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This course is a gentle introduction to the fundamentals of computer architecture and 6502 assembly language. We'll learn how to program games for the Atari 2600 console and understand what makes digital machines tick. The minimal hardware of the Atari 2600 is a perfect sandbox for us to learn more about low-level programming.
At the end of the course, you'll have a working knowledge of 6502 assembly language, a comprehensive understanding of the Atari 2600 hardware, and a complete homebrew game for the VCS that we'll code together from scratch.
We'll use a simple code editor, an assembler called DASM, and a VCS emulator called Stella. All these tools are multi-platform, so you'll be able to use either Windows, macOS, or Linux!
This is a self-contained course with no formal prerequisites. However, you will probably get the most out of it if you already know the basics of coding (if-else, loops, functions).
If you like retro game development and want to learn more about computer architecture and low-level programming, then this course is definitely for you!
Gustavo Pezzi is a university lecturer in London, UK. He has won multiple education awards as a teacher and is also the founder of pikuma.com.
Gustavo teaches fundamentals of computer science and mathematics; his academic path includes institutions such as Pittsburg State University, City University of London, and University of Oxford.
The 6502 processor is an extremely important part of computing history, powering many popular game consoles and microcomputers of the past, like the Atari VCS, the NES, the Commodore 64, the Apple II, and even the Tamagotchi.
Differently than other online resources about retro game programming, this course is not simply a loose list of assembly mnemonics that only experienced developers can digest. This course tries to be as beginner-friendly as possible, giving you the chance to learn assembly in a fun way.
Trying to understand how modern computers work under the hood can be overwhelming. That's why the small architecture of the Atari 2600 is our chance to take a step back and look at the fundamental building blocks of computing. So, if you want to really learn how digital machines work and finally lose your fear of the expression "assembly programming", then get ready and buckle up! We are about to go on a super cool nerd trip together.
73% of our students come back for another course
We don't offer discounts on our courses. Ever.
"He goes over everything step-by-step and explains every line of code. Most courses on the internet are pretty shallow when it comes to teaching. Here's a variable and a loop now go and say no more. This course covers how the code and hardware interact to make a program. The explanations go far more in depth than most courses and at the same time refrains from going into tedious details that don't matter. The quality of explanation and technical depth is better than any of my online university courses I've taken so far."
"Growing up playing games on that Atari 2600, it was always a dream to someday learn how to make such games. Sure, the time between then and now was around 40 years, but that doesn't change how meaningful it was to finally learn how. Gustavo's teaching style is top-notch. His ability to break down complex topics into something you can really understand is not to be underestimated. He has an excellent knack for figuring out not only which concepts need emphasis, but which concepts can be elegantly side-stepped in the goal of not getting bogged down in complexities that don't actually aid your learning. This course didn't just give me a solid foundation in this topic; it also imparted a deep appreciation for what it took to create games for the Atari 2600 and how ingenious its developers were to work within the constraints of the hardware. Thank you for making this course! It was wonderful."
"It's awesome! I've learned more in one day of taking this course than I have in a semester of taking undergraduate computer science courses... Okay, maybe a bit of an exaggeration, but it is well worth the money if you are serious about programming for the 6502. It may be a bit daunting if you have never programmed before, but the instructor does a great job of setting up the foundations you will need to begin programming in assembly. Also rubber ducks!"
"Great resource for learning and nostalgia! This course offers a gentle introduction to the Atari 2600's architecture and the 6502 processor, making complex concepts accessible even for beginners. From graphics to game logic and audio, it covers essential techniques, culminating in a hands-on game project. Highly recommended for enthusiasts aiming to create authentic retro games."
"Excellent! Learned a lot till now. Thanks."
