Google Lets You Build a Video Game by Typing a Description

In brief

• Google launched Playground on Oct. 7, a browser-based tool where U.S. adults describe a game in plain language and get a playable, shareable version, with creation access tiered by Google AI subscription.
• Google's announcement did not name the AI models behind Playground or give pricing, and it calls the tool "an early experiment."
• Unity Spark, a more advanced tool with 3D graphics and professional-level mechanics, will plug into Playground; Google and Unity say it arrives later this year.

Google launched Playground on Wednesday, a web platform where anyone can describe a game in plain language and get a playable version back without writing code. Users then refine the result by chatting, asking for different physics, rules, characters or settings, and can share it with a link, per Google.

“Today, we’re introducing Playground, an experimental gaming platform that lets you create, play, and share custom games,” Google wrote. “Playground lowers the barriers to creation, so bringing game ideas to life can now be as easy as describing it through a few prompts—no coding experience required.”

Playground is live for U.S. users 18 and older, with tiered creation access rolling out based on a user's Google AI subscription. Google's announcement did not include prices or say which AI models power the tool.