Generate game concepts through interactive constraint gathering. Use this when the user wants game ideas, needs inspiration, or wants to explore different game concepts based on their constraints.
This skill generates game concepts through an interactive questioning process to understand user constraints, then produces 3-5 viable game ideas with detailed core loop descriptions.
Invoke this skill when the user:
Interactive constraint gathering ensures generated concepts are:
Always start by asking these core questions:
I'll help you generate game concepts! Let me understand your constraints:
**1. Development Timeline**
How much time do you have?
- [ ] Weekend (2-3 days)
- [ ] Week (5-7 days)
- [ ] Month (4 weeks)
- [ ] Longer-term project
- [ ] Flexible / exploring ideas
**2. Target Platform**
Where will this game run?
- [ ] PC (Windows/Mac/Linux)
- [ ] Web (HTML5/WebGL)
- [ ] Mobile (iOS/Android)
- [ ] Console
- [ ] Multiple platforms
**3. Team Size**
Who's working on this?
- [ ] Solo developer
- [ ] 2-3 people
- [ ] Small team (4-6)
- [ ] Larger team
**4. Engine/Tools**
What are you building with?
- [ ] Godot
- [ ] Unity
- [ ] Unreal
- [ ] Custom engine
- [ ] Other: _______
Wait for user response before proceeding.
After receiving Phase 1 answers, ask:
Great! Now let's narrow down the type of game:
**5. Genre Preference**
Any genres you're excited about? (Select all that apply)
- [ ] Action (combat, reflexes, timing)
- [ ] Puzzle (logic, problem-solving)
- [ ] Strategy (planning, resource management)
- [ ] RPG (progression, stats, narrative)
- [ ] Roguelike (permadeath, procedural, runs)
- [ ] Platformer (jumping, movement)
- [ ] Simulation (systems, sandbox)
- [ ] Rhythm (music, timing)
- [ ] Tower Defense
- [ ] Auto-battler
- [ ] Narrative/Story
- [ ] Hybrid (mix of above)
- [ ] Open to anything
**6. Core Mechanic Interest**
What sounds fun to implement?
- [ ] Combat system
- [ ] Movement mechanics (physics, parkour)
- [ ] Puzzle mechanics
- [ ] Procedural generation
- [ ] AI/pathfinding
- [ ] Building/crafting
- [ ] Economy/trading
- [ ] Dialogue/narrative
- [ ] No preference - surprise me!
**7. Visual Complexity**
What art style are you comfortable with?
- [ ] Minimal (shapes, colors, no art needed)
- [ ] Pixel art (sprites, tiles)
- [ ] 3D simple (basic models)
- [ ] Hand-drawn 2D
- [ ] Vector graphics
- [ ] Text-based
Wait for user response before proceeding.
After receiving Phase 2 answers, ask:
Almost there! A few more questions to refine the concepts:
**8. Experience Level**
How comfortable are you with game dev?
- [ ] Beginner (first few games)
- [ ] Intermediate (made 2-5 games)
- [ ] Advanced (experienced developer)
- [ ] Expert (shipped multiple games)
**9. Scope Preference**
What kind of scope appeals to you?
- [ ] Tiny (one core mechanic, super focused)
- [ ] Small (2-3 mechanics, clear goal)
- [ ] Medium (multiple systems, 30-60 min gameplay)
- [ ] Ambitious (full game, hours of content)
**10. Inspiration or Constraints**
Anything else I should know?
- Favorite games to reference?
- Specific theme or setting?
- Technical limitations?
- Game jam theme?
- Must-have features?
(This is optional - just share anything relevant)
Wait for user response before proceeding.
After gathering all constraints, generate 3-5 game concepts.
Each concept must include:
# Game Concepts for [User]
**Your Constraints:**
- Timeline: [X days/weeks]
- Platform: [Platform]
- Team: [Team size]
- Engine: [Engine]
- Genre interests: [Genres]
- Experience: [Level]
- Scope: [Preference]
---
## Concept 1: [Concept Name]
**One-Line Pitch:**
[Compelling elevator pitch in one sentence]
**Core Loop:**
**Key Mechanics:**
- **[Mechanic 1]**: [Brief description]
- **[Mechanic 2]**: [Brief description]
- **[Mechanic 3]**: [Brief description]
**Unique Hook:**
[What makes this concept stand out? Why is it interesting?]
