If you want to do some quantum computing, you'll need some software and some hardware. The best software is Qiskit, an open-source Python-based framework. The best place to get your hands on hardware is the IBM Quantum Experience.
But maybe all that's a little too advanced for your first step into this new world...
Instead of using the most well-developed framework for quantum computing — full to the brim with fancy features — maybe something more minimal is best to start off with. And instead of using trying to push the world's most advanced quantum devices to their limits, it's best to have a more limited scope for your first quantum programs. That will make it possible to use a simple emulator rather than a real device, which makes things easier.
With these ideas in mind, we bring you MicroQiskit. This let's you play with the basics of quantum computing and familiarize yourself with the syntax of Qiskit, all in the most straightforward way possible.
Now the question is: what will be your first attempt at writing a quantum program? My suggestion is to make a game! Just try using one or two qubits to implement a simple game mechanic. To get a bit of context on why this is a good idea, check out the following.
The usual way to make a game is using a powerful engine like Unity or Godot. Some instead prefer to use a low-fi engine like PICO-8: either because it levels the playing field between experts and newbies, or just because it is fun. Given that our aim is to learn to use Qiskit/MicroQiskit, we'll go the low-fi route. Specifically, we'll use an extended version of the PewPew game engine, implemented using Pygame. Everything you need to develop, play and share games made with this engine is in the link below.
To really get something out of this, you'll need to know about the basics of quantum computing: qubits and how to use them. If you want to learn everything, check out our textbook. If you just want to know enough to get started with making games, here is a PewPew-based guide to a single qubit.
This is already enough to start with some very simple procedural generation, as I tested out in a recent Ludum Dare entry. But for some slightly more complex procedural generation, you can check out the quantumline tools that come bundled with the PewPew emulator. Here's a quick explanation of what they do.
With these tools, you have everything you need to make your first quantum game. Have fun!
Depending on the game engine you want to use, using Python tools might be tricky. So we have some tips to help you out.
- Here are multiple ways to get Qiskit working with multiple games engines.
- MicroQiskit and QuantumLine have been implemented in C++.
- This C++ version can be used in Unity, as shown by our friends in Turku here.