Should you start prototyping gameplay behavior before final art assets are ready?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Depends
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

Starting gameplay prototypes early focuses on how the game plays rather than how it looks. Using simple placeholders lets you test core mechanics, player controls, feedback, and the overall flow without waiting for final art. This approach speeds up iteration, helps confirm that the design works as intended, and gives clear direction for asset creation because you know what visuals need to communicate. Waiting for final art before prototyping can hide issues in the gameplay loop and lead to rework after a lot of polish. While there are project-specific nuances, prototyping early to validate mechanics and feel is the most effective way to ensure the gameplay works before investing heavily in final visuals. Yes, you should start prototyping gameplay behavior before final art assets are ready.