> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gocipher.gg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gocipher.gg/cipher-tutorials/1.-getting-started.md). # 1. Getting Started Welcome, Creator! You're about to build your first game without writing a single line of code. This guide walks you through everything from logging in, to creating, playing and selling games you made. By the end, you'll know exactly how Cipher works for you and how to go from a blank screen to something your friends can play today! *** ### What is Cipher Game Builder? [**Cipher Game Builder**](https://gocipher.gg/build) lets you create games by describing what you want. You describe your idea by chatting with **Cyra****, your digital co-pilot****,** and she turns it into a playable, sellable, shareable game that can run on web browsers and mobile devices!
You can keep improving and perfecting your game by continuing to chat with [**Cyra**](https://gocipher.gg/create/games), rebuild it when you want a fresh start, and publish it to the [**Cipher Game Lobby**](https://gocipher.gg/games) when it's ready. > **Quick Tip:** *When you build games, we will be able to work even faster in improving every creator's experience.* Use the Feedback button or visit [**Discord**](https://discord.com/invite/gocipher) to tell us what's working and what isn't - we're all ears! *** ### This Version: What You Can Build {% hint style="info" %} *Click ">" to expand each layer below.* {% endhint %}
RECOMMENDED FOR BEGINNER – ADVANCED CREATORS * 2D arcade games (dodge, collect, survive) * Platformers * Simple fighting and combat games * Mouse-controlled games (click, drag, aim) * Touch-controlled games (mobile friendly) * Keyboard-controlled movement * Timer and score-based games * Multi-screen flows (e.g. title screen → gameplay → game over) * Games using your own uploaded images and sprites
RECOMMENDED FOR ADVANCED – EXPERT CREATORS * Games with lots of different enemy types * Complex physics (realistic bouncing, swinging, ragdoll) * Games with multiple levels in sequence * Detailed particle effects and visual polish * Puzzle or logic games * Sound effects and music * AI opponents that play smart * Games that save progress between sessions
IN THE NEXT VERSION * 3D games * Online multiplayer * Huge scrolling worlds beyond basic side-scrolling
*** ### Logging In Head to [**gocipher.gg**](https://gocipher.gg/) and login with your Gmail Account > **Quick Tip:** You can build and play games on both your computer and mobile device. The games you create and publish can be optimized for play on both mobile or browser, depending on how you build it! *** ### Creating a New Game Project Once you're in, you land on the [**Projects**](https://gocipher.gg/create/games) page. Think of this as your game library showing all the projects you've started.
Here, you'll see cards for all the projects you've already started. Each card shows the name and when you last worked on it. Click any card to pick up where you left off. The trash icon deletes a project for good, so be careful with that one. #### **How to Create a New Game**
1. Click **(+) New Game**
2. **Name your game** \ This is just for you to stay organized. You'll pick the official name for your game later when you publish it.
3. **Pick your template**\ Select either **2D** to create Sprites, Tilemaps and Side-scroller games; OR **3D** to create Meshes, Physics and 3D World games.
4. **Choose your screen orientation** \ Pick **Landscape** (16:9) for games played on a computer screen, or **Portrait** (9:16) for games designed for mobile.
5. Hit **Create Project** and you're straight into the workspace where everything happens! > **Quick tip:** You can create multiple projects. (One game per project) So if an idea just isn't working out for you, feel free to start a new one. *** ### Navigating Your Project Workspace Once you've created a new project, your game workspace opens up – That's where you'll be creating, designing and releasing your ultimate game creation! **Your project workspace is split into two sides:** #### Right Side: Chat Panel This is how you talk to [**Cyra**](https://gocipher.gg/create/games). Just like having a conversation - describe what you want, and she responds with a plan before building your game. You can always go back and forth until your game is exactly how you want it.
At the bottom of the chat, you'll see:
* **Text Box** \ Where you type your ideas to Cyra.
* **+Image Button** \ Extra options to add photos and files\ * **Mode toggles** \ Use "Plan" mode on so Cyra can design your game first. Use "Build" mode to make and change your game. Use "Ask" mode on when you just want to ask something without changing the project.
* **Send button** (purple arrow) \ Sends your message #### Left Side: Game Preview This is where your game lives. Every time [**Cyra**](https://gocipher.gg/create/games) builds or updates something, the preview refreshes and you can playtest it right here.
In the beginning, you'll see a blank space on the left. Don't fret! As soon as Cyra finishes your first build, your game takes over this space automatically. #### Left Side: Bottom Toolbar Once [**Cyra**](https://gocipher.gg/create/games) completes your first build or a base of your game, a toolbar will appear at the bottom of the game preview with these buttons:
* **Design Studio** \ Opens the visual editor where you can place objects, edit sprites, create sounds, and tweak settings. You can also upload your own files like images, sprites, or sound effects.\ * **Publish** \ Tap this when you'd like to publish your game to the [**Cipher Game Lobby**](https://gocipher.gg/games). We'll review your game to ensure there are no major errors before it is published.
* **History** \ Access previous versions of your game
* **Share** \ Gives you a public link to your game. Anyone with this link can play your game in their browser. The link always points to the latest version of your game, so you won't need a new one even if you make any changes.
* **Publish** \ Expands the game preview to fill your whole screen. Use it to play-test your game at least once, so you can spot any issues that might only show up at full screen size. Press Escape or click Fullscreen again to exit.
> **Quick tip:** Use Design Studio to make quick gameplay changes to your game without using Keys. These settings are created by Cyra for your convenience and will change as your game changes. *** ### Tips from Our Beta Game Creators (Like you!)
1. **Cyra sometimes checks in before making changes.** \ It'll describe what it's planning and ask if that sounds right. Reply clearly if its a "yes" or "no"!
2. **Builds can fail, don't give up!** \ If something goes wrong, Cyra informs you. \ Try rewording your request or hit **Rebuild** for a fresh start.
3. **Your work auto-saves.** \ Close the browser, come back later, and everything is still there. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://docs.gocipher.gg/cipher-tutorials/1.-getting-started.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.