User Stories

This document outlines the user stories for the Prisoner’s Dilemma game application. User stories follow the format: “As a [type of user], I want [goal] so that [benefit].” They are organized by priority and categorized by feature.

Core Features

Player Registration and Management

Player Registration: “As a new player, I want to enter my preferred name and have a player ID generated, so that I can be identified in the game.”
- Priority: High
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Name input field with validation
  - Automatic player ID generation
  - Confirmation of successful registration
Local Storage: “As a player, I want my information saved in local storage, so that I don’t need to re-enter it when I return.”
- Priority: High
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Player name and ID stored in browser’s local storage
  - Automatic detection of returning players
  - Appropriate welcome back message
Backup Creation: “As a player, I want to download a backup of my game data, so that I can restore it if needed or use it on another device.”
- Priority: Medium
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Backup button clearly visible in user profile
  - Download of a properly formatted backup file
  - Confirmation message after backup creation
Backup Restoration: “As a returning player on a new device, I want to load my data from a backup file, so that I can continue playing without losing my history.”
- Priority: Medium
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - File upload mechanism for backup
  - Validation of backup file format
  - Successful restoration of player data
  - Error handling for invalid backup files
Name Customization: “As a player, I want to change any saved names at any time, so that I can update how I refer to other players.”
- Priority: Low
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Edit option next to all player names
  - Confirmation before saving changes
  - Immediate reflection of name changes in UI

Connection Management

Connection Initiation: “As a player, I want to generate a link to share with friends, so that I can invite them to play with me.”
- Priority: High
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Generate unique connection link button
  - Easy copying of link to clipboard
  - Visual confirmation of link generation
  - Tab remains on “New Connection” after link generation to allow copying
  - Connection link is displayed and accessible until user navigates away
  - Clear visual indication that a new link has been generated
Friend Naming: “As a player initiating a connection, I want to name my friend locally, so that I can easily identify who I’m playing with.”
- Priority: Medium
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Name input field when generating connection link
  - Local storage of friend name linked to connection ID
  - Display of friend name in connections list
Connection Management: “As a player, I want to see the status of my connections (pending/active), so that I know who is available to play.”
- Priority: Medium
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Visual indicator of connection status
  - Filtering options for connection status
  - Automatic updates when status changes
  - Ability to view and copy connection link for pending connections
  - “View Link” or “Copy Link” option for pending connection items
  - Clear indication that the link can be reshared with the intended friend
Connection Acceptance: “As an invited player, I want to register and establish a connection when I visit an invitation link, so that I can play with the person who invited me.”
- Priority: High
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Recognition of connection parameters in URL
  - Streamlined registration for new players
  - Name input for referring to the inviting player
  - Confirmation of successful connection
Connection Deletion: “As a player, I want to delete connection requests I’ve initiated, so that I can manage my pending invitations.”
- Priority: Low
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Delete option for each connection
  - Confirmation dialog before deletion
  - Server-side deactivation of connection
  - Removal from connections list

Gameplay

Game Initiation: “As a player with active connections, I want to start a game with a connected friend, so that we can play together.”
- Priority: High
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Play button for active connections
  - Game initialization with correct player data
  - Notification to both players that game has started
Game Stats Display: “As a player in a game, I want to see basic game statistics, so that I can track engagement in the game.”
- Priority: Medium
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Display of game session count for each player
  - Statistics visibility for both players
  - Accurate tracking and updating of stats

Future Enhancements

Game History: “As a player, I want to see a history of past games with each connection, so that I can track our play patterns.”
- Priority: Low
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - History section for each connection
  - Summary of game outcomes
  - Date and time information
Strategy Selection: “As a player, I want to choose different strategies for repeated games, so that I can experiment with game theory concepts.”
- Priority: Low
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Strategy selection interface
  - Description of each strategy
  - Application of selected strategy to gameplay
Results Visualization: “As a player, I want to see visual representations of game outcomes, so that I can better understand the patterns.”
- Priority: Low
- Acceptance Criteria:
  - Charts showing wins/losses/cooperation
  - Filtering options for time periods
  - Export option for visualizations

Implementation Notes

These user stories will guide the development process, with higher priority items being addressed first. As development progresses, stories may be refined or new stories added to address emerging requirements.

The technical implementation will focus on creating a responsive web application with a focus on user experience, data persistence, and connection management.