Show HN: A game that tests how well you know your local area (backofyourhand.com)

Article summary

A developer created a map-based game to test knowledge of local areas, using technologies like Leaflet, Turf, Svelte, and TypeScript. The game provides random street names and asks players to locate them on a map. The developer aimed to use open and free tools and initially used OpenStreetMap tiles, but switched to Mapbox and Maptiler due to discontinuation. The game is available to play solo or with friends on other devices.

Main themes

• map-based game development
• geolocation and mapping technologies
• user experience and feedback
• game design and difficulty level
• privacy and data collection
• local area knowledge and exploration

What commenters say

• The game's circle radius is too large, covering multiple neighborhoods and making it less meaningful.
• A customizable radius or geofence would improve the game's usability and accuracy.
• Using actual boundaries of villages or neighborhoods instead of circles would be more effective.
• The game's difficulty level is not as important as its ability to provide a meaningful experience of knowing one's local area.
• Some players experienced technical issues, such as blank backgrounds or inaccurate pin placement.
• The developer should prioritize user experience over minor improvements in geolocation accuracy.
• Adding points of interest, photos, or links to Wikipedia articles could enhance the game's engagement and educational value.
• The game's use of geolocation information raises concerns about user privacy and data collection.