How to Make a Game with AI
This guide gets you from idea to playable link as quickly as possible.
Before you start
Section titled “Before you start”You only need:
- a Vibecade account
- a game idea with one clear mechanic
- optional reference images if you care about a specific visual direction
1. Start a new project
Section titled “1. Start a new project”Go to Vibecade and enter a prompt on the home page.
If you are unsure what to write, use this template:
Build a game with:- Genre:- Camera:- Core mechanic:- Controls:- Win condition:- Lose condition:- Visual style:- Keep the first version simple.Example:
Build a top-down survival game where you dodge enemy waves and collect scrap to upgrade your blaster. Use keyboard controls, short runs, chunky sci-fi art, and a clear upgrade screen between rounds. Keep the first version focused on one map and three enemy types.2. Choose a model
Section titled “2. Choose a model”Pick a model from the model selector before you submit, or switch later.
- Free plans are best for fast exploration and public projects.
- Paid plans unlock premium models and private projects.
- If you plan to upload images, choose a model that supports image input.
If you are not sure, start with the default and change only if you need a different speed or quality tradeoff.
3. Add reference images if needed
Section titled “3. Add reference images if needed”You can attach PNG, JPEG, or WebP images to guide art direction, UI layout, or specific characters and environments.
Use images when you want Vibecade to match:
- a mood board
- a UI layout
- a color palette
- a character silhouette
- a specific level or camera reference
4. Submit the prompt and watch the first build
Section titled “4. Submit the prompt and watch the first build”After you submit, Vibecade starts building the project. While it works, you can watch:
- the chat for progress
- the preview for the running game
- the files if you want to inspect the generated project
- the logs if something looks wrong
The first build is usually the rough draft. Treat it as a starting point, not the final version.
5. Ask for one clear change at a time
Section titled “5. Ask for one clear change at a time”Once the first version is playable, continue with short follow-up requests.
Good examples:
- “Make movement feel heavier and add a dash on Shift.”
- “Replace the gray background with a neon city skyline.”
- “Add a simple title screen and restart button.”
Less effective:
- “Make it way better.”
- “Redo everything.”
6. Publish your game
Section titled “6. Publish your game”When the game is in good shape, use the publish action in the editor.
Publishing gives you:
- a shareable web link
- a page in the Vibecade Arcade if the project is public
- an easy way to test the game on another device or share it with collaborators
7. Export if you want a native wrapper
Section titled “7. Export if you want a native wrapper”If you want to distribute beyond the browser:
- use Desktop Export for Windows or macOS packaging
- use Mobile Export for Capacitor-based iOS or Android projects