The Synapse Beta represents a complete architectural rebuild from proof of concept to production-ready word navigation game. This ground-up project uses React Native/Expo with new backend infrastructure, premium subscriptions, and cross-platform deployment.
Architecture Transformation
Infrastructure Changes:
- Backend: Local JSON files → Supabase PostgreSQL with real-time sync
- Authentication: No accounts → User system with hCaptcha bot protection
- Payments: Free-only → Stripe integration with premium subscriptions
- Deployment: Local development → Production deployment at synapsegame.ai
Technology Stack:
- Frontend: React + Vite + D3.js → React Native + Expo (web/iOS/Android)
- Language: JavaScript → TypeScript with strict mode
- UI Framework: Custom CSS → React Native Paper (Material Design 3)
- State Management: React Context → Zustand and Context API hybrid
Production Features
Daily Challenges System
- 365 Curated Puzzles: Hand-crafted daily challenges replacing random generation
- Themed Content: Seasonal and topical word pairs with difficulty progression
- Progress Tracking: Per-challenge statistics, personal bests, and completion streaks
- Premium Access: Unlimited replays and exclusive challenge sets
User Management
- Secure Authentication: Email/password with hCaptcha verification
- Anonymous Play: Guest mode with local progress saving
- Premium Subscriptions: Stripe-powered billing with immediate access
- Privacy Controls: GDPR/CCPA compliant settings
Game Systems
- Achievement Engine: Progressive unlocks with statistical milestones
- Performance Analytics: Detailed post-game move-by-move breakdown
- Word Collections: Save and organize discoveries with themed categories
Technical Highlights
Performance Optimizations
- Bundle Size: 4.27MB production bundle (62% reduction from initial builds)
- Load Time: Sub-3-second initial load on average connections
- Memory Management: Proper cleanup and compression with caching
Production Infrastructure
- Database: Supabase PostgreSQL with Row Level Security
- Payment Processing: PCI-compliant Stripe integration
- Security: Anti-tampering protection, input validation, rate limiting
- Quality Assurance: Comprehensive testing with 100% passing rate
Cross-Platform Architecture
Web-First Strategy
- Global CDN: Netlify hosting with automatic SSL and edge optimization
- PWA Support: Service worker and manifest for app-like experience
- Mobile Ready: EAS Build configuration for future iOS/Android deployment
- Responsive Design: Adaptive layouts for various screen sizes
Research to Product Journey
AHAB (Cognitive Testing) → English Word Atlas (Linguistic Dataset) → Synapse V1 (Proof of Concept) → Synapse Beta (Production Application)
Validated Hypotheses
- Semantic Navigation: Core mechanic engaging across diverse user groups
- Educational Value: Players expand vocabulary through gameplay
- Monetization Viability: Premium features provide clear value proposition
- Technical Feasibility: Word graph operations perform smoothly in production
Future Roadmap
Immediate Objectives
- User Testing: Gather feedback on gameplay mechanics and user experience
- Performance Optimization: Monitor usage patterns and optimize accordingly
- Feature Refinement: Iterate on daily challenges and premium features
Future Development
- Mobile App Store Deployment: iOS and Android native app releases
- Social Features: Leaderboards and shared events
- Content Expansion: Additional game modes and themed challenges
- AI-Powered Features: Hint systems and adaptive difficulty
The Synapse Beta completes the transformation from a simple website animation idea to a full production word game.
Live Application: synapsegame.ai Repository: github.com/neumanns-workshop/synapse