Bloden allows users to compete in skill-based mini-games with a real-money betting component. The challenge was to ensure perfect synchronization between players to prevent cheating and ensure fairness, while strictly adhering to security standards for payment processing.
Real-time multiplayer games on mobile networks often suffer from latency desynchronization (lag), which ruins the competitive integrity required for betting apps.
Implemented an authoritative server model where the Node.js backend runs the game state simulation. Client inputs are sent to the server, which validates and broadcasts the authoritative state back to clients, using optimistic UI updates to mask latency.
Event-driven architecture. The core game loop runs on high-performance Node.js instances. Payment transactions are processed via a secured, isolated service interacting with Stripe webhooks. Firebase handles non-critical data like user stats and matchmaking queues.
User joins matchmaking queue via WebSocket.
Server pairs players and instantiates game room.
Secure token reservation via Payment Service.
Real-time state synchronization via Socket.io.
Winner determined by server; funds released to wallet.