# Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer

> game creation system developed by Jonathan Cauldwell

**Wikidata**: [Q128529628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q128529628)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/multi-platform-arcade-game-designer

## Summary
Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer (MPAGD) is a game creation system developed by Jonathan Cauldwell. It allows users to create video games on Microsoft Windows for export to multiple vintage computer platforms. The software was initially published on January 20, 2019, and is distributed digitally via itch.io.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Jonathan Cauldwell
- **Publication Date:** January 20, 2019
- **Platform:** Microsoft Windows (required to run the software)
- **Genre:** Game creation system / Application
- **Distribution:** Digital download via itch.io
- **Aliases:** MPAGD
- **Language:** English
- **Product Output:** Video games
- **Supported Targets:** ZX Spectrum, MSX, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Dragon 32/64, Acorn Atom, Enterprise, VTech Laser 200

## FAQs
### Q: What computer platforms can MPAGD create games for?
A: MPAGD produces video games for eight specific vintage platforms: ZX Spectrum, MSX, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Dragon 32/64, Acorn Atom, Enterprise, and VTech Laser 200.

### Q: Where can Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer be downloaded?
A: The software is distributed as a digital download through the itch.io platform at the URL `https://jonathan-cauldwell.itch.io/multi-platform-arcade-game-designer`.

### Q: When was MPAGD first released?
A: The software has a publication date of January 20, 2019.

## Why It Matters
Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer serves as a modern bridge between contemporary computing environments and retro gaming hardware. By running on Microsoft Windows, it provides a accessible entry point for modern creators to produce software for eight distinct 8-bit architectures—including the ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and MSX—without requiring deep knowledge of machine code for each specific system.

The tool is significant in the "retro-demo" and homebrew scenes because it streamlines the cross-compatibility process. Instead of writing separate code for Amstrad CPC and ZX Spectrum, a developer can use MPAGD to target both. This capability sustains the software ecosystems of vintage computers like the BBC Micro and Dragon 32/64, allowing new content to continue being created for hardware that is decades old.

## Notable For
- **Cross-Platform Retro Development:** Distinguished by its ability to target eight different vintage computer systems from a single Windows-based tool.
- **Specific Target Portfolio:** Supports a unique mix of 8-bit machines, including the Enterprise, Acorn Atom, and VTech Laser 200.
- **Modern Distribution:** Utilizes the contemporary indie marketplace itch.io for distribution rather than physical media.
- **Specific Identity:** Identified by the CPC Wiki ID "AGD#MPAGD" and itch.io numeric ID "358589."

## Body
### System Classification and Development
Multi-Platform Arcade Game Designer (MPAGD) is classified as an application and a game creation system. It is an instance of software designed for end-users to generate content, specifically video games. The system was developed by Jonathan Cauldwell and is designed to operate on the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems.

### Distribution and Availability
The software was first published on January 20, 2019. It is distributed by itch.io as a digital download. The official product page is hosted at `https://jonathan-cauldwell.itch.io/multi-platform-arcade-game-designer`. The language of the work is English.

### Technical Capabilities
The primary function of MPAGD is the production of video games. Its utility lies in its ability to export projects to a wide array of specific hardware platforms. The supported output platforms include:
- **ZX Spectrum**
- **MSX**
- **Amstrad CPC**
- **BBC Micro**
- **Dragon 32/64**
- **Acorn Atom**
- **Enterprise**
- **VTech Laser 200**