ZZT

ZZT
Release date:	1991
Made by:	Tim Sweeney
Runs on:	DOS
Exports to:	DOS

ZZT* is text-mode based game creation system. It had a sequel known as Super ZZT, which was markedly less successful because the editor was hidden behind a commandline argument. Megazeux would later become game's de facto successor. Over the years there have been other attempts at making ZZT clones, such as ZIG, Bang!, Plastic, and heaven knows what else, but none of them ever caught on.

*Named such so as to be at the bottom of alphabetical shareware lists. The name is not an abbreviation or acronym.

Running

The best way to use ZZT is via DOSBox! You may also want to grab a DOSBox frontend like DBGL. The only other thing you need is ZZT itself, which you can grab from zzt.org. Download version 3.2 rather than 4.

External Links

• Z2 - the main ZZT community
• ZUltimate - community wiki
• From Past to the Future: Tim Sweeney Talks - Gamasutra interview
• Hercules Meets Tim Sweeney - interview
• DigitalMSX Interview
• unlawful invisibles (zzt zinesters - screenshots) - The Gamer's Quarter article with recommendations
• the zzt thread - burning ascii fury - Insert Credit thread
• zzt recommended reading list - Article by Anna Anthropy