Math Runner: Learning Through Play in the IDDV.ME Arcade

The Birth of Math Runner

Math Runner began as an experiment in combining education with entertainment on the IDDV.ME platform. Using Three.js for rendering and React for state management, this simple yet addictive game challenges players to solve math problems quickly to jump over approaching obstacles.

How the Game Works

The core gameplay is straightforward: a blocky orange character runs automatically on a green platform while orange obstacles approach from the right. To make your character jump over these obstacles, you must correctly solve math problems that appear at the bottom of the screen.

Each correct answer triggers a jump and awards points based on the current difficulty level. The game progressively becomes more challenging in two ways:

1. The speed of approaching obstacles gradually increases

2. The math problems become more complex as you score more points

Technical Implementation

Math Runner is built using:

- Three.js for 3D rendering of the game world, character, and obstacles

- React for managing game state and UI components

- Custom math problem generator that scales difficulty from simple addition to algebraic equations

The game loop utilizes requestAnimationFrame for smooth animation, while React's state management handles scoring, problem generation, and difficulty progression.

Educational Benefits

Beyond just being fun, Math Runner offers several educational benefits:

- Time pressure encourages quick mental math calculations

- Progressive difficulty adapts to the player's skill level

- Immediate feedback reinforces learning through instant rewards for correct answers

- Visual reinforcement connects abstract math concepts with concrete results (jump or collision)

Future Enhancements

We're planning several enhancements to Math Runner in future updates:

- Custom character skins that players can unlock

- Specialized math modes focusing on specific types of problems

- Global leaderboards to compete with other players

- Accessibility options to make the game enjoyable for everyone

Try It Yourself!

You can find the Math Runner game by clicking on the jumping pixel character in the bottom right corner of the IDDV.ME website. Challenge yourself to beat your high score while sharpening your math skills!