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  I Take A Baby Crocodile

Project Story for "I Take A Baby Crocodile"

Inspiration

Our game "I Take A Baby Crocodile" was inspired by the concept of parallel universes and the viral phenomenon of social media influencers seeking engagement through increasingly risky wildlife encounters. We wanted to create a fun yet thought-provoking gaming experience that transforms a controversial moment into an engaging survival challenge with an underlying message about respecting wildlife.

What it does

"I Take A Baby Crocodile" is a survivor-like web game where players navigate a challenging environment to collect baby crocodiles and eggs while avoiding the vengeful mother crocodile. The game features a dynamic difficulty system - each baby crocodile you collect increases your score but also enrages the mother, making her more determined to catch you. Players can collect power-ups that affect the mother crocodile's behavior and discover hidden easter eggs throughout the game.

How we built it

We built this game using a tech stack centered around web technologies:

• Node.js for the backend server
• Express for API routing
• HTML5 Canvas for rendering the game environment and assets

Our development process involved creating a core game loop first, then iteratively adding features like the scoring system, mother crocodile behavior, and the power-up system. We implemented a responsive design to ensure playability across various devices.

Challenges we ran into

Our biggest challenges included:

• Optimizing performance for HTML5 Canvas with multiple moving elements
• Creating intuitive controls that work well on both desktop and mobile devices
• Designing engaging level layouts that offer both challenge and strategic opportunities

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're particularly proud of:

• Creating a dynamic difficulty system that provides a consistent challenge
• Designing an engaging game loop that keeps players coming back
• Building an accessible game that can be enjoyed by players of various skill levels
• Successfully integrating humor and social commentary into the gameplay

What we learned

Throughout development, we learned:

• Optimization strategies for HTML5 Canvas rendering
• Effective approaches to game balancing and difficulty progression
• The importance of iterative playtesting and user feedback
• How to combine entertainment with subtle messaging about wildlife conservation

What's next for I take a baby crocodile

Our future plans include:

• Implementing multiplayer functionality to allow players to compete or cooperate in real-time
• Adding more environment types and gameplay variations
• Implementing a global leaderboard system
• Creating customizable character skins and abilities
• Developing a mobile app version for iOS and Android
• Expanding the storyline with additional parallel universe scenarios
• Partnering with wildlife conservation organizations to raise awareness

Built With

• express.js
• html5
• node.js