encryption-evolution

2D game that teaches people the evolution of encryption, from simple ciphers to modern encryption algorithms

MVP

• A starting main menu with selectable levels
• At least 3 interactive levels:
  • Levels center around progressively harder and more complex ciphers
  • Guides players on each step of encoding a message using different algorithms / ciphers
  • Allows players to decrypt a reply
• A glossary of important vocabulary is included (ie. definitions of cipher, encode, hash, key, etc)

Stretch Goals

• Levels incorporate history and story elements in order to become more fleshed out and immersive
• Improved graphics and animation
• Practice modes allowing players to use the same ciphers they were taught but with new messages to encrypt/decrypt and no/less guidance
  • Unlockable after completion of relevant level
• Enable account creation and authorization
  • Able to save progress and unlock levels
• Add more levels (although I'd prefer quality over quantity)

Resources

• Git Bash for Windows
• Cryptography:
  • Cipher Options
  • Fisher-Yates Shuffle Algorithm
  • Coursera: Cryptography
  • Crash Course
• Free 2D Assets
  • GameDeveloperStudio
  • Itch.io

Suggestions

• Use Godot Game Maker + GitHub
  • Open source (extendable through C++), built-in IDE, cross platform (including 3DS!), reportedly easy version control with Git, language: GDScript which is similar to Python or you can use C++, light-weight
  • Tutorials:
    • Official Godot Documentation : Getting Started
    • GDScript Intro
    • Godot Engine 3 - Platform Game Tutorial
• However, feel free to look around at other game engines
  • Cocos2DX
    • Open source, cross platform, language: Lua, lots of 3rd party assets
    • Starter Pack
  • Corona SDK
    • Cross platform, language: Lua, use your own text editor, active community
    • Starter Pack
  • Thoughts on Unity or GameMaker:
    • more complex than necessary for a 2D game
    • more drag and drop than programming
    • difficult with version control

Extra Inspiration

Not the goal, just a starting point or inspiration

• Cypher
  • Steam indie game, first person journey into a museum dedicated to cryptography
• Cipher
  • Web game focusing on cyber security