpunk aesthetic and offer viewers an impressive experience.

## Game Potential

The demo currently does not have an online explorable version. However, it is expected that this engine will be used in a future game. The concept, dubbed Cyberpunk 1977, promises a fun experience for players.

## Cyberpunk and Technology

The cyberpunk genre questions the impact of technology on human life, and this demo transforms this questioning into a visual feast. The idea of navigating a data-filled world could inspire future games.

## The Role of Independent Developers

Independent developers like Grow Now Games bring new breath to the gaming industry with creative ideas. This demo is a testament to what can be achieved with limited resources.

## The Future of Gaming

This demo shows that a new aesthetic and technical approach in game design is possible. Even with basic technologies like ASCII art and JavaScript, an impressive experience can be created, promising hope for future games.

## Sources covering this story

- https://gizmodo.com/this-3d-ascii-cyberpunk-city-should-absolutely-be-turned-into-a-full-game-2000799927 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
