Team4AM - Multiplayer Game Platform

Strands Game Setup

Backend Setup

1. Install dependencies:

cd engine-backend
npm install

2. Start the backend server:

npm run dev

Server will run on http://localhost:5000

Frontend Setup

1. Install dependencies:

cd engine-frontend
npm install

2. Start the frontend:

npm run dev

Frontend will run on http://localhost:5173

Playing Strands Game

1. Open browser and go to: http://localhost:5173/strands
2. Drag across letters to form words (minimum 3 letters)
3. Valid words will be checked against the dictionary
4. Score increases based on word length (10 points per letter)
5. Click "new" button to get a fresh set of letters

Features

• Real-time validation: Words are validated against a dictionary on the server
• Dynamic letter generation: New random letters generated each game
• Score tracking: Points awarded for valid words
• Word history: See all words you've found
• Multiplayer ready: Multiple players can join the same room

How It Works

1. Frontend connects to backend via Socket.IO
2. Player joins a game room
3. Backend generates random letters from a base word + extras
4. Player drags to form words
5. Backend validates word against dictionary
6. Score updates in real-time
7. All players in the room see the same board

Game Rules

• Minimum 3 letters per word
• Each letter can only be used once per word
• Words must be valid English words
• 10 points per letter
• Words cannot be repeated