Build a Simple Game
Design a game mechanic, use AI to help scaffold code, customize it, and make it playable.
Materials You'll Need
- This printable sheet (your game design doc)
- Pencil
- Code editor (Replit recommended)
- A grown-up's Claude or ChatGPT account, used together
Hi, Bot Track Projects · build-a-simple-game · Print-friendly · hibot.space/track-projects
How It Works
- 1
Fill in the game design doc: name, genre (puzzle/action/strategy), core mechanic (1 sentence), win condition, visuals (describe in 3 sentences). Example: 'A matching game where you flip cards and find pairs of AI concepts.'
- 2
Ask an AI: 'Create a simple JavaScript game that [core mechanic]. Here's my design: [your description]. Make it fun and colorful.'
- 3
Copy the code into your editor. Play it. Does it work?
- 4
Customize: tweak timing, colors, difficulty, add your own images or text.
- 5
Test with a friend: Is it fun? Is it clear how to play?
Your Work
Game design doc + final deployed URL (or code link). Write 3 things you'd improve in version 2.
Game design doc
| Name | Genre | Core mechanic | Win condition |
|---|---|---|---|
Visuals
The prompt I used
Version 2: three improvements
Parent Notes
Help your child be specific about the game mechanic. Generic requests (e.g., 'make a game') get generic results. Specific mechanics ('flip cards to match pairs') get better code. Celebrate playtesting feedback.
Reflect
What did you learn? What was hard? What would you do differently next time?
Made by Hi, Bot. Learn more at hibot.space/track-projects