Authors: P.Vijay, S.Manikanth, S.Chaitanya, V.Ramya
Abstract: In an era dominated by digital communication, traditional social games that rely on physical presence and non-verbal interaction face the risk of obsolescence. Games like Pictionary, which thrive on creativity, quick thinking, and shared laughter, are often difficult to replicate in a virtual environment without losing their core essence. To address this, we present Sketch Rush: A Real- Time Digital Pictionary Experience, a web-based multiplayer game that faithfully recreates the excitement and social dynamics of the classic drawing and guessing game. Sketch Rush leverages modern web technologies to provide a seamless, interactive platform where players can connect, create, and compete in real-time. Sketch Rush is designed not merely as a digital adaptation but as an enhanced, accessible version of the original game. It addresses the limitations of physical Pictionary—such as the need for physical drawing tools, proximity of players, and manual scorekeeping—by automating these processes within an intuitive digital interface. The system comprises two primary modules: a real-time drawing canvas with a rich set of tools for the "Artist," and a dynamic chat interface for the "Guessers." The core game logic, powered by a Node.js backend and WebSocket communication, ensures low-latency synchronization of drawings, guesses, and game states across all connected clients. Preliminary user testing with a cohort of 40 participants has shown that Sketch Rush successfully captures the engaging and collaborative spirit of the original game. Feedback highlighted the platform's intuitive interface, the responsiveness of the real-time features, and its effectiveness in fostering social connection, even among geographically dispersed players. Users reported a high degree of satisfaction, with average System Usability Scale (SUS) scores of 85.6, indicating excellent usability. In essence, Sketch Rush reimagines a beloved social game for the digital age. It transcends the limitations of physical location, offering a platform that is not only functional but also fun, engaging, and socially enriching. By combining intuitive design with robust real-time technology, Sketch Rush provides a compelling case for the successful digital transformation of traditional social experiences.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19416157
