Date: November 14, 2025
Status: 🎉 Project Launch!

Welcome to the Future of C64 Game Development!

We’re incredibly excited to announce GameForge - C64, a revolutionary no-code game development IDE for the Commodore 64!

What is GameForge - C64?

Imagine Unity or Unreal Engine, but for the Commodore 64. GameForge - C64 is a visual scripting IDE that allows you to create C64 games through drag-and-drop nodes, compiling directly to native C64 executables using the Oscar64 C/C++ compiler.

Why This Matters

The Commodore 64 is an iconic platform with an incredibly active community, but game development has traditionally required deep knowledge of 6502 assembly language. GameForge - C64 changes all that by:

• Eliminating Assembly Headaches - No more manual memory management or low-level programming
• Visual Scripting - Drag-and-drop nodes, connect them visually, and watch your game come to life
• Native Compilation - Uses Oscar64 to generate optimized .prg files that run on real hardware
• Modern Development Experience - Electron-based desktop app with real-time preview and debugging

The Technology Stack

• Visual Scripting: React Flow (same system as our Amiga project!)
• Compilation: Oscar64 C/C++ compiler for 6502
• Output: Native C64 .prg executables
• Integration: Direct sprite export from The Sprite Alchemist - Retro

What’s Coming

We’re building this in phases:

1. Foundation - Project structure, asset management, C/C++ AST design
2. Visual Scripting - Node-based editor with C64-specific nodes
3. C64 Integration - VIC-II sprites, SID audio, memory management
4. Asset Pipeline - TSA Retro integration, sprite import/export
5. Testing & Polish - VICE emulator integration, real hardware testing

C64-Specific Features

• VIC-II Sprite Operations - Load, draw, position, and animate sprites
• SID Music & Sound - Play music tracks and sound effects
• Memory Management - Smart allocation within 64KB constraints
• Input Handling - Joystick and keyboard support
• Screen Modes - Multicolor, hi-res, and character modes

Why Oscar64?

We chose Oscar64 because it’s:

• A modern C/C++ compiler for 6502
• Supports C99 + modern C++ features (variadics, lambdas!)
• Optimizing compiler with -O3 support
• Actively developed with a proven track record
• Used in multiple commercial C64 games

The Vision

GameForge - C64 will revolutionize C64 game development, making it accessible to everyone while maintaining the authenticity and charm of the platform. No more assembly headaches, no more manual memory management—just pure creative game development.

What’s Next?

We’re just getting started! Over the coming weeks, we’ll be:

• Setting up the project infrastructure
• Researching Oscar64 API and libraries
• Building the visual scripting editor
• Creating C64-specific node types
• Integrating with TSA Retro

Join the Journey!

This is an early access project, and we’d love your feedback! Follow along as we build the future of C64 game development.

Let’s bring the C64 into the modern era! 🚀

Created by the FutureVision Labs Team
“Making retro game development accessible to everyone”