Building a 2D Badminton Game with Python & Amazon Q CLI

🏸 Introduction

• Windows 10 or 11 with WSL enabled (or a native Linux/macOS environment)
• Ubuntu installed via WSL (if applicable)
• Python 3.9+ installed
• Pygame installed (pip install pygame)
• Amazon Q CLI installed and authenticated

1. **Install Python and Pygame in WSL:**Bashsudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
   sudo apt install python3 python3-pip -y
   pip3 install pygame
2. Install Amazon Q CLI:
   • Download the installer from the official AWS page.
   • Follow the installation instructions.
   • Launch and authenticate: q

1. Initial Broad Prompt for Core Structure: "Generate a complete Python script for a two-player (Human vs. Computer AI) 'Badminton' game using the Pygame library. The game should include:
   • A 2D badminton court with a net.
   • A human player controlled by arrow keys (left, right, up for jump/prepare shot) and a key (e.g., Spacebar) to swing the racket.
   • A computer-controlled AI opponent that tries to return the shuttlecock.
   • A shuttlecock with basic physics (gravity, movement affected by player hits).
   • Collision detection for shuttlecock with players' rackets, the net, and court boundaries.
   • A simple scoring system: a point is awarded if the shuttlecock lands in the opponent's court or if the opponent fails to return it over the net or hits it out.
   • Display the current score.
   • Game ends when a player reaches a certain score (e.g., 5 points).
   • Basic graphics using simple shapes and distinct colors."
2. Refinement Prompts (Examples of Iteration):
   • "Refine the shuttlecock physics: make its movement arc more realistically after being hit, considering hit strength and direction. It should slow down due to air resistance."
   • "Improve the AI opponent:
     • Make the AI player move towards the anticipated landing spot of the shuttlecock.
     • Give the AI a reaction time, so it's not perfect.
     • Allow the AI to attempt different types of shots (e.g., a softer shot if the shuttlecock is close to the net, a stronger clear if it's further back)."
   • "Implement serving: The player who won the last point serves. The serve must go from one side of the court to the opponent's diagonal service box (simplified)."
   • "Add a 'Game Over' message displaying the winner, and an option to restart the game by pressing the 'R' key."
   • "Draw player rackets as small rectangles that move with the players and are used for hitting."
   • "Ensure the shuttlecock cannot pass through the net; it should bounce off or fall if hit into the net."
   • "Display whose turn it is to serve."
   • "Add basic sound effects for hitting the shuttlecock and when a point is scored (placeholder for sound file loading)."

• Dynamic 2D Court: Clearly defined court lines and a central net.
• Responsive Human Player: Smooth movement (left, right) and a swing mechanic. Ability to perform a small jump or prepare for a shot.
• Challenging AI Opponent: The AI tracks the shuttlecock, attempts to position itself, and returns shots with varying strategy.
• Realistic Shuttlecock Physics (Simplified): Gravity affects the shuttlecock, and hits propel it in an arc. Includes basic air resistance.
• Collision Detection: Accurate detection for shuttlecock-racket, shuttlecock-net, and shuttlecock-court boundaries.
• Badminton Rules & Scoring: Implements serving, point scoring based on where the shuttlecock lands, and out-of-bounds rules.
• Clear UI: On-screen score display and game status messages.
• Game Flow: Start, play, point scored, game over, and a reset option.
• (Optional) Basic Sound Indication: Placeholders or simple sounds for key game events.

1. Navigate to the directory containing badminton_game.py in your terminal.
2. Run the command: python3 badminton_game.py

• Arrow Keys (Left/Right): Move your player horizontally.
• Arrow Key (Up): Jump / Prepare for a high shot.
• Spacebar: Swing your racket to hit the shuttlecock.
• R Key: Restart the game after it ends.
• Escape Key (usually): Quit the game (standard Pygame event).

1. Objective: Be the first player to score the agreed-upon number of points (e.g., 5, 11, or 21) by outmaneuvering your AI opponent.
2. Getting Started:
   • The game will typically start with a player serving (this might alternate or be decided by who won the last point, based on implementation).
   • Use your movement keys to position your player.
3. Gameplay:
   • Serving: When it's your turn to serve, position your player and press the swing key (Spacebar) to launch the shuttlecock towards the AI's side of the court.
   • Rallying:
     • Move your player to intercept the shuttlecock.
     • Time your swing (Spacebar) to hit the shuttlecock back over the net. The timing and your player's position can influence the shot's direction and strength.
     • The AI opponent will attempt to do the same.
   • Scoring a Point: You score a point if:
     • The shuttlecock you hit lands within the boundaries of the AI's court.
     • The AI hits the shuttlecock into the net.
     • The AI hits the shuttlecock out of bounds.
     • The AI fails to hit the shuttlecock.
   • The AI scores a point under similar conditions against you.
4. The Net:
   • The shuttlecock must pass over the net. If it hits the net and doesn't go over, it's usually a point for the opponent.
5. Winning:
   • The first player to reach the target score wins the game. A "Player Wins!" or "Computer Wins!" message will be displayed.
   • Press 'R' to play again!

• Timing is Key: Practice timing your swings. Hitting the shuttlecock earlier or later in its trajectory can change the shot.
• Positioning: Try to return to a central position on your side of the court after each shot to better cover incoming returns.
• Anticipate: Watch the shuttlecock's flight path and try to predict where the AI will hit it.
• Vary Your Shots (if supported by physics/controls): Don't always hit with full power. Sometimes a softer shot or aiming for a different part of the court can be effective.

• Amazon Q CLI as a Co-Developer: Using Amazon Q CLI can significantly accelerate the initial drafting and refinement of game mechanics, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture and specific logic challenges.
• Pygame for 2D Game Dev: Pygame remains a fantastic and accessible library for creating 2D games, handling graphics, input, and sound with relative ease.
• Iterative Refinement is Crucial: Game development, especially with AI and physics, benefits greatly from building a basic version and then iteratively adding complexity and polish through targeted prompts or direct coding.
• Simulating Physics and AI: Even simplified physics and AI can create engaging gameplay. The challenge lies in making them feel "right" and balanced.