Morse Music | Devpost

Start Screen
Gameplay
End Screen

Inspiration

Morse code is a fascinating means of communication that our team has recently become interested in. We think many can relate to the feeling of wanting to learn a new skill but struggling to do so. Since morse code is a valuable skill, we wanted to make learning it more interactive and engaging. This led to the idea of combining Morse code with a rhythm-based gameplay experience.

What it does

Morse Music is a Morse-code-inspired rhythm game where players take on the role of a lighthouse operator. To guide distant ships safely, players flash the lighthouse light by pressing the spacebar as short (dots) and long (dashes) notes (represented by birds) approach the lighthouse. This creates a rhythmic light pattern that mimics Morse-encoded messages. To facilitate learning, once a morse-encoded character has appeared on the screen, the corresponding alphabet letter flashes on the screen as well. As a result, the game challenges players to match the timing of the signals to successfully complete the encoded message, while allowing players to test their own morse code knowledge.

How we built it

We developed the game using Unity as the game engine and programmed the mechanics in C#. The visuals and animations were crafted using an online drawing app, ensuring a consistent and polished aesthetic for the game's assets. The sound effects and musical elements were integrated to enhance the gameplay experience and help players connect with the rhythm.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was fine-tuning the timing system. We had to ensure the timing of the signals aligned perfectly with the rhythm, providing a fair but challenging experience. Additionally, designing an accurate and rewarding scoring system based on how well players matched the rhythm was a complex yet rewarding task.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're thrilled to have created a fully functional game that looks great and serves a unique purpose: making learning Morse code fun and accessible. The combination of engaging visuals, rhythmic gameplay, and educational value makes Morse Music a project we're genuinely proud of.

What we learned

This project allowed us to deepen our understanding of Unity and C#, particularly in the realm of 2D game development. We also gained experience in integrating sound and visuals to create a cohesive and enjoyable user experience.

What's next for Morse Music

Some ideas for further development of Morse Music include:

Multiplayer Mode: Allow players to compete with friends to see who can decode messages the fastest.
Level Progression: Introduce increasingly challenging levels with complex Morse messages.
Customizable Songs: Allow players to import their favorite tracks and generate Morse-coded rhythms from them.
Educational Mode: Include tutorials and quizzes to help players learn Morse code alongside the gameplay.