GAMESLASHYour first game can be small—just give people something to play
By gameslash
From a one-sentence idea to a prototype you can share with friends: how small is small enough?
Start with one action
Describe what the player does, such as combining elements, dodging obstacles, or asking a character questions. Choose just one action as the core of your prototype.
Set a scope you can finish
Use one scene, one goal, and controls you can explain in a single sentence. Placeholder art and simple sounds are enough to test whether the game is fun.
Let AI help with one part at a time
Explain what you want and the expected result clearly. Ask for help with one small task at a time, then test after every change. Never put passwords or secrets in code that runs on the player's device.
Let other people try it
Watch whether players understand the goal, where they get stuck, and whether they want another round. Use what you observe to decide what to improve next.