Zork Evolved

We are upgrading the old-fashioned, text based games, and adding a new spin with AI and image generation. Using AI along with mazelike design, run through countless unique rooms and scenarios

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Inspiration

We were inspired by old terminal based text games, such as Zork, we wanted to implement something unimaginable at the time of its creation.

What it does

Zork Evolved essentially creates a scenario for the user to go through like D&D, creates visuals for you to be immersed in the world, and then creates things and goals for you to do.

How we built it

We built it using Next.js, Javascript, ReactJS, HTML, and TailwindCSS. We used Javascript to store the 2D array of information on the rooms, and then used Gemini API to both understand the users input, and update information accordingly. Finally, we use React and HTML to actually display these changes, along with the visual described by the AI.

Challenges we ran into

One big challenge we ran into was figuring out how to optimize our Gemini Tokens, with only 15 requests per minute, we could not risk the fetch failing and redoing the request. So instead we decided with slightly limiting what we could implement into the API calls. We also were limited in which text to image generators we could use, as many are not free and slightly obscure whether they can be used for free without being part of a preview group of paying.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Implementing a UI which both looked retro, and implemented modern design principles was satisfying, giving the upgrade.exe name of this track real meaning. As well as implementing a LLM API which we called and had to optimize.

What we learned

Collaboration is key, even before we had our final idea we had multiple ideas which just didn't feel right with at least one member. Through teamwork, we talked through ideas until it sat right with all of us and it set the groundwork for all of our future ideas. On the technical side, our team members learned Git, Javascript, and the different ways of having moving elements using TailwindCSS.

What's next for Zork Evolved

With funding, we could implement more demanding API calls to Gemini, which can store more information and create a larger environment for the user to experience.

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