Speed Sudoku: Real-time Multiplayer Puzzle Game

Project Overview: Speed Sudoku is an innovative multiplayer Sudoku game that allows players to race against each other in real-time. Built for the Web Dev Challenge Hackathon S2.E2, it features collaborative gameplay where players can see each other’s moves instantly, creating an engaging competitive experience.

Links

• Live Demo
• GitHub Repository

Objectives

1. Create a real-time multiplayer Sudoku experience
2. Implement WebSocket communication for instant updates
3. Develop an intuitive user interface for game rooms
4. Build a robust game state management system
5. Ensure smooth gameplay synchronisation across devices

Features

1. Real-time Multiplayer:

   • Instant move synchronisation between players
   • Color-coded moves for each player
   • Live game state updates
   • Room-based gameplay system

2. Game Modes:

   • Collaborative Race mode
   • Shared puzzle solving experience
   • Real-time progress tracking
   • Competitive gameplay elements

3. Room Management:

   • Easy room creation and joining
   • Shareable invite links
   • Player color assignment
   • Real-time player tracking

4. User Interface:

   • Interactive Sudoku grid
   • Color-coded player moves
   • Real-time game state display
   • Responsive design for all devices

Technology Stack

• Frontend: React, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS
• Backend: Node.js, TypeScript
• Real-time Communication: PartyKit (WebSocket server)
• Workflow Management: Temporal
• Game Logic: Custom Sudoku puzzle generator

Future Improvements

1. Game Modes:

   • Implementation of Blind Race mode
   • Difficulty-based board generation
   • Move validation system
   • Win condition detection

2. Enhanced Features:

   • Player statistics tracking
   • Leaderboard system
   • Custom difficulty settings
   • Game history recording

Outcome

Speed Sudoku successfully demonstrates the power of real-time multiplayer gaming in the browser. The project showcases effective use of WebSocket technology and modern web frameworks to create an engaging, interactive gaming experience. It was a great opportunity to work with real-time data synchronisation and game state management.