A few years ago, I published steps for installing Python and Pygame Zero on an Intel‑based MacBook so readers could follow along with Sean McManus’s Mission Python: Code a Space Adventure Game.

I recently repeated the setup on a MacBook Air (M1, Tahoe 26.2), so here are the updated instructions.

Install Python 3.14.2

• Download Python 3.14.2 – https://www.python.org/downloads/macos/
• Run the installer and follow the prompts.
• Open Terminal (Cmd+Space – “Terminal” – Enter).
• Verify the installation:

which python3

Expected output:

/Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.14/bin/python3

Verify or Update pip3

pip3 (25.3) is installed automatically with Python 3.14.2, but it’s good practice to update it.

Upgrade pip:

pip3 install --upgrade pip

Check the version:

pip3 --version

Expected output:

pip 25.3 from /Library/Frameworks/Python.framework/Versions/3.14/lib/python3.14/site-packages/pip (python 3.14)

Install Pygame Zero

Run:

pip3 install pgzero

Expected output:

Successfully installed numpy-2.4.0 pgzero-1.2.1 pygame-2.6.1

Test Mission Python

• Download the Mission Python code: https://www.sean.co.uk/books/mission-python/index.shtm
• Unzip the file.
• Navigate to the escape folder (assuming it’s in Downloads):

cd Downloads
cd escape

• Run the game:

pgzrun escape.py

The game should launch, and you’re ready to begin your Mission Python adventure.

Field Notes

I recommend installing Python directly from python.org rather than via Homebrew. In earlier tests, Pygame installed through Homebrew caused several issues — the “old school” installer has consistently been more reliable.

This post was written with ❤️ and ☕️