Project Title Are You Human? – A Creative Game Based on Human vs. Machine Detection
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Background Human-vs-machine tests—commonly seen in CAPTCHAs or verification scenarios—are widely used to distinguish between automated bots and real human users. This project aims to turn the concept of “human verification” into a fun, interactive game experience. While primarily entertaining, the game also offers insight into the differences (and similarities) between human cognition and artificial intelligence.
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Project Overview Name: Are You Human? Type: Casual Puzzle/Arcade Game Target Platforms: Web (HTML5 / JavaScript / Phaser / Unity WebGL) or Mobile (Unity / Cocos Creator) Core Mechanics: Players must complete a series of mini-challenges that leverage various human strengths—visual recognition, auditory analysis, language comprehension, and motor coordination—to prove they are not “robots.” Project Goals: Deliver a creative and engaging experience through multiple human-detection style levels. Showcase and examine AI limitations in areas like vision, hearing, and language. Provide team members with hands-on practice in game design, development, and testing.
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Requirements and Objectives Functional Requirements Multi-Mode Challenges Incorporate several test categories, such as: Visual Recognition (e.g., spot-the-difference, object classification) Auditory Tests (e.g., matching short audio clips, rhythm-based tapping) Language Tasks (e.g., CAPTCHAs, dialogue comprehension) Logical Reasoning (e.g., puzzle-solving, 9-square pattern logic) Motor Skills (e.g., quick tap or swipe to avoid obstacles) Clear Progression System Levels or stages that gradually introduce complexity; Score-based or performance-based feedback and progression. Non-Functional Requirements User Experience Intuitive interface and clear on-screen instructions; Ample hints or tutorials to guide new players. Scalability Ability to add more levels or test types in future updates; Potential to localize content for different languages and regions. Performance Smooth gameplay with minimal load times or crashes on target devices/browsers. Objectives and Metrics Player Engagement: Aim for at least 5–10 minutes of continuous play before a user drops out. Completion Rate: Ensure ~80% of new players can clear the first few levels, with progressive difficulty in later stages. Development Goals: Empower the team to complete a functional prototype and refine it for a public release.
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Game Design & Key Features Example Levels
Level A: Spot the Difference Players have limited time to identify all discrepancies in two nearly identical images. Level B: Audio Matching The game plays a short melody; players choose the matching audio sample from multiple options. Level C: Text-Based CAPTCHAs A distorted code or phrase appears; users must type in the correct characters. Level D: Motor Skills / Reflex Players navigate a character on-screen to dodge moving obstacles in real time. Level E: Pattern Logic A 3×3 puzzle with the final image missing; players must determine the correct piece that fits the pattern. Scoring and Progress Tracking
Each success or failure affects the player’s overall score or rating. Unlockable levels or linear progression system to maintain player interest. User Interface & Interactions
Main Menu: Start Game, Continue, Leaderboards, Settings Level Selection: Once unlocked, players can revisit or retry earlier levels. Tutorial/Onboarding: Brief explanations for new mechanics.
- Technical Approach & Tools Game Engine (Choose One Based on Team Expertise)
HTML5 + Phaser for rapid web development Unity for versatile, multi-platform deployment Cocos Creator for 2D-focused, cross-platform games Backend & Data Storage
If storing player scores or login info: Firebase, MySQL, or MongoDB Alternatively, local storage (LocalStorage in browsers) for simpler implementations Art & Audio
Graphics: Photoshop, Illustrator, or Spine/TexturePacker for animations Audio: Audacity, FL Studio for sound design and editing Version Control & Collaboration
Git/GitHub/GitLab for source code management Project Management tools like Trello or Jira to track tasks and sprints
- Project Plan & Timeline Phase Timeframe Tasks Deliverables Requirements Week 1
- Define core gameplay - Determine levels & quantity
- Requirements Doc - Initial Game Outline Prototype Weeks 2–3
- Draft UI elements - Implement basic mechanics
- Playable Prototype - Mockup Screens Level Creation Weeks 4–6
- Develop core gameplay loops - Integrate art & audio
- Alpha Version - Art/Audio Assets Testing Weeks 7–8
- Internal testing & QA - Collect user feedback
- Test Reports - Bug Fixes Launch Weeks 9–10
- Final polish & deployment - Marketing & user feedback
- Public Release - Post-Launch Review
The timeline can be adjusted based on team size and project complexity.
- Risk & Challenges Technical Risks
Limited experience with chosen game engine may slow development. Audio or visual distortion/recognition might cause compatibility issues on some platforms. Schedule Risks
Scope creep or unplanned feature requests could delay completion. Balancing difficulty and content volume might require additional playtesting and iterations. Player Experience Risks
Overly difficult or overly simplistic levels might lower player retention. Ensuring variety and maintaining novelty is crucial to avoid repetitive gameplay. Team Collaboration Risks
Without proper version control or communication channels, code conflicts and misalignment can occur.
- Budget & Resource Requirements Software & Tools
Engines like Unity or Cocos Creator can be free or have affordable licenses. Potential costs for premium art or music assets if not created in-house. Human Resources
Game Designer, Developer, Artist, Sound Designer, QA/Tester Additional budget needed if outsourcing specialized roles (e.g., professional voice talent). Testing Devices
Various mobile and desktop devices for compatibility checks. Possible cloud services for hosting or analytics.
- Expected Outcomes & Success Criteria Deliverable Game
At least 5–8 distinct, well-polished levels. Unified art style, functional sound design, and a cohesive user interface. Positive User Feedback
Test participants find the game engaging and recommendable. Balancing accessibility with challenging gameplay fosters replayability. Team Growth
Members gain full-cycle development experience, from ideation to launch. Foundation for future, more complex or commercial projects.
- Conclusion “Are You Human?” seeks to combine human-detection concepts with lighthearted puzzle and arcade elements, offering an engaging way to demonstrate both human cognitive strengths and the evolving capabilities of AI. By adhering to a structured plan—covering design, development, testing, and deployment—this project aims to showcase a fun, interactive game that appeals to a broad audience while expanding the team’s skills in game production. With careful resource planning, iterative testing, and ongoing collaboration, “Are You Human?” can be successfully brought to life, providing players with a captivating experience and the satisfaction of proving their very human capabilities in a digital world.