Write the prompt around a playable rule
Set the camera and steering rule plainly, then describe the rhythm of safe and risky choices. The prompt specifies a readable preview and asks for a safe route, which helps test fairness. Keep collectibles optional: players should not need to cross a blocked lane just to survive. If you want a special obstacle, introduce it after the ordinary lane patterns are understood.
Original concept prompt: “Create a three-lane endless runner through a toy greenhouse. Drag left or right to change lanes. Show planters and watering carts several steps ahead; collect matching seed packets for points, but leave a clear safe lane through every obstacle pattern. Increase pace gradually after the player learns the controls.” This is a recipe for an idea, not a claim that this exact game is already playable.
Play, observe and refine one thing at a time
Play while looking ahead rather than at the score. Note the distance between seeing an obstacle and needing to react, and check whether drag movement lands reliably in the intended lane. Try following the safest route and then taking a collectible detour. If a collision seems unavoidable, request earlier previews or more space between obstacle groups.
When a run feels too easy, add a new pattern before simply increasing speed. When it feels frantic, lengthen the preview or reduce consecutive lane changes. Describe the observed problem in the next prompt: “the second cart appears before I can finish moving left” is actionable. Replay the opening and a later section after each change to see whether the adjustment lasts.
A growing score alone does not make an endless run interesting. Give the player a small reason to take a measured risk, and ensure that avoiding everything remains possible. Keep early patterns simple, repeat them enough for learning, and add visual decoration only if it does not hide the route.
Playable reference for this prompt: Color Rush. Drag sideways to steer a candy blob down an endless road, eating same-colour blobs, switching colour at gates and dodging the rest. Use this example to compare the proposed rules with a game you can try now.
Questions about endless runner game prompt
How do I avoid impossible obstacle patterns?
Ask for a safe route through each pattern and enough warning to change lanes. During testing, inspect consecutive patterns rather than judging each obstacle alone.
What should increase as a runner gets harder?
Change speed or pattern complexity separately. If both jump at once, it becomes difficult to identify why a previously manageable section suddenly fails.