**Scope Assessment:**
- **Timeline:** [X days/weeks] - [Realistic/Ambitious/Tight]
- **MVP Features:** [List 3-4 must-have features for minimum viable version]
- **Stretch Goals:** [Optional features if time permits]
**Technical Complexity:** 🟢 Low | 🟡 Medium | 🔴 High
**Why This Works for You:**
[Explain how this concept aligns with their constraints, interests, and experience level]
**Similar Games for Reference:**
- [Game 1] (for mechanic X)
- [Game 2] (for feel/aesthetic)
---
## Concept 2: [Concept Name]
[Same structure as above]
---
## Concept 3: [Concept Name]
[Same structure as above]
---
## Concept 4: [Concept Name] (Wildcard)
[Same structure - this should be a more experimental/unique idea]
---
## Concept 5: [Concept Name] (Ambitious)
[Same structure - this should be a more ambitious take if they want a challenge]
---
## Recommendation
**Best fit for your constraints:**
[Concept #X] - [Name]
**Why:** [Explain why this concept is the best match for their specific situation]
**Next Steps:**
1. Pick a concept (or hybrid ideas)
2. Create a prototype roadmap
3. Start with core loop implementation
4. Iterate based on feel
**Questions to Ask Yourself:**
- Does this concept excite you enough to finish it?
- Can you describe the core loop in one sentence?
- What's the "aha!" moment for players?
- Is the scope realistic for your timeline?
---
Would you like me to:
- [ ] Elaborate on any concept
- [ ] Generate variations of a concept
- [ ] Create a prototype roadmap for a concept
- [ ] Combine ideas into a hybrid concept
Timeline-Based Scoping:
Weekend (2-3 days):
Week (5-7 days):
Month (4 weeks):
Action Games:
Puzzle Games:
Roguelikes:
Strategy Games:
Auto-battlers:
PC:
Web:
Mobile:
🟢 Low Complexity:
🟡 Medium Complexity:
🔴 High Complexity:
❌ Feature Creep Concepts
❌ Vague Core Loops
❌ Technical Overreach
❌ Derivative Without Twist
❌ Scope Mismatch
User: "I want to make a game but don't know what"
Skill:
I'll help you generate game concepts! Let me understand your constraints:
1. **Development Timeline** - How much time do you have?
2. **Target Platform** - Where will this game run?
3. **Team Size** - Who's working on this?
4. **Engine/Tools** - What are you building with?
User: "Weekend jam, web platform, solo, Godot"
Skill:
Great! A weekend web game in Godot - super achievable. Now:
5. **Genre Preference** - Action? Puzzle? Roguelike? (Pick favorites)
6. **Core Mechanic Interest** - What sounds fun to implement?
7. **Visual Complexity** - Minimal shapes? Pixel art? Text?
User: "Action or roguelike, love movement mechanics, minimal art is fine"
Skill:
Perfect! Almost there:
8. **Experience Level** - How comfortable are you with game dev?
9. **Scope Preference** - Tiny and focused? Or pack in features?
10. **Inspiration** - Any favorite games or themes?
User: "Intermediate, prefer focused, love Vampire Survivors"
Skill: [Generates 5 concepts, all fitting constraints]
After generating concepts, offer:
If user says "tell me more about Concept 2":
If user says "I like Concept 1 but [change]":
If user says "I want to build Concept 3":
vertical-slice-planner skillIf user says "combine Concept 1 and 4":
User: "Generate a game idea for me" User: "I want to make a roguelike for a weekend" User: "Game jam tomorrow, need concepts" User: "Help me brainstorm game ideas" User: "What game should I build in Godot?"
This iterative approach ensures concepts are tailored to the user's actual situation, not generic ideas.