A web-based simulation game that teaches financial literacy by challenging players to manage a budget and navigate real-world expenses over thirty days. The frontend is built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, powered by the Phaser.js engine to handle dynamic game logic and interactive decision-making.

The player navigates a high-stakes month in a quaint neighborhood, managing a limited budget against the pressure of real-world financial stressors. The simulation engine processes player decisions through three core mechanics:

1. Generates dynamic financial events based on the current day and player state using the Phaser.js engine, including unexpected bills, grocery runs, and social temptations.

2. Calculates the immediate and long-term impact of each choice on the player’s total balance and "stress meter," balancing realism with engaging, fast-paced gameplay.

3. Evaluates the final survival outcome at the end of the 30-day cycle, providing feedback on budgeting success and the consequences of financial prioritization.

The game logic was developed using 100+ unique decision scenarios inspired by common financial challenges faced by young adults: ranging from essential housing costs to the sudden "hidden" expenses of daily life.

Built by codersushi (SushiTheCoder) and hxedits35-arch for Hackonomics26!

https://codersushi.github.io/Hackonomics26-SurviveTheMonth

survive-the-month/
├── assets/                     Game visuals
│   ├── CharacterSpriteModel.png
│   ├── tilesheet_complete_2X.png
│   ├── Backgrounds/            (ParkBackground, StoreBackground)
│   └── StoreModels/            (Sushi, Taco, Pizza, Burger, etc.)
├── data/                       Game logic
│   └── SurviveTheMonthV3.json   Event & scenario data
├── src/                        Core pages
│   ├── index.html              Main Entry Point
│   ├── start.html              Game Start Screen
│   ├── settings.html           Options Menu
│   ├── credits.html            Team Credits
│   └── bars.html               Financial Status/UI
└── README.md                   Project Documentation

To make sure our game runs well for all users on different laptops and resolutions, we made sure to change the size and quanity of certain elements in the game to accomodate for everyone's restrictions.

• The game uses fake financial data and made-up scenarios to teach budgeting. It is an educational tool, not a real financial advisor.
• Just like real life, "winning" depends on luck. Random events like the fridge breaking down or medical bills can change your balance instantly.
• The costs in the game (like rent and groceries) are hard-set, meaning they don't change overtime like real life.