LandGrabbers

Inspiration

We wanted to make running feel more exciting and meaningful. Instead of only tracking steps or calories, we imagined a game where every movement shapes the world around you. The idea of turning your city into a live competitive map inspired us to create a running experience where you can claim territory, challenge others, and feel motivated to move through real-world gameplay.

What it does

LandGrabbers transforms real running and walking into a territory control game. As users move, the app records their path and converts it into captured land on the map. Other players can challenge those areas by entering the same zones and outrunning them. The app uses authentication, real-time location tracking, and intelligent events to create a strategic and competitive fitness experience.

How we built it

We built LandGrabbers using a Next.js frontend for responsive UI, Supabase for authentication and storing user data, and Google Maps for live map rendering. Gemini AI generates dynamic challenges and adapts gameplay based on user activity. We structured the app around real-time updates, GPS tracking, and smooth user flows that link movement to territory capture.

Challenges we ran into

We faced issues with GPS accuracy, territory boundary calculations, and making sure real-time updates stayed consistent across users. The biggest challenges were handling authentication errors, environment variables that caused blank screens, and syncing the map with live movement. Debugging across multiple APIs and ensuring stable performance required careful testing and iteration.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We are proud of creating a fully functional prototype that blends fitness, strategy, and gameplay into one experience. Seeing real territory form on the map through actual movement was a major milestone. We also successfully connected multiple APIs, built clean UI transitions, and created a system that makes running genuinely fun and competitive.

What we learned

We learned how to integrate several complex tools, including live maps, authentication systems, AI-generated content, and GPS tracking. We also gained experience in debugging frontend and backend interactions, handling data flow between components, and designing a user experience that feels smooth and game-like.

What's next for LandGrabbers

Next, we plan to improve GPS precision, introduce team-based territory battles, add friend challenges, and implement in-app rewards. We also want to build a global leaderboard, expand AI-generated events, and include customizable avatars and power-ups. Our long-term vision is to make LandGrabbers a city-wide competitive fitness game that motivates people to move and explore.