How to Build a Simple Game Using AI Coding Tools in Under 3 Hours

If you’ve ever thought about building a simple game but felt overwhelmed by the technical skills required, you’re not alone. Many indie hackers and solo founders face this challenge, especially when game development seems reserved for those with advanced coding skills. The good news? With the rise of AI coding tools, it’s now possible to create a basic game in under three hours, even if you’re a complete beginner. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process, share the tools we prefer, and highlight the trade-offs you might encounter along the way.

Prerequisites: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

• A computer with internet access: You’ll be using online tools.
• Basic understanding of game mechanics: Familiarity with how games work will help.
• An account with any AI coding tool you choose: Most require signup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Game

Step 1: Choose Your AI Coding Tool

Here are some AI coding tools to consider for game development:

| Tool Name | Pricing | Best For | Limitations | Our Take | |--------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | ChatGPT | Free tier + $20/mo Pro | Text-based game scripting | Limited to text-based interactions | We use this for dialogue scripting | | Unity + ML-Agents | Free + Pro at $40/mo | Full-fledged 2D/3D games | Steep learning curve | We don’t use it for simple games | | GameMaker Studio | $39/yr | 2D game development | Limited 3D capabilities | Great for beginners | | Construct 3 | $15/mo | Rapid prototyping of games | Can get pricey with features | We use this for quick prototypes | | Godot | Free | Open-source game development | Documentation can be sparse | We love its flexibility | | Buildbox | $19/mo | No-code game creation | Limited customization | We don’t use it for complex games | | PICO-8 | $15 one-time | Retro-style 2D games | Limited resolution and assets | Ideal for quick, simple games | | RPG Maker | $79 one-time | RPGs and story-driven games | Not great for non-RPG genres | We prefer more versatile tools | | Phaser | Free | HTML5 game development | Requires JavaScript knowledge | Good for web-based games | | Twine | Free | Interactive storytelling games | Limited graphics capabilities | We use it for narrative-based games |

Step 2: Define Your Game Concept

Spend about 30 minutes brainstorming your game. Keep it simple! Think of something like a text-based adventure or a 2D platformer. Write down the core mechanics, objectives, and storyline.

Step 3: Use AI to Generate Code

Once you have your game concept, leverage your chosen AI tool to generate code snippets. For instance, if you’re using ChatGPT, you can prompt it with "Generate a simple script for a character that moves left and right in a 2D game."

Step 4: Assemble Your Game

Using your AI-generated code, start piecing together your game in your chosen platform. This step should take about one hour. Most platforms will allow you to drag and drop assets easily, so focus on integrating the code snippets into the game engine.

Step 5: Testing and Iteration

Spend 30 minutes testing your game. Play through it multiple times to catch bugs or issues. Ask friends for feedback—this can be invaluable for spotting flaws you might miss.

Step 6: Polish and Publish

Finally, take about 30 minutes to add any finishing touches. This could include graphics, sound effects, or additional levels. Once you’re satisfied, publish your game! Most platforms have straightforward export options.

Troubleshooting: What Could Go Wrong

• Code Not Working: Double-check your syntax. AI-generated code can sometimes have minor errors.
• Game Crashes: Ensure all assets are correctly linked and loaded.
• Feedback Not Great: Iterate on your concept based on user feedback and test again.

What's Next?

After building your game, consider expanding it or trying new mechanics. You can also explore additional features in AI tools to enhance your game further. If you enjoyed this process, check out our podcast, Built This Week, for more insights on building projects and tools we’re testing.

Conclusion: Start Here

Building a simple game using AI coding tools is not just feasible but also a fun way to learn and experiment. Start with a straightforward concept, choose the right tools, and you’ll have a playable game in under three hours. If you hit a snag, remember that iteration and feedback are key to improvement.