User-generated content in gaming usually means content related to an already existing game. It might be a mod, skins, tutorial, or anything else you can create and monetize - but it all stems from a game that’s already out there (and usually very popular). Is AI going to change the very concept of UGC? Will you be able to create your own games and even sell them as a completely marketable product? Are we there yet? Well, not so much, but it is getting rather interesting.
Let’s start with the obvious: you’re not going to make the next Red Dead Redemption 2 or LoL using AI and vibe coding. Although AI has progressed in leaps and bounds, there’s still a long road ahead before these tools can make “serious” games. That said, there are still really cool AI tools out there, which allow you to create small, completely playable games. These tools redefine UGC by letting anyone (yes, even folks who’ve never coded a single line) turn their game ideas into reality. Whether you’re dreaming up a retro platformer, a quirky puzzle game, or a simple arcade hit, these AI and no-code platforms are changing the indie game scene. They’re perfect for hobbyists, artists, or anyone who wants to share a fun game.
These tools are all about making game creation a breeze. With AI, you can describe your game in a natural language. For example, your prompt can be, “a 2D shooter with a space pirate vibe”, and the tool generates code, characters, and even basic gameplay. No-code platforms, on the other hand, use drag-and-drop interfaces or simple menus, so you don’t need to touch a keyboard to build something cool. Think of it like building a level in Super Mario Maker, but for entire games.
This is a game-changer for UGC. Back in the day, making a game meant learning hardcore coding languages or wrestling with complex engines like Unity. Now, AI and no-code tools let you focus on the fun stuff: designing levels, crafting stories, and making players smile. The 2025 Vibe Coding Game Jam proved this, with over 1,000 games submitted. One standout, The Great Taxi Assignment, was a retro 3D taxi game that showed non-coders can make something players love. These tools are opening doors for everyone to join the indie game party.
“Awesome” may be a big word, and it generally depends on what you’re looking for. AI-made games aren’t going to have the epic story of The Last of Us or buttery-smooth multiplayer like Apex Legends. But they don’t need to! They’re built for quick, fun experiences that grab casual players or niche fans. Think old-school arcade games, mobile apps you play on the bus, or viral hits like Flappy Bird. Simplicity is their strength, and these tools nail that vibe.
For example, Rosebud AI lets you type out your game idea, and it quickly creates a 2D or 3D prototype with characters, levels, and some basic physics. Tools like GDevelop or Construct 3 give you pre-made pieces, so you can drag and drop to build a platformer or puzzle game in no time. They might have some rough spots, like a glitch here or a laggy moment there, but for game jams or personal projects, they totally get the job done.
You’re probably not going to make millions with a vibe-coded game, but there’s definitely a market for them. Platforms like itch.io, Glitch, and Neocities are goldmines for indie games, where small, quirky titles can find a home.
And you never know when you might hit the jackpot. Some devs have made it big, like Pieter Levels, who famously built a vibe-coded multiplayer plane game that reached $1M in annual recurring revenue (ARR) in 17 days (but he’s an experienced developer with marketing savvy). Even smaller games, like Memecoin Dodger from the 2025 Vibe Coding Game Jam, got attention for being fun and meme-y.
To make your game sell, focus on niche crowds who love retro vibes or simple gameplay. Web-based games are super shareable, which helps them spread.
If you’re considering vibe coding for game development, here’s our advice to you:
First of all, start small. Use tools like GDevelop, Construct 3, or Three.js with AI assistance (e.g., Claude, Grok 3) to create 2D platformers or web-based puzzles. These are more likely to be playable and marketable.
Also, lean how to debug: Understand enough code to spot AI errors, as this mitigates technical debt. Resources like the “12 Rules to Vibe Code Without Frustration” guide emphasize explaining code in simple terms.
Participate in game jams or forums (e.g., itch.io, Gamedev.js) to gain feedback and visibility. You might get some good inspiration this way, too.
Create quirky, accessible games and host them on platforms like itch.io to tap into indie audiences.
Don’t forget sound design! Even minimal SFX can transform a basic game into something that feels intentional. Use free libraries or AI-generated sounds, but don’t ignore the audio.
Prompt Claude or ChatGPT to “make the game more chaotic,” “add a twist after level 3,” or “introduce a morally questionable character” - you’ll be surprised by the results.
Test often and early. Even if your prototype is held together with duct tape and vibes, getting a few players to try it will surface issues AI didn’t catch.
Most importantly, finish something. A weird, glitchy finished game beats a half-built masterpiece every time.
Our next post on the subject will be a comprehensive list of recommended AI gaming tools, so stay tuned!
