The problem deSypher solves

Firstly, this game uses blockchain technology to enhance a current game style that many players are already familiar with, and love. This creates incentives for non-crypto natives to enjoy an experience with a game they might already know a bit about, then take it to the next level by integrating solidity into the flow. The words are stored in a database, and the logic for their selection is executed by a read-only server, but past this, the rest is all onchain.
The rewards, games and game state are all managed on Base, using 2 main smart contracts. One for state management and the other for gameplay. Making this a true, onchain gaming experience.
The simplest way to say it would be: This game presents itself in a palettable way that even non-crypto natives will find appealing.
We hope that many people will become interested, not because of the crypto integrations alone, but due to the fact that the gameplay is sound and enjoyable!

Challenges we ran into

Hiding the Correct Word: This was especially important due to the fact that if this information is revealed the game is effectively broken. Through the use of database management, the word is stored in the backend, and not served to the user until after a certain criteria is met.

Balancing Gameplay: The importance of balancing the gameplay with the rewards structure is also crucial to the game logic. There are a certain amount of SYPHER tokens in circulation, and then another amount reserved for the rewards pool. These tokens effectively leave circulation on game loss, and re-enter circulation on game win. The amount is determined by how well the player did in their session, and the allocation from when they started. This creates a push and pull of tokens back and forth as games are started, then won/lost.

Restoring Sessions: Created a robust data infastructure of past sessions and their information so that games can be loaded at any time, and finished at the player's convenience.