Creating a Game from Scratch with ChatGPT and Midjourney

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Idea Behind Starcatcher
3. Setting up the Game Environment
4. Creating the Game States
5. Designing the Player's Ship
6. Implementing Falling Objects
7. Collision Detection and Scoring
8. Adding Lives and Game Over
9. Enhancing the Game's Visuals
10. Adding Extra Features
11. Challenges and Limitations
12. Conclusion

Introduction

Have You ever wondered if an AI could Create a game for you? In this article, we Delve into the intriguing world of AI game development using chat GPT and mid-Journey. We explore the process of creating a simple and unique 2D game called Starcatcher using HTML, JavaScript, and canvas. Join us on this journey as we explore the capabilities of AI in game development and the role of human expertise in bringing it all together.

The Idea Behind Starcatcher

At the beginning of this project, the goal was to see how much work chat GPT could do for us and whether it could come up with a game concept on its own. With the guidance of chat GPT, we created the concept of Starcatcher, a simple 2D game where players Collect falling stars while avoiding obstacles. The game concept seemed straightforward, but with the help of chat GPT, we also incorporated additional gameplay elements such as customizable characters, avoiding obstacles, losing lives, and scoring. We explore the challenges and possibilities of bringing this AI-generated game idea to life.

Setting up the Game Environment

Before diving into the game development process, we needed to set up the game environment. With the assistance of chat GPT, we used HTML, JavaScript, and canvas to create the basic structure of the game. We tinkered with the code and made adjustments to ensure everything loaded correctly. The game slowly started to take Shape, and we were ready to move on to the next steps.

Creating the Game States

Game states are an essential part of managing the transition between different sections of the game, such as the menu and actual gameplay. With the help of chat GPT, we generated the code needed to handle the game states effectively. However, we encountered some errors along the way, which required manual intervention and cleanup. Once everything was working again, we had a well-organized project with multiple files, thanks to the AI's assistance.

Designing the Player's Ship

In Starcatcher, the player controls a ship that moves across the bottom of the screen. We wanted the ship to be visually appealing and engaging for players. With the assistance of mid-journey, we created a graphic for the player's ship. However, we faced some challenges in loading and implementing the graphics correctly. With some manual tweaks and adjustments, we were able to overcome these issues and have the ship moving on the screen as intended.

Implementing Falling Objects

To make the game dynamic and challenging, we needed falling objects such as stars and asteroids for the player to catch while avoiding obstacles. Chat GPT generated the necessary code to create a falling object class that randomly loaded stars and asteroids into the game. We also incorporated spinning animations for added Flair. The AI surprised us with the ability to handle collision detection using an AABB algorithm, making the gameplay experience more immersive.

Collision Detection and Scoring

Collisions between the player's ship and falling objects are a crucial aspect of the game. With the assistance of chat GPT, we implemented an AABB collision detection algorithm. This algorithm allowed us to detect collisions between the ship and objects accurately. To enhance the gameplay, we also introduced scoring and lives. The AI generated code to keep track of the player's score and lives, rewarding consecutive catches and resetting bonuses when lives were lost.

Adding Lives and Game Over

To amp up the excitement, we incorporated a lives system and a game over screen. Chat GPT played a significant role in creating a class to track the player's lives and score. Implementing the game over screen required freezing the game's background and adding a button to return to the menu. Although we faced some challenges in getting the AI to adapt to our requirements, we eventually succeeded in creating a satisfying game over experience for players.

Enhancing the Game's Visuals

Aesthetics play a crucial role in the player's experience. With the assistance of chat GPT and mid-journey, we enhanced the visuals of Starcatcher. We created a menu screen with a logo, animated background, and appealing colors. We adjusted the background color and added graphics to the game scene itself, making it more visually pleasing. These small improvements contributed to the overall polish and attractiveness of the game.

Adding Extra Features

To further engage players, we decided to add extra features to Starcatcher. Using chat GPT's suggestions, we implemented a star-catching combo system. This system rewarded players with increased points for consecutive catches while resetting the bonus when lives were lost. We also introduced the option for players to choose their own character color, making the game more personalized and enjoyable.

Challenges and Limitations

While chat GPT and mid-journey proved to be invaluable in assisting with game development, there were still challenges and limitations to overcome. The AI had a learning curve, and human expertise was necessary to guide and fine-tune the AI's suggestions. The limitations of the AI's comprehension and ability to generate precise code were also evident in certain tasks. This project highlighted the importance of human programming skills and the need for a balance between AI assistance and human expertise.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the exciting realm of AI game development with chat GPT and mid-journey. Through the creation of Starcatcher, a simple 2D game, we witnessed the potential of AI in assisting with various aspects of game development, such as generating ideas, setting up the game environment, implementing gameplay mechanics, and enhancing visuals. Although human expertise remained crucial in bridging the gaps and overcoming limitations, AI proved to be a valuable tool in accelerating the game development process. As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for AI in game development are vast, and we can look forward to more groundbreaking innovations in the future.