Try to Stay: The Next Generation Game Board

Redefining Fun with Cutting-Edge Design and Innovative Gameplay

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Inspiration

My little brother, who is 7 years old, drew a zombie. My mom wanted to encourage him to continue drawing and become an artist, so she asked if I could animate the zombie sketch in a game-like app. I accepted, and we initially aimed to just animate that zombie sketch.

However, my little brother asked if he could make money from his zombie game.

This sparked the idea to create a real game that could generate revenue, rather than just animating a single zombie sketch.

By the way, the current idea I am participating in is not about zombies, as I have changed the whole concept to make it a better game for the future.

What it does

Try to Stay is a strategic board game where players roll dice to navigate a board, aiming to eliminate opponents by earning points from their zones. Each roll involves critical decisions that impact the game's outcome. For detailed rules, see the Gameplay Guide.

How we built it

  • Concept Development: Designed gameplay mechanics.
  • Frontend: Used Flutter and Dart for UI.
  • Backend: Implemented with Node.js and JavaScript.
  • Database: Utilized MySQL, SQLite, and Redis.
  • Real-Time Interaction: Enabled with Socket.IO.
  • Networking: Managed with HTTP.
  • Monetization & Analytics: Handled with RevenueCat.

Challenges

  • Balancing Complexity: Ensuring gameplay was engaging yet simple.
  • Technical Integration: Merging various technologies smoothly.
  • Real-Time Performance: Managing latency with Socket.IO.
  • Cross-Platform Testing: Ensuring consistent performance across devices.
  • Resource Management: Juggling all development tasks solo.

Accomplishments

  • Innovative Design: Combined board game mechanics with digital features.
  • Real-Time Play: Enhanced with Socket.IO.
  • Data Management: Efficient with MySQL, SQLite, and Redis.
  • Positive Feedback: Received great reviews from playtests.
  • Solo Development: Managed end-to-end development independently.
  • Balanced Gameplay: The game includes XP, levels, and balance adjustments to enhance player progression and engagement.

What We Learned

  • Game Design: Balanced strategy and chance effectively.
  • Technical Integration: Successfully merged various technologies.
  • User Experience: Importance of feedback for refining gameplay.
  • Performance Optimization: Managed real-time interactions well.
  • Solo Development: Gained skills in comprehensive game development.

What's Next for 'Try to Stay'

  • Feature Expansion: Introducing new game modes, power-ups, and challenges to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
  • UI/UX Enhancements: Refining the user interface and experience based on player feedback to ensure a more intuitive and enjoyable experience.
  • Monetization Strategy: Exploring and implementing additional monetization options to balance revenue generation with player value.
  • Community Engagement: Building and nurturing a vibrant player community through social features, in-game events, and regular updates to maintain player interest and engagement.

The goal is to continually evolve "Try to Stay," enhancing its features and expanding its reach to provide a dynamic and compelling experience for players.

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