Design and implementation of a custom control and hint delivery system for Escape City, featuring:
-Web interface allows game controller to deliver hints, override puzzles, pause or modify game timer and listen to streamed in-room audio, from anywhere they can connect to the puzzle network.
-MQTT messaging on IP network provides reliable and easily extensible 2 way communication between the control server and multiple distributed puzzle controllers .
-AJAX communication between web interface on control server and timer display on distributed puzzle controller allows a wide variety of timer display options, from text on screen to a modified physical clock.
-Timestamps for when puzzles are solved and hints are requested are stored in a local database. At the end of a run of the game, a graphical report comparing performance to all time best/worst/average performance is generated and can be emailed to players.
-Python libraries for control server and puzzle controllers make developing new room plots and integrating new puzzles easy.
-Combined with the GP3, this control system provides powerful and repeatable software and hardware for Escape City’s specific needs.