Nerd Talk

keeping everything on one page

This is purely just a UX choice, if it's simple, why do I need to split it up (my former self could definitely have done with this lesson) - but I think it makes it smoother. Granted, not the best way to go about getting the best pagespeed, however for a pet project and for the things I wished to achieve, I think it works.

adding filtering for additional functionality bc, filters

Adding filters to IDK was a new challenge for me, as previous attempts relied on page reloads and lacked the 'remove' feature that is considered essential for a good user experience, and worked.. Sometimes.. Maybe. Implementing this feature required some more in depth SQL manipulation that I'd encountered, which was not my favorite part of the project. I've heard that SQL has a reputation for being a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it - but it was definitely an enlightening experience and helped me enhance the functionality of the project and expand my understanding of SQL. It admittedly also helped me make this project a little more mainstream as steam is rife with 18+ games.. And I wouldn't be able to use this site to demo anything if not for filtering and having the current default filters set.

keeping the db far away/making the shuffles not have to rely on an external api

I built a Rest API that I'm now using to make calls, rather than relying directly on the Steam API. This not only improves security, as well as avoids the troubles of going directly to Steam API (such-as, timing out, lack of speed) but also streamlined the build process.
In addition, There is a separate script that grabs every game from Steam and fills the database. While this took some time and patience, the end result was worth it - the database now has an incredible amount of entries that will enhance the user experience. Overall, I'm thrilled with the progress I've made and can't wait for users to see the improvements.

and pagespeed, kinda..

Although I had previously prioritized fast initial page load times, I have since discovered the importance of finding a balance between performance and functionality. While I still adhere to minifying practices, I used to rely on page reloads to avoid any excess jQuery that could potentially slow down the website. However, I've learned that there is a happy middle ground that can be achieved, which is why I took a more experimental approach for my pet project. I would advise against this for SEO purposes, but for a personal project, it was a good and fun learning experience.

allowing users to search by either their username, steamId, or urls associated with their account

In the past, I relied on users to go to https://steamid.io/lookup to get their user ID, which could be inconvenient and lead to errors. However, I have now incorporated the 'resolvevanityurl' call from the Steam API to validate any username input. This means that users can simply copy and paste their Steam profile link, regardless of whether it contains an ID or username, and the shuffle function will still work seamlessly. While implementing this feature, I encountered some challenges due to the complexities of Steam's profile structure, with only the username being validated by the 'resolvevanityurl' call. However, I found a workaround to detect SteamIDs' validity, which makes the process much smoother as a whole.

having a feels section

I'm passionate about sharing the joy of gaming and helping people unwind and expand their minds. In this section, I've listed all the games that hold a special place in my heart and have brought me hours of fun and entertainment. These recommendations are purely from me and represent a range of genres and themes that I believe offer something for everyone. I'm constantly updating this section with new games that I discover, so feel free to check back and see if there's anything that appeals to you.

Filters Help

Nudity-

Sexual Content-

Clear Filters

Do I need to unprivate my games/profile?

Yes, and due to some new updates on steam, all users have games set to hidden by default. A few people have changed this, and it's up to you, just note that the system won't work if you keep your profile or games private.

What are the benefits of signing in?

It will auto-fill your Steam ID into the shuffle box. It will also keep track of your roll count - which is important for give-aways.

How do I keep track of rolls during a giveaway?

You will need to sign in to partake in give-aways.

How do I get my Steam ID?

You can simply sign in. Or you can right click your Steam profile, and click 'copy link' and paste that into the input box - it will do the hard work for you.

What is Steam?

Steam is a digital platform for purchasing and playing video games on a computer. It was developed by Valve Corporation and offers additional features such as social networking integration. Steam is one of the most popular gaming platforms in the world, with millions of active users and a vast library of games.

- OR -

Visual Novel
Gambling
Political
Interactive Fiction
Investigation
Choose Your Own Adventure
Female Protagonist
Strategy
Noir
Story Rich
Detective
Choices Matter
2D
Logic
Text-Based
Assassin
Capitalism
God Game
Political Sim
Dark

The Divine Deception awaits you in Panthea. Will you be able to find the truth? Deduce, brainstorm, fight, and hack your ways through obstacles. But remember: Panthea's story is a game to be bet on. Nothing more.

Release Date: 3 Dec, 2021

Single-player
Indie

Publisher: Themisian

Developer: Themisian

Languages: English*
*languages with full audio support

About The Divine Deception

Something's happening in Panthea... Most are blind to it, most go from day to day oblivious. But for those who can see farther, the winds of change are impossible to miss. The upcoming election has provided a surprising challenger against the incumbent Governor. The largest company in the city is going through a phase of corporate restructuring. The criminal underworld seems to be slowly collapsing in on itself. And all the while, a mysterious string of killings have begun to put everybody on their toes. There's a grand lie being told to everyone around, and if the truth isn't revealed soon, Panthea will end up in flames. Care to learn the truth? Read through The Divine Deception, and find out. (The Divine Deception is a Visual Novel which you read through, with occasional minigames, puzzles, or quizzes in which you can win currency to purchase bonus unlockables. It will take about 30 hours to beat completely.)

7 Perspectives to view the city through!

A single viewpoint isn't enough to find what lies behind the masks. Travel between seven different stories at your own pace, and see what Panthea has in store for you! Be it a private investigator, a professional conman, or even an assassin, each and every path has plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. In The Divine Deception, you decide when to change which storyline you're reading.

4 different minigame types to conquer!

Surviving Panthea isn't an easy task. To stay ahead of the competition, you've got to construct brilliant deductions, cycle through trains of logic, quickly react to sudden fights, and methodically hack through difficult firewalls. The four minigame types challenge different skills, from deductive reasoning to quick time reaction to Sudoku-esque puzzle solving. Each of the minigame types has 3 difficulty options, and you can change difficulties any time!

Bet on the outcomes of story events!

The myth of Panthea is a story told. The real action takes place in a different place, at a different time. You and a mysterious stranger can watch over the tales, and using the chips you win through the minigames, bet on their individual fates. A sharp mind and good instincts can lead you to a fortune, but foolish gambling could cost you dearly.

Full of prizes!

What good are chips without something to spend them on? At the end of the story, cash in your winnings for a wide assortment of prizes. From concept art to a soundbox to special questions to a narrator's commentary to all sorts of extra surprises, there's sure to be something worth buying.

For those who wish to take part in the story, know this. Nothing is promised. Whatever fates the characters reach, they earned them by their own merits, and little can be done to change them.

Join the discord here: https://discord.gg/2WS4J9zJWA

About The Divine Deception

I'm Feeling

Welcome to Elk

Coral Island

Toilet Chronicles

Bio

Nerd Talk

About The Divine Deception

I'm Feeling

Welcome to Elk

Coral Island

Toilet Chronicles