How we built the Google I/O 2026 Save the Date experience

Source: Google Developers Blog

March 3, 2026

Google I/O 2026 returns on May 19‑20 at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA.
Before the keynotes, dive into the annual tradition: the save‑the‑date puzzle.

Puzzle Experience

This year’s experience showcases how AI can empower and accelerate developer workflows. The puzzle includes five games across different genres and an unlockable sixth game featuring a beloved dino figure.

Our creative and development teams collaborated in Google AI Studio to prototype mechanics, using generated code as a solid production foundation. As concepts matured, we transitioned to Google Antigravity for its strong agentic development capabilities, bridging early ideas into final builds.

AI‑Powered Development

• Level creation – Gemini generated levels and boards:

  • Nonogram: Level 1 is predefined; Levels 2‑3 are dynamically generated.
  • Stretchy Cat: Gemini produced level‑generation logic based on Hamiltonian pathing for random yet solvable levels.
  • Word Wheel: Gemini created 100 distinct levels.

• Game features – Gemini is integrated directly into gameplay:

  • Hole in One: Acts as an AI caddy, offering contextual tips and commentary.
  • Supersonic Bot: Uses Gemini to implement microphone controls, where voice volume guides the Android Bot.

• Game design planning – After completing the five games, a hidden build called Dino Pal unlocks. Gemini animates this virtual pet with personality traits that adapt to the player’s style.
  To let non‑technical team members fine‑tune difficulty and game length, we built a dedicated Game Designer Mode in Google AI Studio and used it to plan core reward and penalty systems.

Tinkering and Remixing

All games are available in Google AI Studio, allowing you to explore the underlying code, experiment with prompts, and remix the logic to create something unique.

If you build an interesting remix, share it with the community using #GoogleIO.

Get Involved

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