They create a Flight Simulator clone with AI in 30 minutes: earning 70,000 euros per month

Pieter Levels, a well-known entrepreneur and advocate of remote work, has developed a basic Flight Simulator using AI in just 30 minutes. Despite its simplicity, the game has quickly evolved, generating over 70,000 euros per month through sponsors and traffic. The project highlights the potential of AI-driven development, even for those without prior game development experience.

AI-powered game development made simple

Levels used Cursor, an AI-powered programming environment, to create the initial version of the game. By leveraging Claude 3.5 Sonnet, an advanced AI chatbot, he generated a playable flight simulator in under an hour. Although the first version was rudimentary, continuous improvements have expanded its features and functionality.

To enhance the experience, Levels introduced multiplayer capabilities, allowing users to fly alongside other players. Over time, he incorporated shooting mechanics, collision detection, and physics enhancements, making the game more interactive. The simulator now includes additional vehicles, such as tanks, and an upgraded interface for better usability.

A profitable experiment in AI game development

While the game remains far from a traditional flight simulation, Levels has demonstrated how AI can streamline the game development process. More than just an experiment, the project has proven financially successful. With an average of 20 to 50 players online at all times, and a record 22,000 users in a single day, the game’s popularity continues to grow.

The primary revenue stream comes from sponsorship deals, which place logos within the game’s environment. Remarkably, Levels even refunded one sponsor after deciding their requests were too ambitious for his available time. The game’s success underscores the monetization potential of AI-assisted projects, even those developed as a learning experience.