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How to make a platformer game with AI

Platformers are one of the best first games to build with AI because the rules are easy to describe: run, jump, avoid hazards, reach the goal. You don't need to know how to code. You describe the game in plain English, paste that description into an AI coding tool such as Claude, Cursor, Bolt or ChatGPT, and it writes the game for you as a web page you can play in your browser.

The hardest part of a platformer is how the jump feels. A good prompt asks for a jump that is quick to start, floaty at the top and forgiving at the edges, so you spend your time on levels instead of fixing physics.

How to do it in 3 steps

  1. Copy the Starter recipe. Use the Copy button below. It already asks for touch controls, a restart button and a score.
  2. Paste it into an AI tool. Open a new chat or project and paste the recipe. Ask for a single HTML file if the tool asks what to build.
  3. Play, then tune the jump. Open the result in your browser. If jumping feels stiff, ask: "make the jump higher and let me jump a split second after leaving a ledge."

Free Starter recipe

This is the Starter recipe from Bouncy Castle. Copy it as is, or change the details to make it yours.

Read the full recipe
Build a small, playable browser game inspired by "Bouncy Castle" (Platformer).
Concept: Vertical Climber.
Tech: use Three.js; keep it to a single page that loads instantly with no login or install.
Controls (as seen on the original's screen): tilt controls on phone, tap on mobile. Show them on a short how-to-play screen.
Players: single-player.
Core loop: include a visible score.
Steps: 1) get the core mechanic playable with placeholder shapes, 2) add win/lose conditions and restart, 3) polish feel, visuals and sound, 4) add your own twist (setting, character or one new rule).
Make it your own: don't copy the original's name, art, text or code.

Heads up: Starter recipes are learning templates written by Vibe1Up, not the creator's own prompt.

Play real platformer games made with AI

See what's possible before you build. Each one is listed on Vibe1Up with credit to its creator.

Screenshot of Hole Town

Hole Town

by @fuzzzypan · Three.js

If you have a few minutes, this game can refresh you if you are stressed. Gobble up the Hole Town in minutes. (Sorry, the pitch is bad.…

Screenshot of Jump Ninja

Jump Ninja

by @playpareho · Three.js

Jump to your hearts content! a simple platformer with simple controls, charge to jump!

More platformer games →

Remix it: easy ideas to try

Once your first version works, paste one of these into the same chat:

FAQ

Do I need to know how to code to make a platformer?
No. You describe what you want in plain English and the AI writes the code. When something looks wrong, you describe the problem in plain English too.
Why does my character fall through the floor?
That is a common collision bug. Tell the AI exactly what happened, for example "the player falls through platforms when moving fast", and ask it to fix collision.
Can I make levels myself?
Yes. Ask the AI to store levels as simple text grids, where each letter is a block, so you can draw new levels without touching the game logic.

Keep going

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