COMMODORE 64
8-bit creativity with real hardware limits
From PRINT to multi-room adventures in 24 lessons.
Learning Paths
π C64 BASIC V2
Start with BASIC β the language built into every Commodore 64. Learn programming fundamentals the way millions did in the 1980s: directly on the machine. Build real, playable games as you go.
All 8 BASIC weeks available now
- β Week 1: Fundamentals (PRINT, loops, variables, logic)
- β Week 2: Structured Programming (arrays, subroutines, state machines)
- β Week 3: Living Worlds (movement, room logic, UI, narrative)
- β Week 4: Game Systems (sprites, HUD, random events, AI, mini-game)
- β Week 5: Maps & Motion (paging cameras, smooth scrolling, Scroll Runner mini-game)
- β Week 6: Game Logic (states, random AI, power-ups, Cosmic Clash)
- β Week 7: Under the Hood (libraries, menus, cutscenes, debugging, Galactic Miner)
- β Week 8: Hitting the Limits (performance budgets, machine-code bridges, course retrospective)
- 64 lessons complete β build from zero to full arcade experiences!
βοΈ 6502 Assembly
Take Scroll Runner to pure assembly. Rebuild your game in machine codeβcontrol hardware directly, master raster interrupts, optimize every cycle, and discover what professional 1980s developers knew. Lesson 1 covers everything you need to get started!
Start immediately after BASIC Week 8
Continue to Assembly βWhat You'll Learn
VIC-II Graphics
Master the VIC-II chip: sprites, character graphics, smooth scrolling, and raster interrupts for amazing visual effects.
SID Chip Music
Program the legendary SID chip to create music and sound effects. Three voices, filters, and that classic C64 sound.
6502 Assembly
Learn the 6502 instruction set that powered a generation. From basic operations to advanced techniques.
Modern Toolchain
Docker-based development environment with ACME assembler, VICE emulator, and all tools pre-configured. One command gets you coding on any platform.
Retro Game Design Thinking
Learn how creative constraints shaped game design in the 1980s β when every byte counted and innovation was born from limitation.
Professional Development Environment
We've built a complete Docker-based toolchain that gives you everything you need to develop for the C64 on macOS, Linux, or Windows. No more hunting for tools or configuring emulators!
This setup mirrors the original developer workflow β fast build, instant test β but without the waiting for tapes to load. Itβs the best of both worlds: authentic and modern.
π³ Docker Container
Pre-built container with ACME cross-assembler, VICE C64 emulator (x64sc), and all dependencies. Pull the image and start coding in seconds.
βοΈ Complete Toolchain
ACME assembler for building your code, VICE for testing on a cycle-accurate C64 emulator, and utilities for creating .PRG files ready to run.
π¦ GitHub Container Registry
Available at ghcr.io/code198x/commodore-64 - versioned, tested, and ready to use. No manual installation or configuration required.
π One-Command Build
Write assembly, run make build-prg
,
and your game launches in the emulator. Fast iteration, zero friction.
C64 Memory Map Preview
Every byte has a purpose β and learning where things live is half the fun.
Ready to Code Like It's 1982?
Grab your virtual joystick and start programming like itβs 1982. Youβll rediscover how fun coding can be β no frameworks, no APIs, just you, the machine, and pure creativity.