In the ever-evolving world of game development, the integration of AI has opened up new avenues for creativity and efficiency. One of the tools I’m trying out in this space is Claude, an AI model designed to assist in generating detailed, interactive content. Recently, I embarked on a journey to create a fully functional 2D game using Claude.
The Concept
After watching the Horizon documentary ‘The Trouble with Space Junk’ I’ve had this idea for a game that shows the consequences of space pollution. Inspired by the classic game Asteroids, “The Trouble with Space Junk” the game was born. The objective? Navigate a spacecraft through space, manage the debris, and survive as long as possible. When you play it it might feel futile, but there is a way to not die ;)
The Process
Using Claude, I was able to transform this idea into a working game with minimal coding (there was one bug I found and corrected). The process began with crafting a detailed prompt for Claude, outlining the game mechanics, design elements, and overall objectives. This prompt served as the blueprint for the game, guiding Claude in generating the necessary HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code.
Here’s the prompt I used: https://thinkcolorful.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SpaceJunkGamePrompt.txt
With this prompt, Claude was able to produce a functional game. The AI handled everything from the movement controls and shooting mechanics to the dynamic behavior of the space junk, which breaks down into smaller, faster pieces as the game progresses.
The Result
The result was a retro-style game that not only entertains but also puts the player in a situation where they have to deal with space debris.
You can play the game here (note: this is not mobile friendly and you will need a keyboard): https://thinkcolorful.org/spacejunk.html
Click to reveal spoiler
The game begins with a simple start screen, and as players navigate through the increasingly cluttered space, they quickly learn that mindlessly shooting at debris only makes the problem worse. Survive for 5 minutes, and you’ll be rewarded with a message of triumph.
Conclusion
Creating a concept game with AI using Claude was lots of fun. It allowed me to focus more on the creative aspects of game design and experimenting with different game mechanics while the AI handled the technical details. This collaboration between human creativity and AI efficiency opens up endless possibilities for indie developers, educators, and hobbyists alike.
