Microsoft has open-sourced the IRC client ComicChat, which draws dialogues in the form of comics generated based on characters selected by participants, reflecting their emotions. ComicChat uses the standard IRC protocol, can connect to regular IRC servers, and is compatible with text-based IRC clients. The code is written in C++ and is released under the MIT license.
An expert system is used to generate the storyline of the frames. When creating an image, it takes into account the content of messages and the context, based on which the placement, poses, gestures, and facial expressions of the characters, as well as the number of participants, scale, angle, and composition of the frames are determined. Characters for participants using text-based IRC clients are selected automatically.
The project evolved as an experiment with new ways to visualize online communication. In 1996, the first version of ComicChat was included with Internet Explorer 3.0 and could be used as a standalone application or within the browser. In 1998, ComicChat was bundled with Windows 98. Development of the project ceased in 2000, after messengers began to replace IRC. ComicChat became the first program to use the Comic Sans font, suitable for text bubbles in comics.
The version released in 2026 has been adapted for modern compilers and expanded for compatibility with contemporary IRC servers and clients. The new version also added support for TLS encryption and implemented interface scaling for high-density screens.
Source: opennet.ru
