Retro Computing

A colourful, retro-futuristic landscape illustration of Europe, with “WHAT IF?” text across the continent. Surrounding the map are a futuristic Sinclair Spectrum, a next-gen BBC Micro computer, an ARM chip, and a EuroLink logo, visually representing the concept of a European digital superpower.

What If: The European Digital Superpower

22 July 2025 Rachel Whitmore 0

What if Europe, not Silicon Valley, had built the digital world? Step into an alternate timeline where Cambridge, not California, becomes the heart of tech innovation. From privacy-first laws to BBC Micros in every classroom, Rachel Whitmore explores how a European digital superpower could shape our everyday lives, online communities, and sense of belonging. Join us for a nostalgic, playful look at the world that might have been, and what we can still learn from it.

The Black Sanctum: How a British Text Adventure Turned Gaming Into a Family Event

19 June 2025 The Editor 0

A chilling text adventure from the 1980s, The Black Sanctum transformed a family’s living room into a haunting monastery. This meticulously crafted CoCo game, built with limited 32KB RAM, demanded strategic puzzle-solving and collaborative exploration. Experience the dread of a mirrored corridor, the urgency of a flickering lantern, and the satisfaction of uncovering a shared narrative, a truly unique gaming event.

When the Cursor Blinks Back: Revisiting the Glory Days of Text Adventures

19 June 2025 Gary Holloway 0

Remember the thrill of typing “LOOK” and being transported to a dimly lit cavern? This nostalgic piece revisits the golden age of text adventures on the ZX Spectrum, exploring the quirky humour, community, and unique literacy of early computer games. Discover the legacy of British developers, the enduring appeal of parser-based gameplay, and the ongoing revival of interactive fiction.

Letters from the Lounge: When Word Processing Came Home

17 June 2025 Sophie Calder 0

From family newsletters to home businesses, word processors quietly reshaped British homes in the 1980s. Sophie Calder explores how everyday users—especially women and older adults—turned front rooms into offices, and technology into empowerment. This forgotten tech chapter deserves its place in our digital heritage.