Production-ready code · extracted from the curriculum

Pattern library.

Reusable patterns pulled straight out of the lessons — copy, adapt, and drop them into your own projects. From sprite handling to sound effects, the tricks that make retro games work.

36 patterns · 6 categories · 10 platforms

Browse by platform

Each platform has its own constraints and tricks. Find patterns tailored to your target machine.

Commodore 64

5 patterns

Sinclair ZX Spectrum

12 patterns

Nintendo Entertainment System

6 patterns

Commodore Amiga

7 patterns

Atari ST

0 patterns

BBC Micro

0 patterns

MSX

0 patterns

Amstrad CPC

0 patterns

Commodore VIC-20

0 patterns

Sega Master System

0 patterns

Cross-Platform

6 patterns

Browse by category

Patterns organised by what they do — from rendering to audio to game logic.

Rendering

Sprites, scrolling, screen effects

10 patterns

Input

Joystick, keyboard, mouse handling

6 patterns

Audio

Music playback, sound effects

3 patterns

Physics

Collision, movement, gravity

6 patterns

AI

Enemy behaviour, pathfinding

0 patterns

Framework

Game loops, state machines, interrupts

11 patterns

Browse by skill level

Find patterns that match your experience, from foundational to expert.

Beginner

Foundational patterns for those starting their retro dev journey

32 patterns

Intermediate

More advanced techniques building on the basics

4 patterns

Advanced

Expert-level patterns pushing hardware to its limits

0 patterns

Patterns vs Units vs Vault

Curriculum units

Step-by-step tutorials that teach you how to build games from scratch.

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Pattern library

Production-ready code snippets to copy and adapt for your own projects.

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The Vault

Historical context, hardware deep-dives, and the stories behind the era.

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