For quite a number of years already, the MSXdev competitions are going on well. Individuals and teams from various places have created some stunning games over the years. This annual game contest has so far resulted in tens of new games, all of which work on MSX1, the target computer of the competition. Over the years, the game specifications have gone up allowing larger games to compete alongside with smaller games. The winner of MSXdev'06 was a MegaROM while last year's winner was a 32KB ROM, this shows that a larger game isn't always a ticket to success and that smaller games certainly have a chance to win this contest. Yet, in discussions that arise now and then, the specifications of MSXdev - for instance the ROM size and the amount of RAM - remain to be subject of debate. Added to this is another discussion regarding bonus points for sound chips and MSX2 graphics. The organization has judged all these debates in order to create a new set of rules for this year's edition.
In short, entries should be 100% compatible with the following configuration:
- CPU: Zilog Z80 running at 3.58 Mhz
- VDP: TMS9918/TMS9928 or compatible video processor
- PSG: AY-3-8912 or compatible sound chip
- Cassette interface: 1200/2400 baud
- RAM: 64 KB (non memory-mapped)
- VRAM: 16 KB
Games will be tested on newer MSX generations as well, penalty points will be given when entries won't work properly on such systems. The aim of this contest is to have entries work on all MSX models compatible with the minimum configuration.
Unlike earlier editions of MSXdev, support for extra hardware, such as videochips and soundchips, won't gain extra bonuspoints. If -for instance- a game requires FM-PAC to have
any sound at all, the game will be judged with no sound, no matter how good the FM-PAC music may be.
Like all MSXdev editions, the game format is that of a ROM, and like the last two editions, the maximum ROM size is a MegaROM (128KB). It's of course allowed to make smaller games as well, like the 32KB/48KB format from MSXdev'05. Entries can be created using any programming languages, though assembly is preferred for obvious reasons. A valid entry is a
complete game (no beta or unfinished versions), with hi-res sticker image and English manual. This sticker and manual won't be taken into account when judging the game however. In addition to that, the entries should contain original material or otherwise material for which permission has been granted, games containing ripped content run the risk of being disqualified.
This year's jury has yet to be announced but will without doubt be formed from various persons again, just like in the previous two editions. The main prize for the best game has yet to be announced. Returning this year is the open sponsorship in which third parties are invited to donate prizes or services. Like last year, such third parties may define their own objectives, such as
best music,
best graphics, etc.
If all goes well, the jury will be announced on the 1st of July. The -strict- deadline for entries has been set to January 31st 2009.
Without doubt, this edition of the MSXdev contest will be one of the highlights of the year, just as previous editions have been. MRC wishes all the contestants wisdom and good luck.
Relevant link:
MSXdev'08
