AGPX has launched a new Windows-based development tool called C64 Game Maker, aimed at simplifying the process of creating Commodore 64 games using a custom flavor of BASIC. This updated tool builds on AGPX’s earlier C64 Graphics Maker, offering backwards compatibility while expanding into full game logic, animation, and sprite control.
Rather than writing assembly or traditional C code, users can write BASIC-style scripts that C64 Game Maker converts into C++. The compiled output targets the C64, but modern tools are still needed to get the binary ready to run. The app currently supports Oscar64 and LLVM-MOS compilers, which must be downloaded separately. Once installed, however, the software automates the compilation step—no need to juggle command-line prompts or additional build scripts.
The software isn’t just a code generator. It comes packed with tools for editing graphics, sprites, tiles, maps, and animations. Users can create assets using a multi-layer editor with paint-style tools, then integrate them directly into their projects. There’s even support for importing images, which the program can convert into character sets, sprites, or blocks with color matching and dithering options.
Highlights from the feature list in version 2.0.2 include:
- Multiple graphics modes: Standard Character, Multi Color, and Extended Background Color.
- Sprite editing: monocolor and multicolor options with export to BASIC or assembly.
- Blockset editor: supports importing full bitmap screens (though not a true bitmap editor).
- Animation tools with onion-skin-style “ghost” previews.
- Project optimizations: removes unused or duplicate assets with automatic updates to all affected areas.
- Advanced editing features: multiple layers, zoom/pan, selection tools, and 100 levels of undo/redo.
- Game structure support: define states, levels, actors, paths, maps, and scrolling.
- Sound: integrates with SidSFX Editor for adding sound effects.
- Up to 32-sprite multiplexing with a built-in VIC-II calculator.
The development workflow is centered around a BASIC-like scripting language that defines game logic. This script is then transpiled to C++ and handed off to the selected compiler. A sample guide is included in both English and Italian within the ZIP package.
AGPX is clear that the tool has limitations and isn’t a perfect fit for every project. It’s still in active development, and bugs may be present in both the software and the external compilers it depends on. Still, for those looking to create something quickly for the Commodore 64—with modern conveniences like automation and a GUI—it’s a compelling option. And it’s completely free.
Support and bug reports can be submitted on GitHub at:
https://github.com/AGPX/C64GameMaker/issues
