Algicosathlons are a type of web-animated video series created using the physics simulation sandbox Algodoo. Algicosathlons involve a number of colorful stick figure ragdolls participating in purely luck-based contests for a prize. The marbles can have sentience and unique personalities, or be completely inanimate, and likewise, an Algicosathlon may or may not have some kind of a plot.
The first Algicosathlon was created by Cary Huang (who, together with Michael Huang, is called The Huang Twins) in 16th August, 2012, which was called Algodecathlon
because it contained 10 contests (with deca- meaning 10). On 19th November, 2012, he made a sequel called Algicosathlon, which included 20 contests (where icosa- means 20), and the name was genericized to refer to the type of videos that Algodecathlon and Algicosathlon falls under. The icosa- part became sort of meaningless, as Algicosathlons nowadays can contain any number of contests, not just 20.
While Algicosathlons nowadays are often more elaborate and high-quality than those in the past, that is not to say making one is a breeze. An Algicosathlon of a considerable size usually takes at least a year or two to complete, and a storyline and extra animation can boost that significantly.
Currently, Algicosathlons remain a very niche genre, partly due to their scarcity. However, they still enjoy a moderately-sized fanbase.
List of Algicosathlons:
- Algicosathlon Camp
- Algicosathlon Corey Barber Is Back (also known as "Algoliens")
- Algicosathlon Rises
- Jack Spero
