Starting your first game can feel overwhelming. Many beginners think they need coding experience, expensive software, or months of design work—but that’s not true. With the right approach, anyone can build a playable 2D game on an iPad in just a few days.

In this guide, we’ll cover three beginner-friendly 2D games you can realistically build on iPad, even with no coding experience. Discover what skills you’ll learn, and a simple 7-day game jam framework to get you started.

1. Endless Runner

What is it? An endless runner is a game where the player automatically moves forward, avoiding obstacles and collecting points. Think Geometry Dash or a simplified version of Subway Surfers.

Why beginners love it:

• Simple mechanics to implement

• Easy to test and iterate

• Can be expanded with skins, power-ups, or backgrounds

Skills you’ll learn:

• Player movement

• Collision detection

• Spawning obstacles

• Scoring system

• Increasing difficulty

Tips to finish fast:

• Start with one character and one obstacle

• Add scoring after the movement works

• Keep levels short for quick testing

2. Top-Down Shooter

What is it? In a top-down shooter, players control a character from a bird’s-eye view and defeat enemies. Think zombie survival games or alien arena shooters.

Why beginners love it:

• Looks impressive with simple mechanics

• Introduces enemies, health systems, and shooting

• Fun to test with friends

Skills you’ll learn:

• Player movement (4 directions or joystick)

• Enemy behavior

• Health systems and game over logic

• Wave spawning

Tips to finish fast:

• Start with one enemy type and one weapon

• Add sound and visual feedback for hits

• Test each mechanic individually

3. Simple Platformer

What is it? A platformer is a game where the player jumps between platforms, collects coins, and avoids hazards. Think a short Mario-style level.

Why beginners love it:

• Great for learning core game mechanics

• Offers room for creative level design

• Easy to polish for small projects

Skills you’ll learn:

• Gravity and jump physics

• Level layout and design

• Checkpoints and basic enemy AI

Tips to finish fast:

• Focus on one polished level

• Use simple graphics

• Add a clear start and end

Bonus: Honorable Mentions

• Flappy Bird clone

• Pong remake

• Tap-to-avoid games

• Memory matching games

• Rhythm mini-games (like FNF-style)

These are all beginner-friendly, fun, and small enough to finish quickly.

Beginner Game Jam: “Build Your First Game in 7 Days”

If you want to take action, try a 7-day game jam. Here’s how:

Theme: Simple but addictive Game types allowed: Endless runner, top-down shooter, platformer Rules:

• Playable from start to finish

• At least one scoring or win condition

• Include a start screen and game over screen

• Optional: custom art, sound effects, or music

Schedule Example:

• Day 1: Idea & planning

• Day 2: Core movement

• Day 3: Add obstacles/enemies

• Day 4: Add scoring

• Day 5: Add UI screens

• Day 6: Polish & sound

• Day 7: Test & submit

Judging criteria:

1. Playability

2. Creativity

3. Polish

4. Simplicity

Why it works:

• Encourages finishing first projects

• Builds confidence and skills

• Generates shareable content

• Creates community momentum

What are you waiting for?

The best beginner games are the ones you finish. Endless runners, top-down shooters, and simple platformers are all perfect starting points for iPad creators. By completing a small project, you’ll learn valuable game design and coding concepts, and have something playable to show off.

Don’t wait. Pick one game type, start today, and join a 7-day game jam to make your first 2D game a reality.