No Programming Background Needed
Start with the basics: numbers, memory, instructions, labels, loops, and how a CPU follows your code.
Writing C64 Games in 6502 Assembly
Writing C64 Games in 6502 Assembly teaches curious beginners how C64 games are built from the metal up. No programming background, computer science knowledge, or prior assembly experience is required. You will learn using a modern development workflow built around a code editor, assembler, and VICE, so you can write, test, and run C64 programs on your current computer while still learning how the original machine works. Your pre-order includes immediate access to the completed chapters as they are available, plus an invite to a private Discord server where you can ask questions, get support, and help shape the final version of the book. Beginner friendly · No coding experience required · Discord support included
Starting at $20
Build C64 Games From the Metal Up
Go beyond tutorials and really understand how C64 games work right down to the machine code.
- Learn 6502 assembly the practical way
- Follow along with real examples and full source code
- Build a complete game engine from scratch
Start From Zero. Build Real C64 Games.
You do not need to know assembly language, C, game programming, computer architecture, or computer science before starting this book. The lessons begin with the absolute basics and build upward step by step, explaining not just what to type, but how and why it works.
No C64 Required
You will learn a practical workflow for writing, building, testing, and debugging your programs without needing vintage hardware.
Taught From the Ground Up
Each chapter builds on the last, moving from small experiments to real game programming techniques.
Help Is Included
Your pre-order includes private Discord access for questions, support, and feedback as new chapters are released.
What You'll Learn
Sprites & Movement
Create and animate sprites, handle collisions, and build smooth scrolling.
Memory & Game Loops
Master memory maps, zero page tricks, and efficient game loops.
Sound, Input & More
Add SID music and effects, read joystick input, and debug like a pro.
Why Learn This in 2026?
Because the foundations haven't changed; they've just been buried under layers of abstraction.
Modern computers are faster, larger, and more complex than a Commodore 64, but the core ideas are still the same: memory, instructions, loops, input, output, graphics, timing, and state.
The C64 gives you a smaller, clearer machine where those ideas are easier to see. With modern systems your intent is filtered through dozens of layers that obscure what the computer is actually doing. The C64 has no such layers, there's nothing standing between your code and the machine.
Learn it here, and you are not just learning an old computer. You are learning how computers work.
Modern Stack
Many layers between you and the machine.
C64 Essentials
No abstractions. Just you and the machine.
CPU Memory Graphics Input Sound
C64 System
You see it. You control it. You understand it.
Same Foundations
Memory, instructions, data, input, output, and timing still matter.
Less Abstraction
The C64 exposes what modern systems hide.
Cause & Effect
Change the code and clearly see what the machine does.
Skills That Transfer
Build instincts for debugging, performance, and game logic.
Modern systems bury the fundamentals. The C64 exposes them.
That makes it the perfect place to learn the foundations of modern software development.
Get Chapters As They're Finished
You do not have to wait for the full book. Get instant access to completed chapters as soon as they are ready.
- Immediate access to completed chapters
- Join a private Discord community
- Help shape the final book with feedback
Who This Is For
C64 Enthusiasts
For fans who want to go deeper and build their own games.
Assembly Learners
A ground-up path for learning 6502 assembly.
Complete Beginners
No coding background required. Build confidence chapter by chapter.
Retro Tinkerers
For makers who love to experiment and learn how it works.
Everything You Need to Succeed
Start Modern. Learn the Real Machine.
You do not need a Commodore 64 or a programming background to begin. Learn C64 game development on the computer you already have using a modern workflow built around VICE, step-by-step lessons, and Discord support.
No C64 Required
Learn on your current computer using VICE emulator. Zero extra hardware needed.
Built for Beginners
Concepts are taught from the ground up with clear examples, source code, and practical projects.
Support Included
Private Discord access for questions, feedback, and a friendly community that helps you ship.
Modern Workflow
Code • Build • Run • Debug
- Fast iteration
- Easy debugging
- Save & share
- Real C64 code
Real C64 Fundamentals
The skills transfer. The knowledge lasts.
- Memory Map
- 6502 Assembly
- VIC-II & SID
- Sprites & Scrolling
- Disk & Loading
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