Inspiration

We are a group of 10 friends who love playing games together, but finding online multiplayer games that accommodate our group size has always been a challenge. Most games lack support for larger groups or are heavily action-oriented. We wanted something different—something that emphasizes strategy over reflexes. While we often play the board game Sequence because it allows teamwork and collaboration, it falls short in terms of strategic depth, opportunities for friendly rivalry, and quick gameplay.

This inspired us to create a game tailored for larger groups (up to 12 players) that combines collaboration, strategy, and engaging mechanics in a shorter playtime.


What It Does

PowerSequence offers a strategic multiplayer experience that emphasizes collaboration and competition. It’s perfect for team-building events, office parties, or gatherings with friends. Players work together or compete by leveraging strategy, defense, and power cards with unique abilities that can alter the course of the game.


How We Built It

We used modern technologies to bring PowerSequence to life:

  • Frontend: Built with React for a smooth, dynamic user interface.
  • Backend: Serverless architecture powered by AWS:
    • Amazon S3: For storing game assets.
    • Lambda: For managing the serverless backend.
    • DynamoDB: To maintain the game state seamlessly.
    • API Gateway & WebSockets: To enable real-time communication between players and the game.
    • Amplify: For CI/CD and deployment pipelines.
  • Amazon Q: Assisted with feature development, code optimization, and cleaning.

Challenges We Faced

  • State Management in React: Updating the state dynamically to reflect real-time changes across multiple players was a complex task.
  • Real-Time Communication: Implementing WebSockets for synchronous communication while handling latency and player actions was a significant technical hurdle.
  • Game Logic for Power Cards: Designing the behavior of power cards like Alter, Future, and Drop posed unique challenges. Each card interacts with the game differently depending on the scenario, requiring extensive planning and testing.

Accomplishments We’re Proud Of

  • Power Cards: Successfully implemented unique power cards with dynamic effects, adding depth and excitement to gameplay.
  • Real-Time Synchronization: Overcame the challenge of ensuring that all players have an accurate and synchronized view of the game state.
  • Scalability: Built a scalable system that can accommodate 12 players, making it ideal for both casual and large-group events.

What We Learned

Through this project, we expanded our knowledge in:

  • Real-time communication using WebSockets.
  • Advanced React state management for multiplayer games.
  • Efficient use of AWS services like Lambda and DynamoDB for seamless game state handling.
  • AI-assisted development for faster feature rollouts and improved code quality.

What’s Next for PowerSequence

We aim to take PowerSequence to the next level:

  • Random Lobbies: Allow players to join public games and meet new people.
  • Customization: Introduce player profiles, avatars, and customizable game boards.
  • Improved Sync: Further optimize game state synchronization for a smoother experience.
  • Monetization: Implement in-game ads and other revenue-generating features.
  • Scalability: Expand gameplay options, refine power cards, and introduce new game modes for endless fun.

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