Welcome to the tenth edition of
MSXdev game development contest:
MSXdev'12!Karoshi MSX Community is proud to present this new edition of MSXdev, the game development contests for the MSX system! There are some important changes affecting the rules, so please read them carefully.
Important datesThe time line is set as follows :
- 12/03/2012 : MSXdev’12 rules published and project registration opened for contestants
- 15/12/2012 : game submission deadline
- 16/12/2012 : MSXdev’12 game poll started
- 31/12/2012 : MSXdev’12 game poll closed and results announced
Game format specsAs in the previous editions of MSXdev, the selected format for the games is the MSX
ROM file. Cartridges have been the most successful media format for first generation MSX computers, and most of the best games ever produced were published in this format. Nowadays, this format is also interesting because it can be easily loaded into real MSX computers, using a Flash cartridge, a ROM loader or a ROM converter, and it can also be used directly on emulators. Also, there exists a growing phenomenon at the MSX scene of people developing real cartridges, so MSXdev organization wants to encourage this game format.
All the games should be 100% compatible with this MSX configuration, that is defined as follows:
- CPU: Zilog Z80 running at 3.58 Mhz
- VDP: TMS9918/TMS9928 or compatible video processor
- PSG: AY-3-8910 or compatible sound chip
- Cassette interface: 1200/2400 baud
- RAM: 16 KB (non memory-mapped)
- VRAM: 16 KB
Therefore the games will be tested and evaluated using this configuration. Other compatibility tests will be performed in different configurations, including MSX, MSX2, MSX2+ and Turbo-R computers. The games
should work perfectly in any MSX compliant machine with the amount of RAM needed to run the game. If a game does not run properly in all MSX computers with at least 16 KB RAM
it could be disqualified by the organization.
In addition, it is allowed to make use of additional MSX hardware but they will not be taken into account when determining the final quality of the game by the voters. The goal of the contest is producing fine quality games that could be fully enjoyed in
any MSX system.
About the ROM size,
any size will be accepted as long as it does not require a ROM mapper. In other words, the acceptable ROM file sizes are 8 KB, 16 KB, 24 KB, 32 KB, 40 KB and 48 KB. No megaROMs this time, folks! The reason for this size limit is that we would like to load the games in regular MSX systems without additional hardware.
These ROM files can be developed using any programming language. There are no requirements here, but of course assembler is strongly recommended. Other compiled and/or interpreted languages are perfectly admissible. MSX BASIC can be used as well, when converted into a MSX ROM.
Although original games will be preferred, non-original concept games will be also accepted. This includes conversions from arcades and/or other console or computer systems, as well as adaptations of already existent games. However,
recompiled games are not acceptable. Already released games or hacked games will not be accepted either. Also, direct graphic or music rips from other authors used without permission will not be acceptable. In case of doubt, the organization is entitled to ask for proofs, such as the source code of the game. Any suspicious game would be disqualified if the organization decides so. It should be remarked that only
complete games will be accepted: beta-versions, demos or “to be finished” games will not be included in the contest.
Besides this, all the games must be accompanied by the required
game instructions written in English and a high-resolution cartridge full-color sticker, although it is up to the voters to take them into account when voting.
NOTE: For those MSX developers wanting higher specs, hardware extensions, bigger ROM size, any file format or build an application for a contest instead a game, we want to highly encourage them to join #msxdev compo at MSX Banzai! Follow this link for more information about this MSX development contest: http://msxbanzai.tni.nl/compo/
Contest resultsHere is the biggest change to the rules from previous editions: instead of a jury of qualified MSX users, this time
the result will be decided by a public poll at Karoshi MSX Community. So make sure to
register if you want to vote for your favorite MSXdev'12 entry! The poll results will be audited to check its integrity.
Another difference with the previous MSXdev editions is that
there will not be any prizes for the winners of MSXdev'12, just the eternal glory and honor within the MSX community. Yes, you are right: this is pure sport.
Registering your projectThe registration process for MSXdev'12 is now self-mantained.
You need to register first as a regular Karoshi MSX Community user, so that you can publish at the forum. In order to do so, use the
Register option at the top menu. After registering, the forum administrator will enable your user, so make sure that you send an e-mail with your username and e-mail at
eduardo AD robsy DOT net and at
viejo_archivero AD hotmail DOT com just after submitting your Register form. Your user will soon be activated.
Once activated, enter the
MSXdev'12 section and open a
new forum thread with the name of your game or your project code name. In this thread you should provide the following information:
- Name of the project / game
- Game size / RAM size requirements for the game
- Game genre
- Screenshots and/or other artwork of the game
- Name of the group / individuals involved
- Contact e-mail
- Any other information or related media that you want to share
Remember that your game will be voted by the Karoshi MSX Community users, so
try to make your entry thread appealing and attractive. It is marketing time!
By publishing your game entry thread, the group or individuals that owe the project are
explicitly accepting MSXdev’12 rules. These include the following:
- Mantain and update your own MSXdev'12 entry thread at Karoshi MSX Community forum.
- Provide a download link to the finished game, instructions and sticker before the end of the deadline.
- Follow the technical requirements and participation rules described in this document.
- State in the instructions the freeware status of any game participating in MSXdev contest. Any freeware license can be used, as long as the full game can be freely obtained by the users. Publishing the source code of the games is not compulsory, but it is strongly encouraged.
- It is now possible to redistribute the game, either in digital o physical format, and it is also possible to sell it as long as a free download link is always granted.
- All participants will accept the final result of Karoshi MSX Community poll.
- Once that the contest is finished, all the entries will be uploaded to the official MSXdev website (see below)
MSXdev information and updatesAll information regarding MSXdev’12 will be published at Karoshi MSX Community forum –
http://www.karoshicorp.comTo check previous game entries and MSXdev editions, visit the official MSXdev website –
http://msxdev.msxblue.com
