Photoncytosis

Desktop cell simulation

Photoncytosis is a PC cell-growth simulation that runs on the Windows desktop while you work. You start with a single cell and watch its organism search for light, store energy, grow, and develop specialized cells. The organism can run on its own, or you can intervene by changing its surroundings and guiding its movement.

Light keeps cells alive. Bright pixels charge their batteries, and energy gradually passes through connections between cells. Each cell has its own reserve, which helps the organism survive when it’s away from a good light source. The color of absorbed light also shapes development: red supports activity and movement, green supports biomass and growth, and blue supports perception. White light provides a balance of the three.