The Challenge
Organizing outdoor games in complex environments like city centers is chaotic. Players argue over boundaries, and simple running mechanics fail to hold the attention of players used to the strategic depth of modern video games.
HideZone: IRL GPS Hide & Seek
Real-world multiplayer Hide & Seek! Hunt friends with live GPS, tactical items, and traps.
- Flutter
- Dart
- Firebase Realtime Database
- Flutter Riverpod
- Flutter Map
- Geolocator
- Git
- 1000+
- Active Downloads
- 85% Less
- Server Optimization
- < 50ms
- Sync Latency
The Approach
I built a digital referee that tracks everyone in milliseconds. It enforces boundaries via GPS geofencing and injects strategy through virtual items (Proximity Mines, Scanners) to balance the physical exertion with tactical decision-making.
The Impact
Designed, built, and shipped to production solo. The app acquired 1000+ organic downloads across the Play Store and App Store, validating both the Firebase real-time sync architecture and the core game loop. I recently refactored the communication layer to achieve an 85% reduction in server requests, making the platform sustainable and scalable.
System Architecture
The application is built with Flutter for cross-platform performance. It employs a clean architecture using the Strategy Pattern to handle different game modes (e.g., Classic, Zombie, Chase). State management is driven by Flutter Riverpod, ensuring a reactive and testable codebase. Firebase Realtime Database acts as the single source of truth, synchronizing player types, locations, and game events across all clients in milliseconds.
Key Engineering Features
Tactical Warfare Items
Use Scanners to reveal locations, Proximity Mines for traps, Ghost Mode for stealth, and Zone Movers to flush out campers.
Dynamic Game Modes
Includes 3 different game modes: Classic Hide & Seek, Zombie Infection, and Chase
Real-Time GPS Action
Live tracking with geofencing that supports custom lobbies for 2 to 10+ friends.
Privacy First Design
No account required. All data is wiped instantly when the match ends. 100% Fair Play with no Pay-to-Win mechanics.
Development Lifecycle
Core Development
Started app development and implemented basic features.
Further Development
Added features like game modes, events, items and further quality of life improvements.
Closed Testing
Field testing with local groups to refine GPS tracking, battery consumption and overall user experience.
Android Release
Released the app to the Google Play Store and improving the app based on feedback.
Scalability Update
Implemented 'Chase' mode and optimized the networking layer to reduce server requests by 85%.
iOS Release
Released the app to the Apple App Store and continuing to improve the app based on feedback.