Visual Studio Code presents a session where Den Delimarsky and James Montemagno build a 2D platformer in VS Code using Spec Kit and GitHub Copilot, demonstrating AI-assisted game development.

Building a 2D Platformer with Spec Kit, VS Code, and GitHub Copilot

Presented by: Den Delimarsky & James Montemagno

During this GitHub Universe session, Den and James collaborate to create a full 2D platformer game using the following tools:

  • Spec Kit: A tool for spec-driven game development, allowing a structured approach to building game features.
  • Visual Studio Code: The editor of choice for rapid prototyping and code editing.
  • GitHub Copilot: An AI-powered coding assistant that provides code completions, suggestions, and support directly within VS Code.

What You’ll Learn

  • Integrating Spec Kit workflow: How to structure a game project by defining specs and implementing features iteratively.
  • Working with GitHub Copilot: Demonstrations of how Copilot assists with game logic, asset integration, and test code snippets.
  • Best Practices in VS Code: Customizing the development environment for productivity, using extensions relevant to game development.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Iteratively building game mechanics such as player movement, collision detection, and rendering.
  • Community Engagement: The GitHub repository is available for viewers to try the code and contribute.

Featured Links & Resources

Speakers

  • Den Delimarsky
  • James Montemagno

Key Takeaways

  • AI coding assistance, when combined with structured development tools like Spec Kit, can accelerate game development.
  • Visual Studio Code’s extensibility and Copilot integration provide a powerful environment for iterative creation.
  • Community engagement and open source resources allow learning alongside experienced developers.

Getting Started

To follow along or contribute:

  • Clone the repository linked above
  • Install Spec Kit and required VS Code extensions
  • Try using GitHub Copilot for code suggestions as you build out game features

Feel free to share your progress or ask questions in the community!