Project Overview
A retro-themed arcade gaming website developed as a team project for a Software Engineering class. Built with Next.js and React (latest versions), the site features interactive games powered by Pixi.js and smooth animations through Framer Motion. I was responsible for the entire website design and implementation, while teammates developed the individual games.
Tech Stack:
- Next.js (latest) + React (latest)
- Pixi.js for game rendering
- Framer Motion for animations
- TypeScript
- TailwindCSS
Team & Process:
Developed with 4 teammates following Scrum and Agile methodologies. Project management was handled through GitLab, demonstrating collaborative software development practices including sprint planning, code reviews, and iterative development.
Design Philosophy
The goal was to capture the nostalgic aesthetic of classic arcade cabinets while delivering a modern, responsive web experience. Neon color schemes, pixel-perfect typography, and CRT-inspired visual effects create an immersive gaming atmosphere that works seamlessly across devices.
The interface prioritizes intuitive navigation and fast loading times, ensuring users can quickly access games without friction. Smooth transitions and hover effects add polish while maintaining the retro theme throughout the user journey.
Technical Implementation
Website Architecture:
Next.js provided the foundation for a performant, SEO-friendly gaming platform. Server-side rendering ensures fast initial page loads, while React's component architecture allowed for modular, maintainable code. The routing system makes game navigation seamless and intuitive.
Game Integration:
Pixi.js handled the heavy lifting for game rendering, providing hardware-accelerated graphics that run smoothly even on modest devices. Teammates developed individual games using this framework, which I integrated into the overall site architecture through a consistent API layer.
Animation Strategy:
Framer Motion brought the interface to life with fluid animations that enhance rather than distract. Page transitions, button interactions, and loading states all received careful attention to create a cohesive, polished experience. The animation system respects user preferences for reduced motion when necessary.
Collaborative Development
Agile Methodology:
The team followed Scrum practices with two-week sprints, daily standups, and sprint retrospectives. This structure kept development on track and facilitated clear communication across the team. Sprint planning sessions helped prioritize features and allocate work effectively.
GitLab Workflow:
Project management through GitLab included issue tracking, merge requests, and CI/CD pipelines. Code reviews ensured quality standards were maintained, while the version control system allowed team members to work independently without stepping on each other's toes. Branch protection rules and automated testing caught issues early.
Division of Labor:
Clear role definition prevented overlap and confusion. While I handled website development end-to-end—from design mockups to production deployment—teammates focused on game logic and mechanics. Regular integration points ensured games worked seamlessly within the site framework.
Learning Outcomes
This project reinforced several key software engineering principles. Working within a team environment required clear communication, well-defined interfaces between components, and respect for established coding standards. The Agile process taught the value of iterative development and continuous feedback.
Managing integration between independently developed games highlighted the importance of API design and consistent conventions. Creating a cohesive user experience while incorporating varied game mechanics required thoughtful abstraction and careful testing.
Conclusion
Arcade Site demonstrates the ability to deliver a complete web application within a team context using industry-standard practices. From initial planning through deployment, the project showcased skills in modern web development, collaborative workflows, and project management. The result is a functional, engaging platform that successfully combines retro aesthetics with contemporary web technologies.