C64 Studio, created by Georg Rottensteiner, continues to stand out as a feature-rich development environment for Commodore 64 programming. Built on .NET, it supports both assembly and BASIC V2 projects while providing a familiar workspace for developers used to modern IDEs.
The heart of C64 Studio is its integrated assembler based on ACME syntax. This allows users to write code with flexible output options, including raw binaries, .prg files, disk images (.t64, .d64), and cartridge formats like .bin and .crt for common C64 memory configurations. It also integrates seamlessly with the VICE emulator for real-time debugging, enabling developers to track variables, registers, and memory locations as they work. Other emulators can be configured through runtime arguments.
Beyond coding, the software includes tools for creating graphics, sprites, and media content. Built-in editors for character sets, sprites, and disk/tape images help streamline asset creation for C64 projects.
Version 8.1 introduces a long list of improvements and fixes that further polish the user experience. The update addresses everything from charset export crashes to refinements in the BASIC editor, graphic screen editor, and file management tools. New assembler features like the Fill option and enhanced pseudo op handling for disk images improve the flexibility of the build process.
A standout addition is improved ZX81 BASIC support, reflecting C64 Studio’s growing interest in serving developers working with other 8-bit platforms. The IDE now handles ZX81 number encoding, float support, and various tweaks for ZX81-specific character sets and formatting.
Version 8.1 also introduces several user interface upgrades, such as customizable theme colors, expanded undo limits, and better export options for graphics. The file manager has been refined for smoother handling of non-PRG files and now includes preliminary support for formats like IFF and TZX.
While this release is packed with technical adjustments—ranging from assembler bug fixes to BASIC token handling—it also demonstrates an ongoing commitment to improving quality-of-life features. These include smarter search tools, better commenting systems, and expanded export capabilities for both code and graphics.
C64 Studio remains a powerful tool for hobbyists and experienced developers working on Commodore 64 and other 8-bit systems. With each update, it continues to evolve into a comprehensive development environment that bridges retro computing with modern workflows.
