Show HN: I built a new word game, Wordtrak
4 hours ago
- #Game Design Process
- #Word Game Development
- #Indie Game Creation
- Wordtrak is a 1v1 word battle game designed to be easy and challenging for the author's family, playable in short sessions across mobile web and native apps.
- Players compete on 3 or 5 traks, each aiming to score the highest points; strategic decisions depend on drawn letters and chosen tiles, adding tension.
- Development involved initial rule design using Claude, a train-themed visual design with split-flap displays for letters, and a hybrid tech stack with Rails and expo.dev.
- Gameplay adjustments included simplifying scoring systems, adding triangular bonuses for filled traks, removing complex conductor powers, and implementing a daily single-player mode inspired by Wordle.
- Key lessons include avoiding waitlists, focusing on score increases, controlling randomness, sticking to core mechanics instead of cloning, and anticipating app store challenges.
- Future plans include releasing an Android version, monetizing via banner ads, and adding support for more languages.