Gemini 3 Powers Nostalgic Digital Game Development
After years of envisioning a quirky game, only Gemini 3 could partially realize my vision.
This week, Google introduced its potent Gemini 3 models, prompting me to experiment with Gemini 3 Pro on a nostalgic initiative of mine: Thumb Wars.
This digital adaptation of the classic hand-based duel, once enjoyed with my children, involves grasping each other’s hands and using only thumbs to battle, ultimately pinning the opponent’s thumb beneath yours.
For my envisioned digital counterpart, the concept of a virtual wrestling ring paired with animated thumbs, all manipulable via touchscreen taps or keyboard commands, was enticing. With Gemini’s enhanced capabilities, I was eager to witness its application in action.
Previously, I had utilized generative AI to create various digital games. This included coding an expansive Tic-Tac-Toe game with ChatGPT, along with a contemporary recreation of the Asteroids arcade game through Claude’s artifacts.
Claude particularly astonished me with its prompt-driven coding expertise, a technique now dubbed “Vibe Coding.” Rather than crafting code, one merely articulates desired outcomes, guiding the AI through refined prompts to achieve an ideal conclusion.
In embarking on my latest gaming venture, I commenced with Gemini 3 Pro while simultaneously submitting identical prompts to ChatGPT 5.1 and Claude Sonet 4.5. Each platform yielded unique results, with only one rendering a game I found truly engaging.
My journey began in Google’s AI Studio, where I accessed the Gemini 3 Pro Preview, typically a $19.99 per month service, though I secured a free three-month trial.
My initial prompt, included below, was straightforward, yet I anticipated refining the game’s mechanics through subsequent interactions.
Prompt:
I’m conceptualizing an app featuring two virtual thumbs engaged in Thumb Wars. Players will choose their thumb (with customizable skin tones) and compete in Lucha Libre-style attire. Participants await challengers from around the globe, fighting it out in a wrestling ring-like play area.
The game control involves tapping the screen: one tap executes a jab, while two taps create a sweep move to unbalance the opponent. Winning requires three falls.
Can we create this as a web-based application and show me a demo?
Admittedly, I feared Gemini 3 Pro might falter. My mental visualization of the Thumb Wars game, though clear, was tempered by concerns that Gemini might identify logical inconsistencies and request a redo.
To my surprise, Gemini 3 Pro was fully engaged, affirming: “Yes, this is entirely feasible as a web-based application (PWA). In fact, a web app is ideal, allowing players to join instantly via a link without needing to download an extensive app store binary.“
It went on to elucidate the myriad ways it could develop both the frontend and backend of the game, even outlining a “Lobby” for multiplayer matchmaking.
While Gemini couldn’t establish a backend host, it swiftly adapted, generating a functional “single-screen simulation.”
The HTML code, produced in mere seconds, was impressively concise. I promptly copied it and transferred it into an unformatted text file with an “HTML” extension, which I opened in Chrome. Here’s a glimpse of the outcome:
Visually, the game showcased significant promise. The mechanics functioned effectively, reflecting Gemini’s astute decision-making process.
Although choices, such as rendering the ring as a simplistic strip of caution tape, left something to be desired, the thumb shapes were reasonably accurate.
Notably, it opted to create a robotic opponent, as the current iteration of Thumb Wars lacked an online component. Furthermore, it astutely identified a gap in my game development strategy regarding control options.
Despite my stipulations for gameplay governed by screen taps, Gemini 3 Pro discerned the necessity for additional control methods suitable for web-based gameplay on desktops and laptops. Keyboard control options for strikes and sweeps were adeptly suggested.
I appreciated the customization for skin tones and mask colors. However, I felt improvements were achievable. Thus, I prompted again:
This is excellent. I’d like to incorporate additional mask options.
Also:
Make the ring appear more lifelike (it should have four sides).
Ensure the thumbs resemble actual thumbs more closely.
Position the thumbs wider apart and allow movement forward and backward using the arrow keys.
Enhance attack animations for dramatic effect.
Gemini 3 Pro responded by delivering Version 2.0, featuring enhancements like “CSS Perspective for ring depth,” coupled with dramatic flair in which “the entire screen vibrates upon a powerful hit.”
The resultant HTML file became substantially lengthier and included instructions for testing the new functionalities, such as introducing different mask styles like “Shadow Assassin” or “The Peacock” for a visual transformation.
This iteration also conceptualized organic thumbs with rounded edges and distinct nails, accompanied by a more realistic ring featuring foreground and background ropes.
Opening the file in Chrome revealed these enhancements:
My progress was considerable; the ring now possessed much-needed depth. Yet, I soon recognized I had only achieved a one-dimensional gameplay experience on a three-dimensional plane. I also found that thumbs could initiate or escape the ring at will.
Undeterred, I provided Gemini 3 Pro with this follow-up prompt:
Looking good. I suggest a few additional updates:
Thumbs should begin the conflict within the confines of the ring.
Allow the thumbs to move vertically within the ring using the up and down arrow keys.
Addressing the complexities associated with vertical movement in a 3D environment, Gemini efficiently devised a solution prior to generating the newest HTML code:
Depth & Perspective:
As the thumb moves “Up” (away from the camera), it appears smaller and darker.
Conversely, moving “Down” (toward the camera) results in it becoming larger.
This creates a realistic 3D effect within the CSS environment.
Z-Axis Hit Detection: To hit an opponent, you must align your shadow with theirs, as you can no longer strike from across the ring vertically.
Foreground/Background Ropes: The ring is now divided into layers. The bottom rope is in front of the thumbs, creating the visual effect of being “inside” the ring when approaching the camera.
The new HTML file produced a remarkable improvement:
Controls and motions across the 3D ring proved commendable. However, I was disappointed to note the omission of configuration options.
I requested that Gemini reinstate these features, leading to the largest HTML file generated thus far: “This integrates all we have developed so far.”
While my game may not secure accolades, the final result reflects substantial refinement compared to its initial concept.
After all the iterations, watching the final outcome was enlightening, as it showcased Gemini 3 Pro’s ability to not only fill in the gaps but also intuitively guide the project towards realization. Given the constraints, the results were indeed commendable.
Source link: Techradar.com.
