alt Hacker NewsMy fav coding benchmark for frontier models is to build a simple RTS game in one file (js/html/css). Claude Code with Opus 4.8 in ultracode mode nailed it, the best result so far:
https://bsky.app/profile/senko.net/post/3mmwnrkwboc2v
The prompt was: Create a simple but functional real time strategy (RTS) game similar to old WarCraft, StarCraft or Command & Conquer games. The player should be able to build buildings, create units, gather resources and should uncover the whole map. No AI or multiplayer needed. Use simple but nice-looking graphics. No sound. Implement everything in HTML/CSS/JS, everything in a single file (you can use 3rd-party js or css libraries/frameworks via CDN).
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It almost appears as if the code was minified. The variable names are short and formatting looks like it's written to minimize whitespace. Did it write it in this compact format all on it's own?
Do you have a collection of these benchmark apps saved anywhere? I'd be particularly interested in seeing the relative cost differences between different models in a use case like this.
Kinda buggy, but impressively nonetheless. How long did it take?
Played it to the end. Pretty neat!
I like that benchmark. You should throw the results up on GitHub pages so people can try out the games.