Building a Memory Matching Game Using Amazon Q CLI & Python

#python #gamedev #amazonqcli

Building a Memory Matching Game with Amazon Q CLI + Pygame

Introduction:
In this blog, I walk through how I built a 2D memory matching game using Amazon Q CLI, an AI-powered coding assistant by AWS, combined with Python and the Pygame library.

As someone exploring the intersection of AI and interactive tech, I was amazed at how Amazon Q CLI guided me through every step — from game logic to visual layout — simply by chatting with it. It was like pair programming with an AI mentor.

This project was part of the “Build Games with Amazon Q CLI” challenge, and it opened up a new creative path for me — showing how AI can help bring even small, personal game ideas to life quickly and powerfully.

How I Got Started:

To begin, I followed these steps:

Step 1: Set up an AWS Builder ID
You need this to use Amazon Q CLI and join the AWS Builder community. It only takes a few minutes:
https://community.aws

Step 2: Install Amazon Q CLI
I installed the CLI on my local machine using the official instructions:

For Windows

For Linux

Step 3: Install Python + Pygame
I used Python (3.x) and installed Pygame with:

bash
Copy
Edit
pip install pygame

With these tools ready, I opened Amazon Q CLI, typed in my game prompt, and began building.

What I Built:

I created a Memory Matching Game — a fun, visual challenge where the player flips over cards to find matching pairs.

The gameplay includes:

A grid of face-down cards
On click, two cards are revealed
If they match: they stay visible; if not, they flip back
The game ends when all pairs are matched
This game is perfect for kids, educators, and even beginners learning pattern recognition.

How I Built It Using Amazon Q CLI:

In the CLI, I prompted:

_"Create a simple 2D memory matching game using Python and Pygame."
_
Amazon Q responded with step-by-step code that handled:

Setting up the display window
Drawing cards in a grid
Detecting user clicks
Matching logic with memory resets
Showing success messages when the game was complete

I made a few changes to:

Adjust the colors
Add font styling
Replace symbols on the cards
Improve timing for mismatched card resets

This was one of the smoothest experiences I’ve had turning an idea into a game — thanks to the conversational nature of Amazon Q CLI.

Watch the game in action here:
🎥 https://youtu.be/t7_quSR229w

Reflections:

Using Amazon Q CLI truly changed the way I think about coding.

Rather than starting from scratch, I could collaborate with AI, adapt what it gave me, and learn while building. It felt empowering — especially as someone passionate about building tech that’s accessible and supportive of real-life needs.

I could see how this would help:

New coders learning Python
Teachers creating simple educational games
Parents introducing kids to game logic
For me, it also connects to my deeper mission through MDBot for Her — supporting women in tech by encouraging creativity, visibility, and growth.

Try It Yourself!

Want to build a game with just a few prompts?

Start chatting with Amazon Q CLI and see how far your imagination goes.
This campaign runs until 30 June 2025, and if you’re in Asia Pacific, Japan, or Greater China, you’re eligible for a free Amazon Q T-shirt!