JavaScript game with server-side communication and answer validation functionality

In my fast-paced, quiz-like Javascript game, users must answer a series of Yes/No questions as quickly as possible. Upon answering, the response is sent to the server for validation and feedback (correct/incorrect) before moving on to the next question using Javascript and AJAX.

The issue lies in the delay between questions due to server verification. Each question is standalone, meaning one question's outcome does not impact the next. I aim to provide immediate feedback after each answer before presenting the next question.

Currently, I pause the client-side clock during server-side validation and resume once feedback and the subsequent question are received. Additionally, at the server level, I ensure game sessions do not exceed the time limit plus network delays.

To combat delays, sending a batch of questions and answers to the client for local verification seems like an obvious solution. While this minimizes server communication and enhances user experience, it opens up the possibility for scripts to automatize gameplay. Although obfuscating code and responses adds some security, determined users can still create their own scripts.

My query has two parts. Firstly, I seek reassurance that I am not overlooking a more effective solution that also addresses malicious intent. While a foolproof solution may be unattainable, I welcome any insights or strategies for handling such scenarios.

Secondly, with no monetary incentives involved, I anticipate minimal interference from potential troublemakers. Nevertheless, I value your input and suggestions on how to handle more serious breaches if they were to occur.

Answer №1

Just for practice, here's a creative solution that popped into my head.

Sprinkle in some intentionally incorrect question-answer pairs every now and then to throw off any automated bots. Bots tend to provide the "correct" (but actually wrong) answer more frequently than actual players do, so by mixing in these fake questions, you can spot the bots based on their response patterns. The downside is that real players might occasionally be stumped when their correct answers are marked as wrong. It's a trade-off between accurately detecting bots and potentially confusing legitimate players.

I'm assuming that these scripts mimic human behavior when it comes to timing between answers and have enough intelligence not to always give the right answer. Otherwise, the game would be too predictable.

Answer №2

Trying to achieve your goal using just Javascript is not feasible. Consider this: if Javascript, a client-side language in plaintext, is handling the validation, players can easily replicate the actions and access correct answers.

To prevent abuse, you could obscure the Javascript code and present answers to users in hashed form (md5/sha1/etc). Users would submit their answers in hash format for verification against the stored hashes. While this method conceals the answers, it still poses a risk if the game involves a limited set of multiple-choice responses that cheaters can easily hash and compare.

How significant is the delay in question here? Ajax typically operates swiftly, with response times averaging 100-200ms in some applications. This speed should maintain a seamless user experience. If response times exceed this range, optimizing the server-side components may be necessary to hasten response calculations.

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