Part 2: Build TicTacToe Game in Figma | Advanced Prototyping In-depth Tutorial

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will build a TicTacToe game using Figma, focusing on advanced prototyping techniques and variables. By the end of this guide, you'll have a functional prototype that showcases the power of Figma for creating interactive experiences. This is part two of the series, where we continue to explore the exciting possibilities of game design in Figma.

Step 1: Set X and O from First Frame

To begin, we need to set up the X and O markers for our TicTacToe game. Follow these steps:

1. Open Your Figma Project: Use the practice file linked in the video description.
2. Select the First Frame: Click on the frame that represents the starting state of your game.
3. Create Variables:
   • Navigate to the right panel and locate the variables section.
   • Create a variable for "Player X" and another for "Player O".
   • Assign the appropriate icons or text to these variables.
4. Configure Interaction:
   • Set the interaction to change the state of the game board when a player makes a move.
   • Use the prototype tab to link the variables to their respective positions on the board.

Tip: Test the interactions to ensure that the X and O markers appear correctly when clicked.

Step 2: Drawing the Winning Line

Next, we will implement the feature that draws a winning line when a player wins the game.

1. Identify Winning Combinations:
   • Determine the winning combinations for TicTacToe (e.g., three in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
2. Create Winning Line Layers:
   • Draw lines using the shape tools in Figma. Create lines for each winning combination.
   • Make sure these lines are initially hidden.
3. Configure Visibility with Variables:
   • Link the visibility of each line to the game state using variables.
   • When a player wins, change the variable state to show the corresponding winning line.
4. Test the Winning Logic:
   • Play through different scenarios to confirm that the correct winning line appears for each combination.

Common Pitfall: Ensure that lines are properly aligned with the game grid to avoid visual discrepancies.

Step 3: Reset or Replay Game

Finally, we will add functionality to reset the game for a replay.

1. Create a Reset Button:
   • Design a button labeled "Reset" or "Replay".
   • Place it on the game screen for easy access.
2. Set Up Reset Interaction:
   • In the prototype tab, configure the reset button to return all variables to their initial states.
   • This should also clear any winning lines or markers from the previous game.
3. Link the Reset Button:
   • Ensure the reset action is linked to the appropriate frames and states in your prototype.
4. Test the Reset Functionality:
   • After a game concludes, click the reset button to confirm it clears the board and prepares for a new game.

Practical Tip: Consider adding a confirmation dialog to avoid accidental resets during gameplay.

Conclusion

In this part of the tutorial, we successfully set up a TicTacToe game in Figma using advanced prototyping techniques. We covered setting up player markers, drawing winning lines, and implementing a reset function.

Key takeaways include understanding how to use Figma variables for interactive elements and creating a seamless user experience. Next steps could involve exploring more complex game mechanics or further enhancing your prototype with animations and transitions. Happy designing!