A Journey with ChatGPT-4: Building a Board Game App with TypeScript and React

From Scanned Rule Sheets to a Working Chessboard in Just a Few Days

28.4.2023

Today, I embarked on a fascinating journey of using ChatGPT-4, an advanced AI language model, to help me develop a board game application based on the old Alga Taifho game. I couldn't find the rules on Google, so I began by scanning the rule sheet with my iPhone and using text recognition. With the rules in hand, I fed them into ChatGPT-4 and sought its guidance in building the game using TypeScript and React. After six hours of back and forth, I managed to create a working chessboard!

29.4.2023

The next challenge was placing two players' game pieces on the board. This proved to be a more complex task for ChatGPT-4. As an inexperienced developer myself, I struggled with concepts like Props and TypeScript. ChatGPT-4, while impressive, wasn't perfect either. It made mistakes reminiscent of human errors, like forgetting to add type descriptions, which led to system errors. After a lot of chatting and hitting the 30 messages/3 hours limit, I still couldn't get the starting positions right.

30.5.2023

I finally got the starting positions sorted, but there were still some issues with the pieces. Persistence was key, and I kept working on it.

2.1.2023

Success! I can now move both pieces on the board! Although it's not the prettiest application, it's a testament to the power of Finnish Prompts and the potential of AI language models like ChatGPT-4 in assisting developers.

In just a few days, I went from scanning rule sheets to building a functional board game application using TypeScript and React, with the help of ChatGPT-4. This experience not only taught me a great deal about software development but also showcased the incredible potential AI has in supporting and accelerating the creative process. The future of AI-assisted development looks bright!

Moving forward, my next steps in this exciting journey may include:

1. Implementing movement rules for every piece: To create a more authentic and engaging gaming experience, I'll work on incorporating the specific movement rules for each piece, ensuring that they adhere to the original Alga Taifho gameplay.
2. Expanding to a 4-player version: Once the 2-player version is perfected, I'll scale the application to accommodate four players. This will add an extra layer of excitement and competition, making the game even more enjoyable for users.
3. Exploring WebRTC and P2P online gaming possibilities: To take the gaming experience to the next level, I'll look into integrating WebRTC and P2P technology, enabling real-time online multiplayer gaming. This will allow players from all over the world to enjoy Alga Taifho together, bridging geographical gaps and fostering a sense of community among fans of the game.

Stay tuned for updates on my progress, as I continue to leverage the power of AI and technology to bring the classic Alga Taifho board game to life in the digital realm! Here is the GitHub repo https://github.com/tonihintikka/taifho-game