alt Hacker NewsSo let me get this straight, not only does it not explain what it is, it's a bit of a puzzle to even get to the download links, and then it straight up downloads an .exe which you expect me to run on my computer?
Give me more info without me having to pry it out of you through finding your github which honestly isn't much more descriptive.
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I like the website. The little puzzle holds my attention for enough seconds to make me curious. The issue is just the lack of information after you figure it out. I still can't tell what this software is. It "plays games"? Is it supposed to be a game-playing AI? Is it a game console? A fantasy console? A game engine?
I wish web designers would understand they do not have unilateral, unchecked power to make my browser do what they want - if they want that power they're going to have to ship a PDF or a program.
The accessibility for this site additionally looks like it's a goddamn nightmare.
There is some more information on their GitHub page [1].
"Automat's objective is to be able to semi-autonomously play a variety of games. It's the first step towards a more general environment for interacting with computers."
You drink the coffee by holding the cup to the bottom of the screen. When cup is empty, you can clip the github logo and go to the repo.
https://github.com/mafik/automat
I thought Automat was the framework for displaying the website, but I guess it isn't.
If you click on the moleskine notebook, you can read seven pages of "handwritten" notes, though they are full of analogies and exhortations that still don't actually explain what it is.
if I have to sit and think about what to do on your website without reading a manual, then it has already failed the user experience department
I don't think you are the intended audience for this. I also don't think the project is finished.
It is great to see projects like this, clearly a labour of love rather than beaten out of someone for some faceless corporate website.
It is always the experiments like this that you remember. 99% of the web is a forgettable experience.
Props to the creator for sharing this with us.