C64 Assembly From the MOS 6510 to a Complete Game. Programming the Commodore 64, Byte by Byte

Do you want to understand what really happens behind the Commodore 64's blue screen and turn Assembly code into a complete video game?

C64 Assembly is a practical, progressive journey into Commodore 64 programming with the MOS 6510 processor. Designed for readers who are new to Assembly as well as programmers seeking deeper technical knowledge, it moves from the foundations of the machine to advanced game development, debugging, and optimization techniques.

Across 29 chapters, with commented examples, exercises, and incremental projects, you will learn how to:

• understand registers, flags, the stack, zero page, the memory map, and addressing modes;
• build an effective development workflow and inspect code with monitors and debuggers;
• manage machine cycles, interrupts, raster timing, and precise synchronization;
• program the VIC-II, sprites, scrolling, collisions, and graphics modes;
• use the SID for music and sound effects;
• read joysticks and the keyboard and design game loops, game states, and scoring systems;
• organize graphics, maps, audio, and other assets within the C64's memory;
• optimize speed and memory usage, create loaders, work with cartridges, and prepare a stable release.

The journey culminates in Final Fortress, a complete project that brings graphics, controls, audio, game logic, collisions, interface design, and optimization together in one practical experience.

Every subject is developed step by step, explaining not only what to write, but also why the code works and how to diagnose problems when it does not.

From the first byte to a complete game: a guide for progressing from beginner to C64 developer.