Learn BLITZMAX with Real Code Examples

BlitzMax is designed for rapid game and multimedia development.

It features a syntax similar to BASIC, making it beginner-friendly.

Supports 2D/3D graphics, sound, and input handling across multiple platforms.

Procedural programming

Built-in graphics, sound, and input APIs

Modules and include system

Object-oriented features added later

Extensible with DLLs or shared libraries

Variables, constants, and basic types

Procedures and functions

Modules and code reuse

Graphics, sound, and input handling

Optional object-oriented constructs

src/ - source code

assets/ - images, sounds, and other media

lib/ - external libraries

bin/ - compiled executables

docs/ - project documentation

Write BlitzMax source code (.bmx files)

Compile using BlitzMax compiler

Run program on target platform

Test graphics, sound, and input

Debug and optimize performance

Beginner: simple 2D games and demos

Intermediate: multimedia applications with graphics/sound

Advanced: cross-platform 3D games with OpenGL

Expert: engine-level game architecture

Hobbyist: rapid prototyping for small projects

Easier to learn than C++ or Java for game development

Less feature-rich than Unity, Godot, or Unreal

Faster compilation than scripting languages like Python

Cross-platform but limited in modern libraries

Focused on indie/hobbyist game development

2001 – BlitzMax released by Mark Sibly

2003 – Expanded multimedia and graphics support

2005 – Cross-platform Windows/Linux/macOS support

2009 – OpenGL integration improved for 3D

2010s – Community-driven development continues

Module: reusable code unit

2DSetup: initialize graphics

3DSetup: initialize OpenGL context

BASS/OpenAL: sound libraries

Game loop: repeated execution for gameplay