Full-Stack Architecture: The Scrabble Evolution
What started as a local Java study project evolved into a sophisticated Math Scrabble platform aimed at mastering a complete modern tech stack. I architected the backend using Scala and the Play Framework, ensuring type-safe, robust server-side logic. To modernize the user experience, I migrated the frontend from a traditional server-side rendering approach (HTML/Bootstrap/jQuery) to a reactive Single Page Application (SPA) using Vue.js and Vuetify. Key engineering achievements include:
Real-Time Synchronization: I replaced standard HTTP requests with WebSockets to enable seamless, instant interaction for up to four remote players.
Progressive Web App (PWA): Engineered the application to be installable and responsive across devices.
Secure & Scalable: Integrated robust Authentication and deployed the system to a live server environment.
Custom State Management: Implemented complex undo-logic and turn-management without relying on heavy external game libraries.
For a deeper look into the implementation details, feel free to check out the source code in my Git repository.
System Adaptation & Unreal Engine 5
My approach to game development is twofold: exploration and adaptation. I utilize Unreal Engine 5 as a high-fidelity sandbox to prototype advanced mechanics—such as physics-based interactions or complex animation states—before applying these concepts elsewhere.
However, my most valuable lessons come from Modding titles like Minecraft, Anno and other. Modding is essentially an exercise in onboarding into foreign codebases. I analyze and reverse-engineer existing proprietary architectures to inject new systems seamlessly, including:
Crafting Economies: Designing dependency trees for item manufacturing.
Combat Overhauls: Implementing custom movement inputs and combo-chain systems.
Animation Logic: Scripting interactions that blend naturally with the base game’s existing animation blueprints.
This experience has sharpened my ability to quickly understand, navigate, and extend complex, undocumented software architectures.