Links
Overview
Diss-Master is a real-time multiplayer word game inspired by Codenames, the beloved board game designed by Vlaada Chvátil and published by Czech Games Edition. It brings the entire Codenames experience to the browser — no physical cards, no app store, no account required. Create a room, share a link, and start playing in under 30 seconds.
The game supports up to 8 players across two teams, with a dedicated Spymaster view and an Operative view rendered simultaneously — all kept in perfect sync via Appwrite Realtime.
The Problem
Physical Codenames requires cards, setup, and everyone in the same room. Diss-Master removes that friction: instant browser-based rooms with real-time sync for remote friends and campus groups.
Gameplay
Two teams of players compete to identify their secret words on a shared grid. One player per team — the Spymaster — can see which words belong to which team. They give one-word clues to guide their teammates (Operatives) to guess the right words while avoiding the opposing team's words and the deadly Assassin word.
The first team to correctly identify all their words wins.
Key Features
- ▸Real-time multiplayer: Fluid state sync across all connected clients using Appwrite Realtime.
- ▸Room system: Generate unique room codes; no account needed to join.
- ▸Spymaster / Operative views: Role-based UI rendering so Spymasters see the colour map and Operatives see only the neutral grid.
- ▸Word lists: Choose from built-in word packs or generate them randomly.
- ▸Animated game board: Smooth card-flip animations when words are revealed, with team-coloured feedback.
- ▸Game history: Review the full sequence of clues and guesses.
- ▸Mobile-friendly: Fully responsive layout for phone and tablet players.
Technical Architecture
Diss-Master uses a Next.js frontend paired with Appwrite for its backend and real-time event propagation. All game state is maintained in Appwrite's databases, with clients receiving state updates in real-time.
Browser (Next.js)
│
│ Appwrite Realtime Subscriptions
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Appwrite Server
│
│ Read/Write
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Database (Appwrite Collections)
A room's game state (board, teams, clues, guesses) is stored in Appwrite documents, enabling fast reads and seamless real-time syncing.
Stack
| Layer | Technology |
|---|---|
| Frontend | Next.js + React |
| State | Zustand |
| Styling | Tailwind CSS |
| Backend & Real-time | Appwrite |
| Icons | Lucide React |
Status
Core gameplay is complete and stable, running fully on Appwrite with Next.js App Router.