Chat

[Code-Over-Time]

Category: Fullstack Development

Level: Mid

Description

Varcade Games is meant to be an arcade, and arcades are social spaces. So we would like to add some chat functionality.

When a user logs in they are presented with the home screen, which is where all of the active games they can play are displayed. When a user is on this screen they should be able to chat with other users on that screen - just like you could chat with anyone standing around in an arcade.

When a user selects a game they should be able to chat with any other users that are also viewing that games.

You don't need to build this chat server, there are plenty of open source solutions online. What you need to do is package an existing server (one that supports rooms) up in a container and add it to the Varcade Games stack (ie. extend build tools). Then you can add the required UI to interact with this server.

Here are some open source chat servers that could be used:

• Pycon Chat
• node-chat-room

In terms of UI, you can make this look however you want. I'd recommend having a sidebar to the right of the game. Kongregate does something similar for it's game chat, so you can use this for reference.

Note: You don't need to worry about authentication/security for now.

Deliverable

• A new docker container that hosts a chat server and runs as part of the Varcade Games stack
• A new component for the Varcade Games UI that shows chat messages and allows users to send chat messages
• Updated home screen and game screen that includes chat windows

Acceptance Criteria

• Players on the home screen can chat with other players currently on the home screen
• Players on the game screen can chat with other players currently on that game screen

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Task Tips!

• Your chat UI should be a component in Vue that can be shared between the home screen and game screen.
• As player switch between their home screen and a game screen, you will need to manage disconnecting from one chat room and connecting to another