The Creator Checklist: From Idea to Published Game

This is the full pre-publish checklist for an AI slot: every decision from theme to launch, in order, each linked to its complete guide. Run it top to bottom for your first game; after a few games it becomes instinct.

1. Theme & Concept

• One theme, not three — a single world the game lives in
• The theme is IP-safe: genre and mood, no named characters, brands, or franchises
• You know who this game is for (cozy long-session players? big-win hunters?)

2. Prompt

• Covers all four elements: theme, style, mood, 3-5 anchor symbols (guide)
• Style is concrete ("hand-painted storybook") not adjectives ("beautiful, high quality")
• Palette or lighting is specified
• No in-image text requested, no exact counts
• Optional: reference image uploaded — one clear subject, clean background, sharp

3. Generated Assets

• Character/anchors all present — if not, run the six-cause diagnosis
• Style is consistent across the whole symbol set
• Checked at actual reel size, not just preview
• Iterated one variable at a time, not full rewrites

4. Symbol Hierarchy & Layout

• Clear tiers: quiet low symbols, rich high symbols (guide)
• Wild is the loudest, most distinct element in the set
• Scatter/bonus has its own shape language
• Symbols contrast against the reel background
• Background is atmospheric, not competing with the reels

5. Math

• RTP at or near platform standard (why)
• Volatility matches the theme's promise: cozy = gentle, treasure = explosive
• First game? Medium volatility — learn from real data before extremes

6. Identity

• Name is distinctive and searchable
• If this could become a series: the character/style is original and reusable

7. Launch (the difference between published and played)

• Promo assets captured: best symbols, logo, a spin clip (guide)
• The creation story is ready to post ("I typed this sentence, this came out")
• Launch campaign / volume race configured for week one
• Posted in communities you're actually part of
• Win clips get reposted as they happen

After Launch

• Watch what retains: session data tells you if theme and math agree
• Iterate the next game on what the data said, not what the last idea was
• Series > one-offs: your game shares compound when players come back for you

Related

• Start of the path: How to Write Better Slot Prompts
• Prompt Library — ready starting points by theme

FAQ

What's the most commonly skipped step before publishing a slot?

Checking symbols at actual reel size. Assets are judged in large preview and played small — silhouette and contrast problems only show up at real size.

Do I need to complete every step for every game?

The first six sections, yes — they're the game itself. The launch section is optional but is what separates games that get played from games that get published.

How long does the full checklist take?

For a first game, an hour or two including iterations. Once the workflow is familiar, most creators run it in minutes — the checklist becomes instinct.