When should I stop prototyping and start building?

When core loop fun is proven in 15–30 minutes of play, even if art is placeholder.

Idea and Concept

Turn raw ideas into pitch docs, mechanics sketches, and playable prototypes before investing months in production.

6 tools

General AI assistant for game design, code, and writing

FreemiumVerifiedIdea and Concept

AI assistant for game design docs, dialogue, and code

FreemiumVerifiedIdea and Concept

Google's AI assistant for game research and prototyping

FreemiumVerifiedIdea and Concept

All-in-one AI game asset platform with sprite sheets, 3D, audio, and engine integration

FreemiumVerifiedIdea and Conceptpixel-artcartoon

Free AI game content generator — names, quests, items, lore, and more

FreeVerifiedIdea and Concept

AI-powered game prototyping from text prompts

FreemiumVerifiedIdea and Conceptpixel-artcartoon

When should I stop prototyping and start building?: When core loop fun is proven in 15–30 minutes of play, even if art is placeholder.

Workflows5 min readApr 10, 2026

A practical AI workflow from idea to launch for solo indie game developers.