Freelance project · Mobile apps
Casual games that are easier to play with friends than alone
A social gaming app built around playing casual games with friends, even when they aren’t online at the same time. I designed the play loop, the social layer and the safety controls for iOS and Android.
01The problem
Casual games are easy to start and just as easy to drop. Playing with friends is what brings people back, but inviting them, waiting for them and coordinating play adds friction that solo play doesn’t have.
Who it’s for
Friend groups
An easy way to start a game together, even when they aren’t online at once.
Solo casual players
Quick matches with people at a similar level.
Competitive players
Rankings, streaks and fast rematches.
New players
A gentle start without being thrown into hard matches.
02The main flow
01
Opens the app
02
Picks a game mode
03
Invites a friend by link
04
Plays a turn
05
Gets a rematch nudge
03Structure
Play
Social
Progress
Profile
04Key decisions
Decision 01
Live matches need everyone online at once, which rarely happens in a group of friends.
Considered
Live-only matches with a waiting lobby.
Chosen
Games start turn-based with a notification when it’s your turn, and switch to live play when both players are in the app.
Why it works
Friends can keep a game going through the day. The cost is more game states, which I made readable as a your turn and their turn list on home.
Decision 02
Asking for contacts on first launch feels intrusive, and many players refuse.
Considered
Contact-book sync during onboarding.
Chosen
A share link that opens straight into a game with the sender, with contact syncing offered later as an option.
Why it works
A link works in any messaging app and needs no permission. It relies on people sharing, so the share action sits on every results screen.
Decision 03
Open chat between strangers brings moderation work and makes some players feel unsafe.
Considered
Full text chat in every match.
Chosen
Quick reactions and preset phrases in matches with strangers, and full chat only between accepted friends.
Why it works
Matches stay friendly without heavy moderation. Strangers get less room to express themselves, which suits short casual games.
05What’s inside
Start a game with someone at a similar level in a single tap.
Play with friends one to one or keep a running game going in a group.
A notification when it’s your turn, with quiet hours players can set.
Progress that rewards coming back, without punishing a missed day.
Block, report and chat limits that are easy to find mid-game.
06Outcome
Delivered
What I learned
In social games, the rematch and share moments are part of the design, not afterthoughts.
Designing for friends who aren’t online together changed the whole home screen.
Next step
Pick a time that suits you. You'll leave the call with a clear next step, whether we work together or not.