@7666 midi was invented in the 80s and musicians immediately took it up, especially where it was readily avalible: in japan. setups of big expensive finnicky synthesizers were usurped by smaller, lighter setups and could built by hobbyists. that hobby scene was extremely influential on video game music in particular afaik.
still, i have a fetish for old synthesizers and gear and techniques. and in my exploration ive found a DAW CAN give us what we want, but it takes a great deal of effort.