When it comes to developing a game like Battle Fog Chess, the gameplay mechanics are only half the battle. The other half? The user interface (UI). How do you turn a concept into something players can interact with effortlessly? How do you make sure that the interface is not just functional but also enjoyable? These were the questions I found myself grappling with as we moved from the initial concept to something players could actually see and touch.

The journey began with hiring a talented freelancer who could bring the Battle Fog Chess UI to life. The initial idea was to build an Android app. After all, mobile gaming is massive, and having BFC in the pockets of players everywhere seemed like a great start. But as we got into the nitty-gritty of development, we realized that going mobile-first came with its own set of challenges. The app needed to be lightweight, intuitive, and fast—no easy feat, especially when you’re working with a game that involves multiple strategic layers.

As exciting as the prospect of a mobile app was, we faced a crucial question: How could we get this game into the hands of players as quickly as possible to start gathering feedback? That’s when we decided to pivot and start with a web-based version of the game. It offered us flexibility, quicker deployment, and a broader reach, allowing anyone with a browser to jump in and start playing.

So, after about three weeks of hard work—late nights and countless cups of coffee—we had what I like to call the “bare metal” version of Battle Fog Chess. It wasn’t flashy, but it worked. You could purchase pieces, set up your army, and start playing. The core mechanics were all there, but the UI was minimalistic, stripped down to the essentials so that we could focus on testing and refining the gameplay.

Having this web-based version was a game-changer (pun intended). It allowed us to start playtesting right away, gathering valuable feedback on the user experience and making iterative improvements. Players could finally experience the thrill of customizing their armies and facing off against the AI or other players, all through their web browsers.

Looking back, the decision to start with a web-based version was one of the best we made. It allowed us to bring Battle Fog Chess to life faster, reach a wider audience, and refine the game based on real user feedback—all of which will serve as a solid foundation when we eventually roll out the mobile app.

In the end, turning the UI into a game was as much about adaptability as it was about design. We learned to pivot when necessary, and that flexibility paid off. Now, with a functional and testable version of BFC, we’re one step closer to making this game a reality for players everywhere.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to refine and expand Battle Fog Chess. The journey is far from over, and we’re just getting started!