COMMODORE 64
8-bit creativity with real hardware limits
From PRINT to complete games. Tier 1 available now (16 lessons).
Learning Paths
📘 C64 BASIC V2
Start with BASIC — 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.
Tier 1 complete • Tiers 2-4 in development
- ✓ Tier 1: Fundamentals & Structure — PRINT, variables, loops, arrays, DATA statements, VIC-II colours/screen memory, PETSCII graphics, SID sound, keyboard input, random numbers, collision detection, timing. Build Star Catcher and Crystal Caverns (16 lessons)
- 🚧 Tier 2: Living Worlds & Sprites (multi-room systems, data-driven design, VIC-II sprites, animation, collision, HUD, AI) — In development
- 🚧 Tier 3: Scrolling & Game Logic (camera systems, smooth scrolling, 2-axis physics, projectiles, power-ups, persistence) — Coming soon
- 🚧 Tier 4: Polish & Performance (libraries, menus, cutscenes, debugging, optimization, machine-code bridges, performance analysis) — Coming soon
- → 16 lessons available now • 2 complete games built • More coming soon!
⚙️ 6502 Assembly
Master 6502 assembly through 8 progressive phases and 12 complete game genres. From CPU fundamentals to commercial-quality games, demoscene effects, and modern hardware (MEGA65, SuperCPU). 1024 lessons total.
Coming soon: Phase 1 begins with foundations and text adventures
What 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 — 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 — fast build, instant test — but without the waiting for tapes to load. It’s the best of both worlds: authentic and modern.
🐳 Docker Container
Pre-built container with ACME cross-assembler, VICE C64 emulator (x64sc), and all dependencies. Pull the image and start coding in seconds.
⚙️ 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.
📦 GitHub Container Registry
Available at ghcr.io/code198x/commodore-64 - versioned, tested, and ready to use. No manual installation or configuration required.
🚀 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 — and learning where things live is half the fun.
Ready to Code Like It's 1982?
Grab your virtual joystick and start programming like it’s 1982. You’ll rediscover how fun coding can be — no frameworks, no APIs, just you, the machine, and pure creativity.