Gemini World Weaver

Inspiration

I was inspired by classic word games like Scrabble and crossword puzzles, combined with the creative potential of AI. I wanted to create a game that leverages Google's Gemini AI to generate unique, themed word puzzles that feel fresh and engaging for Reddit users.

What it does

Gemini Word Weaver generates crossword puzzles using AI, where players start with a base word and must find and place as many valid words as possible within a grid layout. The game features multiple difficulty levels, themes, leaderboards, a shop system for unlocking backgrounds, sound effects, and persistent scoring. Players can compete globally while enjoying procedurally generated content.

How I built it

I built this as a full-stack web application using Reddit's Devvit platform. The client-side uses React with TypeScript, styled with Tailwind CSS, and bundled with Vite. The server-side runs on Express.js and integrates with Google's Gemini API for level generation. I implemented a crossword layout algorithm and added features like audio management, local storage for settings, and a shop system with virtual currency.

Challenges I ran into

Integrating the Gemini API reliably was challenging due to rate limits and ensuring consistent puzzle quality. Balancing game difficulty across levels while maintaining fairness proved tricky. Implementing the crossword grid placement algorithm required careful collision detection and layout optimization. Managing state across React components and ensuring smooth performance on Reddit's platform was also demanding.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I'm proud of creating a fully functional AI-powered game that runs smoothly on Reddit. The crossword generation system produces coherent, themed puzzles that feel natural. The shop system and progression mechanics add replayability, and the leaderboard creates community engagement. Most importantly, the game successfully combines AI creativity with classic word game mechanics.

What I learned

I learned a lot about integrating AI APIs into gaming applications and the importance of fallback systems when dealing with external services. Working with Devvit taught me about Reddit's development ecosystem and the constraints of building for social platforms. I also gained experience in implementing complex UI interactions and state management in React applications.

What's next for Gemini Word Weaver

Future plans include adding multiplayer modes, more puzzle types, and enhanced AI features like personalized difficulty adjustment. I'd like to expand the shop with more cosmetic items and potentially add daily challenges or seasonal events. Improving the mobile experience and adding more audio feedback are also on the roadmap.

Built With

• devvit
• express.js
• googlegeminiai
• react
• tailwind-css
• typescript
• vite