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prompt🎮 Gamesv2 · updated 2026-06-12

Game jam prototype

48-hour jam plan: KAPLAY, one mechanic, ruthless scope.

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prompt.md
# Game jam prototype

Ship a complete, themed game in 48 hours: one mechanic, three levels of escalation, a start screen, and an end screen.

## Recommended stack

- **KAPLAY** - engine. Highest fun-per-line for jams: sprites, physics, and input in a weekend-sized API.
- **Vite** - build. Zero config; you have no time for config.
- **Kenney.nl assets + jsfxr** - art & sound. CC0 art and generated SFX beat blank canvases under deadline.
- **itch.io** - distribution. Jam uploads, ratings, and players in one place.

## Build steps

1. Hour 0–2: write the one-sentence pitch (verb + twist) and cut everything not in it.
2. Hour 2–12: core mechanic playable with placeholder rectangles.
3. Hour 12–24: difficulty curve - three escalations of the same mechanic, not three mechanics.
4. Hour 24–36: art pass, sound pass, title/end screens, restart loop.
5. Hour 36–44: playtest with two strangers; fix the first thing that confuses each.
6. Hour 44–48: build, upload to itch.io, write the page blurb, stop.

## Watch out for

- Second mechanic syndrome - escalate the first one instead.
- Custom art before the loop is fun.
- Saving the build/upload for the last 30 minutes.

## Definition of done

- A stranger finishes a session without instructions
- Restart works without reload
- The itch.io page has a gif and a one-line hook

The full prompt

Ship a complete, themed game in 48 hours: one mechanic, three levels of escalation, a start screen, and an end screen.

Recommended stack

  • KAPLAY - engine. Highest fun-per-line for jams: sprites, physics, and input in a weekend-sized API.
  • Vite - build. Zero config; you have no time for config.
  • Kenney.nl assets + jsfxr - art & sound. CC0 art and generated SFX beat blank canvases under deadline.
  • itch.io - distribution. Jam uploads, ratings, and players in one place.

Build steps

  1. Hour 0–2: write the one-sentence pitch (verb + twist) and cut everything not in it.
  2. Hour 2–12: core mechanic playable with placeholder rectangles.
  3. Hour 12–24: difficulty curve - three escalations of the same mechanic, not three mechanics.
  4. Hour 24–36: art pass, sound pass, title/end screens, restart loop.
  5. Hour 36–44: playtest with two strangers; fix the first thing that confuses each.
  6. Hour 44–48: build, upload to itch.io, write the page blurb, stop.

Watch out for

  • Second mechanic syndrome - escalate the first one instead.
  • Custom art before the loop is fun.
  • Saving the build/upload for the last 30 minutes.

Definition of done

  • A stranger finishes a session without instructions
  • Restart works without reload
  • The itch.io page has a gif and a one-line hook

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