DOWNHILL SKIER GAME CODING CHALLENGE

The Challenge

Your mission is to create a downhill skiing game.
The skier stays near the top of the screen while the world moves toward them.

Goal:
Avoid obstacles for as long as possible.

This game uses a classic trick in game design:
If the environment moves, it feels like the player is moving.

The Big Idea

Even though it looks like the skier is racing downhill:

• The skier only moves left and right
• The obstacles move upward toward the skier
• The player survives by dodging obstacles

Obstacles can include:

• Flags
• Rocks
• Trees

Play our html version of the game.

Step 1: Create Your Skier (Player Sprite)

Start with your skier — this is your avatar.

Requirements:

• Place the skier near the top of the screen
• Allow the skier to move left and right

Tip #1: Player Movement

Think carefully about how the skier should move.

You might:

• Use the left and right arrow keys
• Make the skier move toward the mouse

There is no single correct solution — choose what feels best for your game.

Step 2: Add Your First Obstacle

Obstacles create the challenge.

Start simple:

1. Create one obstacle
2. Spawn it at the bottom of the screen
3. Move it up the screen toward the skier
4. When it goes off screen, reset it to the bottom

Tip #2: One Obstacle First

Do not add everything at once.

• Get one obstacle working
• Make sure it moves correctly
• Then add more obstacle types

Step 3: Create the Downhill Illusion

The skier does not move downhill — the obstacles do.

Obstacle Rules:

• Move at a constant speed
• Only move on the Y-axis
• No left or right movement

Tip #3: Keep the Physics Simple

Simple movement makes debugging easier.

• No X movement
• Only Y movement
• Smooth, steady speed

This keeps the focus on gameplay, not complex math.

Step 4: The Game Loop

Every frame, your game should:

1. Move the skier left or right
2. Move obstacles upward
3. Check for collisions
4. Repeat

This loop continues until the skier hits an obstacle.

Check out our MakeCode Arcade Version of the Game!

Game Over

When the skier touches an obstacle:

• End the game, or
• Display a Game Over message

Extension Challenges (Optional)

Want to take your game further?

Try adding:

• A score based on time survived
• Faster obstacles over time
• Sound effects
• Multiple levels or difficulty modes

Final Thought

Start small. Test often.
Every great game begins with something simple.

Happy coding.