On December 19th, 2006 we started the MSX Resource Center MEGA Challenge, challenging MSX developers around the world to compete for a brand new One Chip MSX computer in three different and potentially overlapping categories:

1. MSX2 game development challenge
   
   Objective: Create a game for the MSX2 platform. It's as simple as that. All genres are allowed, and only your imagination is the limit. With various MRC challenges as a warmup, the time has come to let a nice batch of new MSX2 games see the light of day. All you have to do is obey the following maximum specifications:
   
   
   • 64kB RAM
   • 128kB VRAM
   • Max 512kB ROM or one (1) 720kB disk
   
   For audio support, PSG, SCC(+), MSX-MUSIC, MSX-AUDIO (max 256kB) and Moonsound (max 640kB) sound chips and combinations thereof are all allowed. None of these sound chips are mandatory, so a game only supporting PSG or a game only supporting Moonsound are both valid entries. The game should function on these minimal specifications, but enhanced features for e.g. the MSX2+, GFX9000 and/or turboR are allowed.
   
   
2. History theme challenge
   
   Objective: Create a game or demo in a historical setting. Take, for example, the Ancient Egypts, Dinosaurs, the Roman Empire, Greek Mythology, Caverns or Chinese Dynasties. In other words: get inspired by major events and eras in world (pre-)history and surprise the MSX community with your creativity! Will you make the next King's Valley or B.C. Quest?
   
   This discipline has no minimum specifications, but - like previous challenges - has the following maximum specifications:
   
   
   • MSX turboR
   • 512kB RAM
   • GFX9000
   • Any combination of general MSX soundchips (see those mentioned above) allowed
   • No storage size and medium limitations
   
   
3. 64x48 challenge
   
   Objective: Create a game or demo that uses the center 64x48 pixels of the screen. Optionally, you can chose to use SCREEN 3 in full-screen. This smaller screen size allows developers to experiment with graphical effects that are usually impossible on an MSX (full screen). Think of the possibilities when using less than a quarter of the regular MSX screen! Think of the amount of VRAM and sprites available! What kinds of smooth and stunning graphical action can you achieve on this reduced size screen?
   
   Like the History discipline, this discipline has no minimum specifications, but - like previous challenges - has the following maximum specifications:
   
   
   • MSX turboR
   • 512kB RAM
   • GFX9000
   • Any combination of general MSX soundchips (see those mentioned above) allowed
   • No storage size and medium limitations

You can send in your entries to mega@msx.org until June 27th, 2008, 23:59 CET. Developers that send in their entry to the MRC MEGA Challenge before the initial deadline of June 27th, 2007 will receive a full bonus point in the final results. A jury that is to judge the entries is at the moment still to be formed and will be announced on the MSX Resource Center in the future.

So, developers, are you ready to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the MSX computer system in style? Start your engines and join MSX Resource Center's MEGA Challenge!