Arduino LCD Game | Circuit Diagram, Code & TinkerCAD Simulation
- LearnElectronics
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Have you ever thought of creating a video game using nothing more than an Arduino UNO, a 16x2 LCD display, and a single push button?
In this project, we will build a fun Arduino LCD Running Game where a player character runs continuously across the LCD screen while avoiding incoming obstacles. The player must press a push button at the correct time to jump over obstacles and survive as long as possible.
This project is perfect for:
Arduino Beginners
Electronics Hobbyists
Engineering Students
School Project Makers
Embedded Systems Learners
Anyone learning Arduino through Tinkercad
Watch the Arduino Project's Video
🎬 YouTube Shorts Demo
Watch the game running on the LCD display and see how the player jumps over obstacles using a single push button.
Try the Simulation Online
One of the best things about this project is that you can build and test it without purchasing any hardware.
👉 Tinkercad Simulation
Simply open the simulation, start it, and try modifying the code to create your own version of the game.
Project Overview
The Arduino continuously generates obstacles that move from the right side of the LCD toward the player. The player character remains near the left side of the screen and can jump whenever the push button is pressed.
If the player successfully avoids obstacles:
✔ Score increases
✔ Game speed gradually becomes more challenging
✔ The game continues
If the player collides with an obstacle:
❌ Game Over
The score is displayed on the LCD screen.
Project Images
Circuit Diagram
Gameplay Screenshot
Player character standing on the ground while obstacles approach from the right side.
Gameplay Screenshot
Player jumping to avoid an incoming obstacle & score increasing as the player survives longer.
Features
Single Push Button Control
16x2 LCD Game Display
Real-Time Obstacle Movement
Collision Detection
Score Counter
Jump Animation
Custom LCD Characters
Beginner Friendly Arduino Code
Tinkercad Compatible
Works on Real Hardware
Components Required
Component | Quantity |
Arduino UNO | 1 |
16x2 LCD Display | 1 |
Push Button | 1 |
220Ω Resistor | 1 |
Jumper Wires | As Required |
USB Cable | 1 |
Purchase Options
We offer multiple options depending on your requirements.
Option 1: Arduino LCD Game DIY Kit
Want everything in one box?
Our DIY Kit includes:
✔ Arduino UNO
✔ 16x2 LCD Display
✔ Push Button
✔ Resistor
✔ Jumper Wires
✔ Circuit Diagram
✔ Arduino Source Code
✔ Project Documentation
✔ Technical Support
👉 Buy DIY Kit
Option 2: Ready-Made Project
Need the project for:
College Submission
Engineering Mini Project
Demonstration
Exhibition
We also provide a fully assembled and tested project.
👉 Buy Ready-Made Project
How the Arduino LCD Game Works
The game follows a simple but interesting logic.
Step 1 – Generate Terrain
The Arduino creates a scrolling ground on the LCD display.
Step 2 – Generate Obstacles
Obstacles appear randomly on the right side of the screen.
Step 3 – Move Obstacles
The obstacles move toward the player one position at a time.
Step 4 – Detect Button Press
When the user presses the push button:
The player jumps
Character animation changes
Collision can be avoided
Step 5 – Collision Detection
The Arduino continuously checks whether:
Player Position = Obstacle Position
If true:
Game Over
Step 6 – Score Calculation
The score increases as long as the player survives.
The longer you survive, the higher your score.
Circuit Connections
The project uses a standard 16x2 LCD display in 4-bit mode.
LCD Connections
LCD Pin | Arduino Pin |
RS | D7 |
E | D6 |
D4 | D5 |
D5 | D4 |
D6 | D3 |
D7 | D2 |
Push Button Connection
Push Button Pin | Arduino Pin |
One Terminal | D1 |
Other Terminal | GND |
Step-by-Step Project Building Guide
Step 1: Gather Components
Collect all components listed above.
Step 2: Assemble the Circuit
Connect:
LCD Display
Push Button
Resistor
Arduino UNO
exactly as shown in the circuit diagram.
Step 3: Open Arduino IDE
Download and install Arduino IDE if not already installed.
Step 4: Upload the Code
Connect Arduino UNO to PC.
Select Arduino UNO from Board Manager.
Select COM Port.
Upload the Arduino code.
Step 5: Start Playing
Once the code is uploaded:
LCD initializes.
Character appears.
Obstacles start moving.
Press the button to jump.
Try to survive as long as possible.
Understanding the Code
This project demonstrates several important embedded programming concepts.
Custom LCD Characters
A standard 16x2 LCD can display only predefined characters. The game creates custom graphics using:
lcd.createChar()This allows creation of:
Running Character
Jumping Character
Ground Tiles
Obstacles
LCD Animation
The illusion of movement is created by repeatedly updating LCD positions.
This technique is commonly used in:
Embedded Games
Industrial HMIs
LCD Dashboards
Button Handling
The Arduino continuously monitors the push button state.
When pressed:
Jump state is activated
Character position changes
Collision can be avoided
Collision Detection
The program checks:
Player location
Obstacle location
If both occupy the same LCD cell:
Game Over
Score Management
The score increases automatically with time.
This introduces concepts such as:
Timers
Counters
State Machines
Complete Code -
Get the complete code from here
Educational Concepts Learned
By building this project, you will learn:
Arduino Concepts
Digital Input Reading
LCD Interfacing
Arduino Programming
Timer Functions
State Machines
Embedded Systems Concepts
Real-Time Programming
Animation Logic
Collision Detection
Event Handling
Human Machine Interface (HMI)
Electronics Concepts
Pull-Up/Pull-Down Logic
Push Button Interfacing
LCD Communication
Power Distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this project without hardware?
Yes. You can use the Tinkercad simulation link provided above and run the entire project online.
Can I use Arduino Nano instead of Arduino UNO?
Yes. The same code works on Arduino Nano with minimal or no modifications.
Can I add sound effects?
Yes. You can connect a buzzer and generate jump and collision sounds.
Can I add multiple levels?
Absolutely. You can modify the code to:
Increase speed
Add new obstacles
Add multiple lives
Add power-ups
Is this project suitable for engineering students?
Yes. This project is commonly used for:
Arduino Mini Projects
Embedded Systems Projects
Electronics Lab Experiments
College Demonstrations
Conclusion
The Arduino LCD Game is a fun and educational project that demonstrates how simple hardware can be used to create interactive applications.
Using only an Arduino UNO, a 16x2 LCD display, and a push button, you can learn important concepts such as LCD interfacing, animation, collision detection, user input handling, and embedded game development.
Whether you choose to build it physically or experiment using the Tinkercad simulation, this project provides an excellent hands-on learning experience for beginners and students alike.
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