REDO FROM START (Canada & Europe)

1982–1985: How the COMMODORE 64 conquered the home computer industry

How did the Commodore 64 become one of the defining computers of the 1980s? Developers, publishers, marketers and software pioneers recall their beginnings in the games industry and answer detailed questions about their formative years with the C64. Across two volumes, 64 previously unpublished interviews explore the pioneering scenes of the USA and Japan (Volume 1) and Canada and Europe (Volume 2).

People and machines behind the industry

Featuring transitional insights from Jim Sachs and John O’Neill, together with an introduction by Gordon Houghton, former editor of Zzap!64.

REDO FROM START II takes us back to a time when every new computer game still felt like an adventure and “bare-metal programming” was becoming part of a new digital culture. The book focuses on the emerging software markets of Canada and Europe, with particular emphasis on the United Kingdom, where the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC became the Commodore 64’s strongest competitors and conversions of successful US games helped drive a rapidly expanding domestic software market.

Interviews and editorial features explore the highs and lows of the computer games industry between 1982 and 1985. Pioneers including Jim Sachs (Saucer Attack!), Ken Grant (Slapshot, Battle Through Time), Andrew Braybrook (Paradroid, Uridium), Rod Cousens (Director, Quicksilva) and Jon Steele (Hunchback, Ocean) describe the challenges they faced, the ideas they pursued and the work that helped establish the Commodore 64 as an outstanding games machine.

IT engineers and game makers

Across Europe, the games business was taking shape at extraordinary speed. Small software houses, independent programmers and ambitious publishers entered a market in which technical ingenuity often mattered more than established structures or large development teams. Bedrooms, back rooms and modest offices became places where new ideas were turned into commercial software.

The Commodore 64 gave programmers a distinctive set of possibilities – and limitations – that encouraged experimentation with graphics, sound and increasingly sophisticated game design. At the same time, publishers learned how to package, advertise and distribute these new products to an expanding audience. What began as a loosely organised software scene rapidly developed into a professional entertainment industry, producing games and companies whose names would become closely associated with the 8-bit era.

Industry profiles and “More Bytes”

Every interview is complemented by a dedicated industry profile charting the most important games, products and stages of each contributor’s career. Which products proved influential? What happened afterwards? And where did their careers lead? Dedicated tables provide a concise overview, while the book’s “More Bytes” navigation system connects related features, articles and reading recommendations for anyone wishing to explore the story in greater depth.

Back to the origins of the Commodore 64

REDO FROM START returns to the years when Commodore repeatedly changed the home computer market with the PET 2001, VIC-20 and Commodore 64. Eyewitness accounts, rare images and carefully researched background features capture the optimism, experimentation and entrepreneurial spirit of the early 1980s.

With around 800 images, numerous profiles and extensive editorial content, REDO FROM START is both a visual journey through the birth of the C64 era and an in-depth reference work for enthusiasts of computer history.

Conversations with industry veterans

Andrew Braybrook, Andy Hieke, Andy Trott, Andy Walker, Chris Murray, Damien Cavanagh, Darrell Etherington, Don Rigby, Gordon Houghton (Zzap!64), Henrik Holmstrom, Jason Benham, Jean-François de Wergifosse, Jeff Gamon, Jim Sachs, Joerg Dierks, John O’Neill, Jon Steele, Ken Grant, Kevin A. Moughtin, Kevin Pickell, Michel Koell, Paul McCherry, Paul Voysey, Randy Lyons, Renato Comini, Rick Madge, Rod Cousens, Stefan Posthuma, Steve Chapman, Steve Wilton, Terry Pratt and Viktor Toth.

Commodore games in focus

Saucer Attack, Time Crystal, The Dolphin’s Rune, Garden Wars, Dungeons of Ba, Castle of Jasoom, Inner Space, Plant Attack, Sonic Boom, Battle Through Time, Slapshot, Exterminator, Cyclons, Zodiac, Kong, Astral Attack, Skramble, Cybotron, Cosmic Commando, Nexus, Psi-Warrior, Psytron, Tazz, Stellar Wars, Exodus, Thunderbirds, Henry’s House, Paradroid, Uridium, Alleycat, Jouste, Krazy Kar, Bigtop Barney, Guzzler, Roomlord, International Basketball, Hunchback, Armageddon, Builder Ben, Junkyard Jalopies, Quo Vadis, Revelation, Stix, Quinx, Xerons, Scuttle, Hades, Petch, Burnin’ Rubber, Artic Shipwreck, Quark IX, Ghosty, Worm, Qbonian, Q-Hop, Mystical Mission, X-Cange, Maniax, Infernal Runner, International Football and many more…

A wealth of classic 8-bit publishers

Aackosoft, Admacadiam, Anirog, Beyond, Bubble Bus, Commodore (UK) Ltd., CSP Microgame, EMAP, English Software, Graftgold, Handic Software, IJK Software, Illusion, Interceptor, Kingsoft, Loriciels, NET Software, Newsfield Publications, Nüfekop, Artworx, Ocean, Quicksilva, Sachs Enterprises, Scorpio, Softek, Supersoft, Sydney Development, Syntax Software, Taskset, Terminal Software and many more…

ENGLISH-LANGUAGE HARDBACK EDITION

• 448 full-colour pages
• 168 × 230 mm portrait format
• High-quality offset printing
• 130 gsm Amber Graphic paper
• Pantone metallic ink
• C64 colour reference guide
• Made in Germany

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