The site's reach just became a little broader when the BBC Micro became a supported platform yesterday. Originally called Acorn Proton it went on to become a cornerstone of the British computing industry in the 1980s, despite the high cost. Ultimately covering nine models, it houses many ports of famous games, as well as the first steps of people that became famous game designers, such as Geoff Crammond's Revs and Ian Bell's and David Braben's Elite. It was also the platform where Martin Galway learned to design sound effects and music when he was seventeen years old.

There are also those obscure titles, which are given equal importance here on the site. The work of companies such as Alligata and Superior Software, and the many developers who worked hard, often out of garages or single rooms, to send out the titles that still live in many hearts today. If you notice a missing title, make sure to contribute to make them part of the games history here on the site. In less than a day we already list 25 BBC Micro titles.

I'm going to search mobygames+bbc for places we've casually dropped remarks like "this game was also released for the BBC, not yet supported" 8)

That would be... Bolo, Qwak, Imogen, Granny's Garden, Pipe Dream, Rebel Planet (, Seas of Blood, and Temple of Terror?)

Here's a starter list. There's quite a lot more in there which are already in the database for other systems I figure.

And for anyone wanting to play the games, googling "bbc micro games" quickly leads you to a certain stairwell.

And when these are platform-submitted (I'll get on it at my earliest convenience), we need to make sure to amend the descriptions saying "was also released on the BBC, not supported here" 8)

Firstly I think it's great to have the BBC Micro up, thanks MobyGames.

It wasn't uncommon for both the BBC and Acorn Electron versions of games to be released in the same package, it would be handy, especially when submitting cover art, if a both these platforms could be ticked. I was wondering if this was on the cards any time soon?

Also I noticed Revs and Elite have also been added as seperate game entrys due to differences in the versions, in the case of Elite at least (as well as many games) there are many differences between different versions, are they really different games warranting a seperate entry, or would it be better to amend the description?

Anyway I don't want to sound like I'm moaning too much! Just some thoughts...

I don't know about these specific cases but my personal rule of thumb is: if the differences are merely cosmetic then it is the same entry. If the changes effect gameplay (different level design, additional levels, a new playing mode, etc.) it gets a new entry.

If the game is a single-player title I don't make a new entry for differences in the multiplayer-mode - this is covered in the tech-specs.

Electron is in the pipeline, one day ...

I'm very surprised at that news! I was certain that we already had such a famous and important platform (but never bothered to make sure if we REALLY had it...)

+1

Very good news though.

Seems like Kabushi and the ever bold Sciere are really into adding games to this new platform. The addition of the BBC Micro will surely spice things up for the guys cruising to become top contributors for games this year. As a younger gamer, I will try to avoid messing with this old system at all costs.

Only when they add a lot of new games, adding additional platform BBC for existing games does not increase the Game ranking.

You're doing fine yourself. I don't know how young you are, but it was a pleasant surprise to see you add so many strategy games that fly under the radar, not to mention writing great descriptions right off the bat.

Really? Well, looks like every time I log in, I learn something new, that's something I like here on MG. And Sciere, thank you, thank you very much.

We all started that Way :)

As for additional platforms: make sure native support for the BBC Micro is mentioned. Electron releases (which we don't support yet) that happen to run on a BBC Micro should not be listed as BBC Micro titles unless support is specifically mentioned in-game, in the manual, or on the cover. The Electron largely emulated the BBC Micro's abilities, but remains a separate machine.

If any slipped through, let me know. Covers (where available) are often a good way to verify a platform, but it can be hard to tell. My entry for Overdrive is still somewhat vague in sources for the BBC Micro for instance, while there is a clear cover showing support for the Electron version.