Teach controls in the first few seconds

Show the action a player can perform and let them try it before introducing consequences. Short instructions beside the playfield are easier to revisit than a disappearing overlay.

Test with a keyboard and an alternate input. Make the active control visible and provide an obvious pause or exit path.

Continue the study

Work through a small code example, make one deliberate change and record the effect. The reading links below connect this exercise with animation, input and retro game design.