Enigma

Enigma is a competitive programming game built around hidden-rule puzzles.

Comment

Inspiration

We wanted to make coding practice feel like a game, but also feel more mentally stimulating and rewarding than grinding out LeetCode questions for hours. Most platforms give full problem statements and predictable workflows, but real problem-solving often involves uncertainty. We were inspired by reverse engineering and CTF style deduction from some of our team member's experience with CTF style competitions, and wanted to build a competitive experience where players infer logic from limited clues.

What it does

Enigma is a multiplayer coding puzzle game where you solve function challenges with incomplete information.
Players see only a small set of sample tests, then iteratively test, infer hidden rules, and submit solutions under time pressure. The platform supports casual party play and ranked matchmaking, combining learning, competition, and strategy.

How we built it

  • Backend: Python (Flask + WebSockets) for matchmaking, game state, puzzle generation, code judging, and leaderboard updates
  • Frontend: Svelte + TypeScript for a responsive real-time interface
  • AI-assisted development: OpenAI Codex helped accelerate implementation and iteration
  • Deployment: Hosted on a live domain with full end-to-end multiplayer flow

Challenges we ran into

  • Heavy parallel development created frequent merge conflicts in core shared files
  • Learning how to navigate the Zed editor and use the Nous research API was a new experience for most team members
  • Real-time multiplayer introduced tricky synchronization and state edge cases
  • Balancing puzzle difficulty, hint value, and ranking fairness required fast iteration
  • Coming up with real challenging problems that still felt fair to the users was incredibly difficult as the designers.
  • Deployment in a real WSGI environment caused differences from local development.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Shipped a fully playable product to a live domain
  • Built a unique puzzle format focused on inference, not just standard "use this algorithm"
  • Delivered both casual and ranked multiplayer experiences in 24 hours
  • Developed extremely customizable and sleek themeing that saves to the account
  • Turned an ambitious idea into a polished end-to-end game loop

What we learned

  • Clear communication and planning reduced the merging headache significantly
  • Clear frontend/backend contracts are critical for real-time systems
  • Competitive game mechanics require special attention to balancing
  • Good puzzles are very hard to design
  • Production deployment always reveals issues local testing misses

What's next for Enigma

  • Implement a Bayesian ELO system for stronger matchmaking quality
  • Expand puzzle variety and deepen AI-generated challenge content
  • Add stronger competitive integrity features (judge hardening, anti-cheat signals)
  • Improve onboarding, analytics, and long-term progression systems

Built With

Share this project:

Updates

Submission history