Exactly 30 years ago, Microsoft and ASCII announced the MSX computer standard. That's right! For three decades now we have been able to enjoy this 8bit computer - a first attempt to introduce some form of standard in the world of home/microcomputers. Produced by large consumer electronic brands as Sony, Philips, Panasonic, Yamaha and Daewoo; supported by a massive software library created by game developers such as Konami, Falcom, Compile, Hudson and MicroCabin the MSX might not have become the dominating computer standard it was intended to be, but it certainly earned its place in the Annals of computer history.

Not only did MSX give birth to game franchises such as Metal Gear and Bomberman, its open standard and such concepts as a separate Video Display Processor or design moving towards what we nowadays call System on a Chip are true examples how (the vision behind) MSX paved the way for modern day computers and game consoles.

But perhaps the true legacy of MSX is not its commercial success or failure, nor its revolutionary ideas on standardization, hardware design or home automation. It's we, the scene, the community: a dedicated group of active hobbyists that keep our MSX platform alive for more than 30 years now, by releasing new software and hardware, sharing documentation, developing emulators, organizing events, spreading news or simply just by enjoying new or old MSX software.

To emphasize this special milestone we have sent out this press release in the hope that some blogs, websites or magazines will pick up on it. The world should know that 30 years ago a very special computer was released, so special that even today it is still alive and kicking! The 30th anniversary of MSX is a great moment to "spread the word" once more, so by all means let your favorite websites and magazines know about it!

Tonight, a 30th anniversary meetup takes place at Café Batavia, close to Amsterdam Central Station. A great opportunity to share memories of our favorite home computer and make new plans for the future. Later this year, somewhere near the end of October/early November the MSX Resource Center will organize an event that celebrates the 30th anniversary of MSX as well. We will announce full details on this event very soon, and it's really going to be something special, so by all means do keep an eye on our frontpage - as if you didn't have enough reasons to do so already.

Last but not least, we would like to know... (how) are you going to celebrate the 30th anniversary of MSX? What is your fondest memory about MSX so far? And what future do you think lies ahead for MSX? Can we make it until 50? We can if it is up to us!

Congratulations and thanks to all who love and support MSX!

The MSX Resource Center crew