404 page: T-Rex Game Clone

[EthanThatOneKid]

What's your idea?

Background

Our website currently lacks an engaging and interactive 404 error page. To enhance user experience and add a touch of nostalgia, we propose cloning the popular Google Disconnected T-Rex Game for our own 404 page. This game is widely recognized and enjoyed by users when they encounter network connectivity issues on Google Chrome. By implementing a similar game on our website, we can turn a frustrating experience into an enjoyable one while keeping users engaged with our brand.

Objective

The objective of this issue is to clone the Google Disconnected T-Rex Game and integrate it into our 404 error page. The game should closely mimic the original game's mechanics, visual design, and user interaction. It should provide a fun and entertaining experience for users who encounter a 404 error while browsing our website.

Proposed Solution

To achieve this objective, we will follow these steps:

1. Research and Familiarization:

   • Study the mechanics, design, and implementation of the original Google Disconnected T-Rex Game.
   • Understand the underlying technologies used, such as HTML5 Canvas, JavaScript, and CSS.

2. Game Design and Development:

   • Design a visually appealing game environment, similar to the desert backdrop in the original game.
   • Develop the T-Rex character and obstacles, including cacti and flying birds, using appropriate graphics and animations.
   • Implement the game's core mechanics, such as jumping, crouching, and collision detection.
   • Integrate a scoring system to track and display the user's progress.

3. User Interface and Interaction:

   • Create an intuitive user interface for starting and restarting the game.
   • Implement keyboard and/or mouse controls to allow users to play the game.
   • Add sound effects and visual feedback to enhance the gaming experience.

4. Integration into 404 Page:

   • Modify our website's 404 error page to incorporate the cloned T-Rex Game.
   • Ensure proper placement and responsiveness of the game within the page layout.
   • Display a friendly and informative message alongside the game, guiding users back to relevant content or providing a search option.

Expected Outcomes

By successfully cloning the Google Disconnected T-Rex Game for our 404 page, we anticipate the following outcomes:

• Improved user experience when encountering a 404 error, increasing engagement and reducing frustration.
• Increased brand recognition and positive association through the nostalgic connection to the popular game.
• Enhanced website metrics, including increased time spent on the 404 page, reduced bounce rates, and potentially increased return visits.

Additional Considerations

• Compatibility: Ensure the game works across different web browsers and devices to provide a consistent experience for all users.
• Performance: Optimize the game's performance to minimize loading times and provide smooth gameplay even on low-end devices.
• Legal Compliance: Avoid any copyright infringement issues by creating original artwork and code, inspired by the Google Disconnected T-Rex Game.

Next Steps

1. Assign the issue to the appropriate team member(s) responsible for web development and design.
2. Create a development branch and begin working on the proposed solution.
3. Regularly communicate progress and seek feedback from the team to ensure alignment with expectations.
4. Perform thorough testing and debugging to ensure a polished and bug-free implementation.
5. Deploy the updated 404 page with the integrated game to the production environment.
6. Monitor user feedback and analytics to gauge the effectiveness of the game and make necessary improvements if needed.

Let's turn our 404 page into an enjoyable experience and create a memorable interaction for our users!

Initially suggested by @boushrabettir.

[EthanThatOneKid]

Related: #717.