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+--- Thread: Blitz3D VS BlitzMax (/thread-257.html)
Blitz3D VS BlitzMax - luwal - 05-28-2025
(https://copilot.microsoft.com/)
I asked Copliot:
Can you evaluate Blitz3D and BlitzMax in detail?
(Blitz3D: https://blitzresearch.itch.io/blitz3d)
(BlitzMax: https://nitrologic.itch.io/blitzmax)
Copliot gave this answer:
Both Blitz3D and BlitzMax trace their roots back to Mark Sibly’s early work with Blitz BASIC, yet they reflect very different eras and ambitions in game development. Here’s an in-depth evaluation of the two:
Blitz3D
Overview & Heritage: Released around 2000, Blitz3D is a classic game programming language specially tailored for the PC environment. It builds directly on the legacy of Blitz BASIC, using a simplified BASIC-like syntax that appeals to beginners while still offering enough power to create 3D games. Blitz3D is often celebrated not only for its ease of use but also for the rapid prototyping environment it provides, which was particularly valuable in the early days of indie game development2.
Ease of Use and Learning Curve: One of Blitz3D’s most compelling features is its straightforward, almost conversational syntax. This simplicity makes it an accessible introduction to 3D programming, especially for those who might be overwhelmed by modern languages’ syntactical and conceptual complexities. Beginners can get up and running quickly, which has contributed to its nostalgic charm among many indie developers.
Performance and Capabilities: Blitz3D was purpose-built to allow developers to create both 2D and 3D applications without the heavy overhead of more modern engines. Although limited by today’s standards, its internally optimized compiler and integrated development environment meant that it could produce relatively efficient executables for its time. However, given its focus on PC development, it lacks native support for cross-platform deployment—a limitation if your projects today require versatility.
Community and Legacy: The language boasts a dedicated community with many veteran developers continuing to share tips, source code, and educational material. Its historical significance is made even more prominent by the fact that it’s been the foundation for several well-known indie titles. For those who value the “old-school” approach and appreciate the nostalgic aspects of game development, Blitz3D remains a fascinating tool2.
Limitations:
- Platform Specificity: Exclusively targets Windows, making it impractical for multi-platform applications.
- Dated Technology: While revolutionary at the time, some of its design decisions and available libraries might seem outdated compared to modern standards.
- Scalability: The language’s simplicity can also be a drawback when attempting to tackle highly complex or resource-intensive projects.
BlitzMax
Overview & Evolution: Launched in 2004 as a modern evolution of Blitz BASIC, BlitzMax retains the approachable nature of its predecessor while addressing many of the limitations inherent in Blitz3D. It was designed with cross-platform development in mind from the outset—supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, and beyond4. This makes BlitzMax not just a nostalgic homage but a practical tool for contemporary game and application development.
Language Design & Modern Features: BlitzMax introduces object-oriented programming (OOP) elements such as inheritance and polymorphism—all while preserving the simplicity that long-time fans have come to love. This blend of traditional BASIC-like syntax with modern programming paradigms provides a gentle learning curve for beginners, yet it offers enough sophistication for more advanced developers seeking to build complex, structured applications.
Cross-Platform and Modularity: Perhaps the most significant upgrade over Blitz3D is the cross-platform capability BlitzMax affords. Whether you’re targeting desktops or experimenting with multi-platform tools, BlitzMax is designed to be portable. Its modular architecture also means that the community has developed numerous drop-in modules, extending functionality from game-coding frameworks to database connectivity. This modularity not only keeps the language modern but also allows developers to build on a community-driven ecosystem4.
Development Environment and Community Support: The BlitzMax environment includes modern development tools and a compiler that produces efficient native code. The active community around BlitzMax supplements its documentation and support through forums, online guides, and sample projects. This kind of active engagement can accelerate learning and problem-solving, bridging the gap between beginner tutorials and more advanced development projects.
Limitations:
- Learning Complexity: Although designed to be accessible, its expanded features in OOP and modular integrations can present a steeper learning curve relative to Blitz3D, especially for absolute beginners.
- Niche Community: While passionate and active, the BlitzMax community remains somewhat niche compared to mainstream languages and engines. This might occasionally result in fewer readily available resources or third-party libraries than, say, Unity or Unreal Engine applications.
Comparative Summary
Blitz3D BlitzMax
Release Period ~2000 2004 and onward
Primary Focus Rapid prototyping for PC 2D/3D games Cross-platform game and application development
Ease of Use Extremely beginner-friendly with simplified syntax Beginner-friendly but with modern OOP and modular features
Platform Support Windows-only Multi-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.)
Community Nostalgic, historically significant, evergreen examples Passionate, active, but more niche than mainstream engines
Limitations Dated technology, lacks cross-platform support Slightly steeper learning curve due to advanced features
Final Thoughts
Both languages exemplify a unique blend of simplicity and efficiency, a philosophy that emerged from the indie game development scene in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Blitz3D, with its retro charm and straightforward approach, continues to serve as a nostalgic entry point for hobbyists and educators. Its design was all about quick prototyping on the PC, which made it a favorite in its heyday despite its inherent limitations.
In contrast, BlitzMax represents a deliberate evolution—maintaining the approachable foundation of Blitz BASIC while introducing advanced features and cross-platform support necessary in today’s diverse hardware ecosystem. Its object-oriented design and modular build make it versatile for both simple and moderately complex applications, although that added flexibility does come with a slightly more demanding learning curve.
Whether you’re drawn to the historical elegance and simplicity of Blitz3D or the modern versatility and expanded capabilities of BlitzMax, each language offers unique strengths that still resonate with developers today. For those interested in rapid prototyping with a nostalgic twist, Blitz3D remains a solid tool, while BlitzMax is better suited to those seeking a more contemporary development environment with the potential to scale across multiple platforms.
What kind of projects are you most excited to develop—a tribute to classic game design or something that leverages modern cross-platform capabilities? And are you interested in exploring the broader ecosystem of indie game development languages that build on these foundational ideas?
RE: Blitz3D VS BlitzMax - johnno56 - 05-28-2025
Ah... Blitz... Way back I remember trying out 'Max' and '3D'. Compared to most Basic's at the time, the IDE/Gui was very nice and quite easy to access all components... My biggest problem with both was me... I was more familiar with 'simpler' Basic's... The learning curve, especially for 3D, was a bit much for me... *sigh*
RE: Blitz3D VS BlitzMax - luwal - 05-28-2025
(05-28-2025, 02:02 AM)johnno56 Wrote: Ah... Blitz... Way back I remember trying out 'Max' and '3D'. Compared to most Basic's at the time, the IDE/Gui was very nice and quite easy to access all components... My biggest problem with both was me... I was more familiar with 'simpler' Basic's... The learning curve, especially for 3D, was a bit much for me... *sigh*
This is a book for learning Blitz3D and the price is about USD 6. It should be a good book.
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/3d-game-programming-for-teens-with-cdrom_eric-d-grebler/1232787/?#edition=5072419&idiq=90977
RE: Blitz3D VS BlitzMax - aurel - 05-29-2025
yeah I never have need to use any Blitz ...because
when i started to use PC and Windows they are not Free
and also because i am not very interested for games