Acid Software
Blitz Basic creators
Mark Sibly's New Zealand company that created Blitz Basic and developed games like Skidmarks, proving that compiled BASIC could produce commercial hits.
Overview
Acid Software was the New Zealand company founded by Mark Sibly that created Blitz Basic and developed commercial games including Skidmarks. The company proved its own tools by shipping successful games written in Blitz Basic, demonstrating that compiled BASIC could produce professional results.
Fast Facts
- Founder: Mark Sibly
- Founded: ~1991
- Location: New Zealand
- Products: Blitz Basic, Skidmarks
- Platform: Amiga
- Legacy: Proved BASIC viable for commercial games
Products
| Product | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Blitz Basic 2 | Development tool | 1993 |
| Skidmarks | Racing game | 1993 |
| Super Skidmarks | Racing game | 1995 |
The Dual Approach
Acid Software both:
- Created tools - Blitz Basic
- Used tools - Skidmarks as proof
This was powerful marketing—showing that their language worked by shipping successful games made with it.
Skidmarks
The showcase game:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Top-down racing |
| Features | Split-screen, physics |
| Reception | Commercial success |
| Significance | Blitz Basic proof |
Business Model
Acid Software’s strategy:
- Sell development tools
- Prove tools with games
- Support active community
- Continuous improvement
After Amiga
Mark Sibly continued:
- Blitz3D (Windows)
- BlitzMax (cross-platform)
- Monkey X (multi-target)
Legacy
Acid Software demonstrated that tool creators should use their own tools. Skidmarks wasn’t just marketing—it was proof that Blitz Basic produced games indistinguishable from assembly-coded titles. This “dogfooding” approach validated the entire Blitz Basic concept.