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Vibe coding is an emerging approach where developers collaborate with AI in a free-flowing, intuitive manner, rather than strictly following structured programming rules. The idea is to harness AI-assisted creativity to accelerate development and enhance problem-solving. To put this concept to the test, we built a game with Claude, an AI model designed for coding, and evaluated the results.
What Is Vibe Coding?
Vibe coding moves away from traditional step-by-step programming and instead focuses on:
- Using AI-generated code suggestions
- Communicating high-level ideas instead of strict syntax
- Iterating through a conversational feedback loop
- Emphasizing creativity and adaptability over rigid planning
The concept is gaining traction as AI models become more sophisticated, allowing developers to focus more on design, logic, and innovation rather than low-level syntax.
Building a Game with Claude
To put vibe coding to the test, we decided to build a simple 2D game using Claude as our AI coding partner. The goal was to see how well it could translate abstract ideas into functional code with minimal technical input.
Step 1: Defining the Concept
We started by describing a basic arcade-style game where a character dodges falling obstacles while collecting power-ups. Instead of writing detailed specifications, we asked Claude to generate an initial prototype based on this concept.
Step 2: Generating Code
Claude quickly produced a JavaScript-based prototype using the Phaser.js framework. It generated code for:
- Character movement mechanics
- Randomly spawning obstacles
- Basic collision detection
The AI-generated code worked surprisingly well, but it required some tweaking to refine movement physics and balance gameplay difficulty.
Step 3: Iteration and Refinement
One of the biggest advantages of vibe coding is the fast iteration cycle. Instead of manually debugging or rewriting large sections of code, we asked Claude to:
- Adjust jump height and movement speed
- Improve enemy AI behavior
- Optimize rendering performance
Each request resulted in immediate, testable changes, significantly reducing development time.
The Results: Did Vibe Coding Work?
Strengths
Speed – Claude helped generate a working prototype in minutes, significantly reducing the time spent on boilerplate coding.
Creativity – The AI provided unexpected yet interesting design suggestions, such as adding special power-ups and unique enemy behaviors.
Iterative Improvements – Instead of manually troubleshooting every issue, we simply described the desired changes, and Claude handled the modifications efficiently.
Challenges
Code Quality Variability – While the AI-generated code was functional, some sections lacked optimization and required manual fine-tuning.
Context Limitations – Claude occasionally lost track of earlier game mechanics, requiring reminders and clarifications to stay consistent.
Debugging Complexity – When encountering unexpected bugs, debugging AI-generated code was sometimes harder than writing from scratch.
Is Vibe Coding the Future?
Vibe coding isn’t a replacement for traditional programming, but it’s a powerful tool for rapid prototyping and creative development. While AI models like Claude can generate impressive results, human oversight is still essential for refining, optimizing, and debugging complex projects.
For beginners, vibe coding lowers the barrier to entry, allowing users to create functional applications without deep technical knowledge. For experienced developers, it serves as an accelerator, handling repetitive coding tasks and enhancing ideation.
As AI continues to evolve, vibe coding could become a mainstream approach—blurring the lines between human creativity and machine-generated innovation.
