Annotated source code for the Elite Demonstration Disc

15 hours ago

The Elite Demonstration Disc was released in 1984 to promote the game on the BBC Micro.
It features a self-playing variant based on the cassette version with disabled routines like save/load and added autopilot code.
Once loaded, it runs entirely in memory without needing the floppy disc, making it ideal for shop displays.
The demo cycles through game screens, including fueling, cargo buying, and launching, then heads to Riedquat to fight pirates.
The autopilot is described as pretty useless, leading to inevitable defeat and restarting the cycle.
It includes suggestions for exploring the version, such as navigating the codebase, playing online, downloading disc images, and building from source.

Hasty Briefsbeta