8-bit and Gaffer

8-bit"8-bit" is the capitalization used in the story Oubliettes & Ogres; "8-Bit" is the capitalization used by Andy Price. and Gaffer are two male ponies, 8-bit a Pegasus and Gaffer a unicorn, who appear in the IDW comics. They are Shining Armor's friends, others being Gizmo and, later, Cherry Fizzy and Spearhead.
==Development and designs==
8-bit resembles Thunderlane and male Cloud Chaser. His name refers to the computer architecture used in early-generation microprocessors and, alluding to his cutie mark, video game consoles.
Gaffer somewhat resembles Sunburst. His name refers to the head electrician/lighting technician of a production in television and film. It may also refer to The Lord of the Rings character Hamfast Gamgee. Some of his dialogue in alludes to Sam Beckett of Quantum Leap.
==Depiction in the comics==
In the IDW comics story arc Neigh Anything, 8-bit and Gaffer appear in flashback, along with Poindexter as Shining Armor's friends at Canterlot Academy and members of his Oubliettes & Ogres role-playing group. When Shining Armor falls in love with Princess Cadance and wants her to his very special somepony, 8-bit and Gaffer initially believe such a goal to be impossible, but after realizing how determined and lovesick he is, they decide to help.
Together, they put on an extravagant musical performance during the pep rally and Fall Formal parade to get Cadance's attention. When that fails due to Buck Withers' interference, they try to sabotage Buck's championship polo game, which also fails.
In the second part of the story, they enact a plan during the Fall Formal Gala to get Shining Armor closer to Cadance and expose Buck's true colors. While Cadance approaches Shining Armor, 8-bit and Gaffer distract Buck from the rafters. Their plan eventually ends in success, with Shining Armor and Cadance being crowned Fall Formal king and queen and sharing their first kiss.
In the story The Many Tales of Queen Chrysalis, 8-bit appears on page 12 in the present day on a date with Rarity. However, Rarity talks about herself the whole evening, causing 8-bit to doze off.
In the story Rainbow Dash and the Very Bad Day, 8-bit appear on page 12 arguing with Shining Armor and Poindexter while under the effect of the Drearies. They reconcile on page 17, and Gaffer reads a Daring Do book on page 18.
==Other depictions==
===Software===
====My Little Pony (mobile game)====
8-Bit and Gaffer are playable characters in Gameloft's mobile game, and are also boss battle helpers for the "Presentable in Periwinkle" event.
8-Bit:
One of Shining Armor's more down to earth Academy buddies, 8-Bit was always up for a friendly game of 'Hocus Pocus: The Get-Together.'
Gaffer:
The dedicated Oubliettemaster of Shining Armor's old O&O group, Gaffer always had a plan for every situation. Some of them didn't even involve exploding polo mallets!
==Quotes==
==Gallery==
Comic issue 11 preface page.jpg
Comic issue 11 page 3.png
Comic issue 11 page 4.png
Comic issue 11 page 5.png
Comic issue 11 page 6.png
Comic issue 11 page 7.png
Comic issue 11 pages 12-13.jpg
Comic issue 12 page 5.jpg
==Notes==
==References==
id:8-bit dan Gaffer
Category:Canterlot Academy students
Category:Supporting characters