StickerHunt.io
Join the IRL sticker hunt game and find stickers in your city.
Overview
StickerHunt.io is a treasure hunt social network focused around sharing and checking in with stickers. Players find and collect stickers hidden in cities around the world, creating a unique blend of gaming and real-world exploration.
The Challenge
We wanted to create an engaging mobile experience that encourages people to explore their cities while connecting with a community of sticker enthusiasts. The main challenges included:
- Building a reliable location-based system for sticker discovery
- Creating an engaging social experience around sticker collection
- Ensuring the app works seamlessly across iOS, Android, and web platforms
Technical Stack
- Mobile: React Native for cross-platform development
- Backend: Node.js with PostgreSQL
- Maps: Mapbox for location services
- Real-time: WebSockets for live updates
Key Features
Location-Based Discovery
Players can discover stickers placed by other users in their vicinity. The app uses geofencing to notify users when they're near a sticker.
Social Features
Users can follow other collectors, see their collections, and compete on leaderboards.
Cross-Platform Sync
Progress syncs seamlessly across all devices, allowing users to switch between mobile and web.
Results
Since launch, StickerHunt has grown to over 5,000 active users with stickers placed in cities across multiple countries. The community continues to grow organically through word-of-mouth.
Lessons Learned
- Start with core mechanics: Focus on the basic gameplay loop before adding social features
- Battery optimization is crucial: Location-based apps need careful power management
- Community building takes time: Organic growth is slower but more sustainable