In 1986, the Swedish computer magazine Datormagazin launched a programming contest in their second issue, running from August 21 to December 31. The contest accepted entries in two categories: Games and Utilities, allowing any programming language or tools, including Game Maker and The Quill.
We learn of this thanks to Martin/Stadium64. Hundreds of submissions were received, but exact numbers per category are unknown. Results were announced in the June 1987 double issue (4/5). The top three game entries were:
- Hats by Albert Schnelzer (age 15, Karlstad) – A climbing game coded in machine language, praised as very professional. Albert reportedly spent nine months developing it.
- Baldorfs hämnd (Baldorfs Revenge) by Mårten Johansson (Lund) – A Swedish adventure game noted for its humour and strong programming.
- Red Fox by Joakim Karlsson (Asarum) – An honourable mention for a shoot-’em-up game.
Datormagazin aimed to help winners bring their games to market, possibly collaborating with American Action. However, American Action faced difficulties and eventually closed, leading to these games fading into obscurity.
We hope that these games can some day be found, and if you can help – please get in touch. It would be great to also try and find any other submissions for the competition that were submitted too.
Contributions: Martin/Stadium64
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