Building "Chameleon Runner" for the AWS Game Builder Challenge

When we first heard about the AWS Game Builder Challenge, we knew we wanted to create something fun, engaging, and nostalgic. Inspired by simple, yet addictive games like Subway Surfers and Google's Dinosaur game, we set out to build Chameleon Runner—a retro-style game with a unique twist on color-changing mechanics.

Our inspiration came from a small chameleon figurine sitting on a desk, reminding us of the creature's incredible ability to blend into its surroundings. We envisioned a game where players help a chameleon blend in by dynamically changing colors, navigating obstacles, and earning points along the way.

In Chameleon Runner, players control a chameleon that must match its color with falling squares to earn points and avoid obstacles. Touching a circle changes the chameleon’s color, helping it blend in. The game tracks scores, and players can restart easily to improve their performance.

We used HTML and JavaScript to create the game's front-end, giving it a classic retro look and feel. During the Hackathon, we leveraged AWS Amplify to host our game, making it easily accessible online.

One of the most exciting parts of the development process was using Amazon Q Developer. It provided real-time feedback, helping us speed up our coding process and improve our game mechanics. With a graduate student and a freshman working together, we wanted to ensure the project was something both of us could contribute to equally. We started by building a basic skeleton, incorporating comments, and gradually adding complexity, guided by Q Developer’s insights.

One of our biggest challenges was implementing smooth color changes and ensuring seamless interaction between the chameleon, squares, and obstacles. We initially faced issues with the scoring system, where points were being added multiple times per square. To solve this, we introduced a touched attribute and made the squares turn transparent after being touched, ensuring accurate scoring.

We’re proud of how we tackled challenges and continuously refined our game. From a basic triangle prototype to a fully functional, colorful chameleon, each step was a learning experience. Hosting the game on AWS Amplify and integrating real-time feedback with Amazon Q Developer were significant achievements that enhanced our project.

This project taught us about the power of collaboration and the importance of leveraging the right tools. We gained hands-on experience with AWS Amplify and Amazon Q Developer, which not only improved our coding efficiency but also provided a robust platform for future projects.

Looking ahead, we plan to add more features, such as power-ups, additional obstacles, and perhaps even a multiplayer mode. We’re also exploring more AWS services to enhance the game's performance and scalability.

Participating in the AWS Game Builder Challenge was an incredible journey. Chameleon Runner is a testament to what can be achieved with creativity, collaboration, and the right technology. We’re excited to continue building and improving our game, and we hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

You can try out Chameleon Runner here, and feel free to share your high scores!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for future updates!