A Developer's Process for Creating AI Text-Based Games with Claude

A developer on r/ClaudeAI has detailed their process for creating text-based games that can be loaded natively onto AI models. Their approach focuses on building games that work within LLM memory constraints while maintaining engaging gameplay.

Development Workflow

The developer's process involves several specific steps:

• Create a project and load all system files
• Prompt Claude to "harmonize files" - checking for spelling errors, discrepancies, and duplication of code words and game data
• Refine the rule set through traditional game design balancing, aiming for something playable that feels advanced without exceeding LLM memory capacity
• Prompt Claude to aid in creating new harmonized files and bespoke Python code from balanced datasets
• Test run the game, looking for "sloppy" code and infrastructure while designing during play
• Identify what feels fun and memorable during testing sessions

Testing and Iteration

The developer notes it takes about 3 full sessions to get an idea of structural changes needed for an AI game, as each generation is unique and every run differs slightly. They appreciate this variability as a feature of AI-generated gameplay.

Packaging for Distribution

The final step involves:

• Harmonizing every file into one 15-30+ page PDF formatted as a giant prompt execution list
• This PDF becomes the heart of the game, containing all tested rules and conditions made reproducible
• Designing a core prompt to be injected alongside the PDF - this command pushes the AI into a more rigorous processing environment by listing the PDF as its main source of generation and memory

Model Performance and Results

The developer reports this approach has worked in every LLM they've tested, with Claude coming out on top for "mathematic processing rigor during turns." They note that even Claude 4.5 without extended thinking can play these games at a high level.

Available Game

The developer has released "Kreep," a StarCraft-themed text RTS available for free on Itch.io. The game's GitHub repository and Itch.io page are provided for those interested in trying it out.