In a unique fusion of technology and everyday life, a Bengaluru-based software developer came up with a video game that connects well with the city’s commuters. Harin Nitisvaar, a software developer by profession, has launched a mobile game that offers a quintessential experience of navigating Bengaluru’s bustling streets on an Ather electric scooter. And what surprises everyone even more is that the game has been created with the help of using AI tools.
Titled “Mission Office,” the game is a playful yet realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by commuters in Bangalore, including potholes, cows, and barricades. Nitisvaar, who works at Zepto currently and was previously at Swiggy and Dunzo, drew inspiration from his daily rides to work.
The game, developed using SwiftUI in Xcode, features a vibrant, cartoonish aesthetic with assets generated through AI tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E 3, supplemented by Photoshop touch-ups. Players navigate through a series of missions, avoiding hazards and reaching their destination, the “Mission Office.” The game includes familiar Bangalore landmarks and elements, to add to the sense of immersion.
The game incorporates real-world elements like Nitisvaar’s Ather electric scooter. Future updates promise to add more challenges, with a planned version 2.0 including traffic and floods, further enhancing the authenticity of the Bangalore experience.
Nitisvaar’s project has garnered attention for its innovative use of AI in game development. By leveraging tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E 3, he was able to create a visually appealing game with limited resources, demonstrating the potential of AI to democratise game development. The utilisation of simpler resources along with clean coding makes the implementation a lot easier.
The game has been well-received on social media, with users appreciating its relatability and humor. Comments on X (formerly Twitter) range from suggestions for additional features, like including auto-rickshaws and local language interactions, to praise for its realistic depiction of Bangalore’s road conditions.
For those interested in experiencing Nitisvaar’s creation, “Mission Office” is available for download on the iOS App Store. Sadly, there’s no update on when Nitisvaar will bring it to the Android platform.
