Telestrations:

Telestrations is a digital transformation of the popular board game into an interactive app, where I spearheaded the development of an advanced drawing system using Unity and C#. Featuring a custom bezier algorithm for smooth line drawing, multitouch zoom functionality, and a novel data compression algorithm, the app offers an engaging asynchronous multiplayer experience on both iOS and Google Play Store.

Telestrations digitizes the beloved board game into a fun and interactive drawing app. As a Software Engineer specializing in Unity, my role was central to crafting a user-friendly and technically sophisticated drawing interface that brings the classic game experience to mobile devices.

Developing the Drawing System:

The challenge was to create a digital drawing tool that felt natural and true to the player's intent. Initially, I explored various methods provided by Unity, including the Data-Oriented Technology Stack (DOTS) and custom shaders, to achieve efficient and effective line drawing. However, these prototypes produced lines that were too rigid, resembling a "connect the dots" style.
To enhance this, I developed a custom bezier algorithm that seamlessly smoothed the lines, accurately reflecting the user's hand movements. This system supported various drawing tools like erasers and shape creators, and incorporated multitouch zoom capabilities, allowing players to add detailed artwork easily.

Innovative Replay and Data Handling:

A unique feature of the game is the ability to replay drawings in the exact manner they were originally created. I designed a system that not only recorded every stroke but also the specific drawing tool used at any time. This required meticulous data capture and management to handle the volume of input data, especially for more elaborate drawings which could exceed cloud storage limits per packet.
To address this, I invented a compression algorithm that reduced the stored data size by 98% without losing detail or integrity, enabling efficient storage and replay of drawings.

Challenges and Solutions:

The project faced multiple challenges, including selecting the optimal input system, implementing user-friendly tool presentations, integrating effective multitouch functionalities, managing data storage, and accurately rendering user input. Each hurdle was met with a strategic approach, involving thorough discussion and innovative problem-solving within the development team.

Outcome and Impact:

The Telestrations app successfully launched on the Google Play Store and iOS App Store, providing players with a delightful way to play asynchronously with friends or family. The application not only captures the essence of the traditional game but also enhances it with digital conveniences and advanced graphical capabilities.

Looking Forward:

The successful implementation of these features in Telestrations sets a precedent for future digital adaptations of board games. Our team continues to refine our approach to interactive game development, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in digital entertainment.