Mark Sibly
Blitz Basic creator
The New Zealand programmer who created the Blitz Basic series, giving Amiga developers a compiled BASIC that could produce commercial-quality games like Worms.
Overview
Mark Sibly is the New Zealand programmer who created Blitz Basic, the compiled BASIC that proved the language could produce professional games. His Blitz Basic 2 for Amiga compiled to fast machine code, enabling games like Worms and Skidmarks. Sibly continued developing game creation tools with BlitzMax and later Monkey X, influencing game development across decades.
Fast Facts
- Born: ~1966, New Zealand
- Company: Acid Software
- Created: Blitz Basic series
- Languages: Blitz Basic 2, BlitzMax, Monkey X
- Legacy: Enabled BASIC game development
Blitz Basic Evolution
| Version | Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Blitz Basic | 1991 | Amiga |
| Blitz Basic 2 | 1993 | Amiga |
| Blitz3D | 2000 | Windows |
| BlitzMax | 2004 | Cross-platform |
| Monkey X | 2011 | Multi-target |
The Compiled Advantage
What made Blitz Basic different:
| Interpreted BASIC | Blitz Basic |
|---|---|
| Slow execution | Compiled to machine code |
| Limited features | Full hardware access |
| Hobbyist only | Commercial viable |
| Learning tool | Development tool |
Games Made With Blitz
Commercial titles proving the concept:
- Worms - Massive franchise
- Skidmarks - Racing hit
- Super Skidmarks - Sequel success
- Numerous other commercial releases
Design Philosophy
Sibly’s approach:
- Accessibility - BASIC syntax, easy learning
- Power - Full hardware access
- Performance - Compiled output
- Completeness - Built-in game features
Acid Software
Sibly’s company produced:
- Blitz Basic series
- Skidmarks (showcasing Blitz)
- Development tools
- Documentation and support
Legacy
Mark Sibly democratised game development repeatedly—first with Blitz Basic on Amiga, then with tools targeting newer platforms. His work proved that accessible languages could produce professional results, influencing how developers think about game creation tools.