How to Build Fun Interactive Games with ChatGPT and p5.js

Welcome to Horse and Panda! Today, we’re diving into one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to create small games and interactive experiences using your favorite coding assistant—whether it’s ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Llama. The magic ingredient? p5.js, a JavaScript framework designed for creative coding enthusiasts.

What is p5.js?

p5.js is a JavaScript library based on Processing, a platform that revolutionized creative coding by merging programming with visual and interactive arts. Created by Ben Fry and Casey Reas at the MIT Media Lab in the early 2000s, Processing simplifies Java-based syntax into a beginner-friendly environment. Over the years, it’s become a favorite among artists, educators, and developers for its ability to prototype interactive experiments quickly.

p5.js brings the same creative spirit to the web, translating Processing’s syntax to JavaScript. This makes it incredibly easy to create, share, and run interactive sketches directly in a web browser—no additional downloads needed. With extensive documentation and an active community, p5.js is perfect for creating games, generative art, and more.

Why Use ChatGPT for p5.js Projects?

Combining p5.js with an AI coding companion like ChatGPT is a game-changer. It’s like having a mentor who can:

Help you write efficient code from scratch.
Debug errors and improve your game logic.
Generate creative ideas for game mechanics.

Whether you’re an experienced developer or just starting, AI assistants can accelerate your learning and productivity.

Example Game: Arkanoid with a Twist

Let’s look at how you can use ChatGPT to build an interactive game in p5.js. Here’s the initial prompt I used:

Create an interactive game using HTML5 and p5.js. The game should be like Arkanoid, but there should be a little creature moving around at the top of the screen, shooting at the player.

And here’s the result: an engaging twist on the classic Arkanoid game. In this version, you control a paddle to bounce the ball, break bricks, and avoid bullets fired by the mischievous creature.

Key Features

Dynamic gameplay: A moving creature adds an extra challenge by firing bullets at intervals.
Simple controls: Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to move the paddle.
Score tracking and lives: The game tracks your progress and ends when lives reach zero.
Creative possibilities: This basic framework can be customized to include power-ups, levels, or unique art styles.

The Code

Here’s a complete code snippet for this game. Copy and paste it into an HTML file, and open it in your browser to play.

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
  <head>
    <meta charset="UTF-8" />
    <title>Arkanoid with a Creature</title>
    <style>
      body { margin: 0; padding: 0; }
      canvas { display: block; margin: 0 auto; background: #333; }
      .instructions {
        text-align: center;
        color: white;
        font-family: sans-serif;
        margin-top: 10px;
      }
    </style>
  </head>
  <body>
    <div class="instructions">
      <h2>Arkanoid with a Creature Shooting</h2>
      <p>Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to move the paddle.</p>
    </div>

    <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/p5@1.6.0/lib/p5.min.js"></script>
    <script>
      /* Your p5.js code here */
    </script>
  </body>
</html>

Simply paste the above code into the <script> section, and you’re good to go. For the full code and additional features, check out the blog post’s code repository.

From Processing to p5.js: A Brief History

Processing was originally designed to make coding accessible to artists and non-programmers. With its beginner-friendly environment, it became a popular tool for creating interactive installations, generative art, and even academic research.

p5.js extends this accessibility to the web, allowing sketches to run instantly in any modern browser. This shift not only simplified sharing but also brought Processing’s creative potential to a broader audience.

Why p5.js is Perfect for Games

p5.js handles graphics rendering, keyboard input, and real-time interaction seamlessly, making it ideal for game development. Many prototypes and polished web-based games owe their existence to this versatile framework. Its integration with JavaScript also means you can extend functionality with libraries for physics, sound, and more.

Getting Started

Ready to build your own game? Here are some tips:

Start small: Begin with a basic idea and expand incrementally.
Use AI wisely: Let ChatGPT or your preferred assistant help with debugging and brainstorming.
Experiment: Customize the visuals, add new mechanics, or combine p5.js with other web technologies.

With tools like ChatGPT and p5.js, creating interactive experiences has never been easier. Share your creations online, and let your imagination run wild. Have fun coding!

See It in Action

Check out a video demonstration of the game to see what you can create!