- Industry:
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Gaming
- Platform:
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Desktop
Mobile
- Project length:
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since 2018
- Main tech stack:
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React
Redux
Node.js
Nest, PostgreSQL & others
About the project
BUFF founders wanted to create a gaming loyalty platform that would reward users simply for playing. So, we start with building a complex desktop app that could handle high loads and was fraud-secure.
As the platform grew, got its first investments, and became popular with millions of users worldwide, we went for a mobile application as well. Recently, we’ve run a massive UI/UX revamp of the platform to make it more consistent and user-fit while adding new crucial functionality.
Building a desktop platform
For BUFF, we had to build a complex desktop application, more like a universal support system for all types of games that are supported by Owervolf. The app had to be secure enough to avoid cheating and verification fraud, while also having the capacity to manage lots of users at the same time. So, our goals were:
- develop a complex loyalty platform app
- ensure high load management
- provide strong anti-fraud security
Developing a mobile app
As BUFF evolved, its founders decided to create a mobile application with functionality identical to a desktop platform. So, in just 3 months, we had to:
- build a full-fledged mobile app;
- create an intuitive & responsive mobile design;
- ensure the app has the same security & tech capacities;
Redesigning UI/UX
Over time, BUFF’s design system started to lack consistency and grew outdated with overloaded screens and complicated UX. We also had to add some new social media features. So, during the redesign, we needed to:
- update web design with new branding;
- make platform consistent;
- switch to a template design;
- remove overloaded modules;
- add new features
Creating Desktop & Mobile apps
Features
The team managed to build a cross-platform loyalty program that enables gamers to earn coins in the background as they continue to play without interruption. Inside BUFF, there are:
Sign-up & personal profile
We provided quick sign-up via e-mail, Google, or Discord. So that users can create & manage their own personal profiles.
Onboarding
We’ve created a smooth & engaging onboarding flow with educative pop-ups to help users get acquainted with the platform.
Games support
BUFF supports some of the most popular games so that users can play their favorite ones – like CS:GO, Fortnite, League of Legends – right in the app.
Daily tasks & challenges
The platform has a complex system of daily tasks and challenges for its users to get weekly bonuses, rewards, and, finally, make in-app purchases.
Live coin economy
BUFF live economy is provided by the AI- algorithm & based on real-time analysis of user’s performance – the best players earn the most coins.
History & advanced stats
Users can track the history of games played and access advanced stats to review performance, and earnings, compare averages with other users, etc.
In-app marketplace
The platform has its own in-platform marketplace with native currency – BUFFs – which can be redeemed for real-life Items. Later, during a redesign, new categories, tags, & more features were added.
Tech solutions
From a technical perspective, we managed to build not just one React app but a system of applications working in synergy and communicating via the EventBus pattern. As a highly-scalable & secure solution, BUFF has lots of tech perks hidden inside:
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High load management
achieved due to database optimization, autoscaling, and scalable microservices architecture
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Custom Steam bot
developed to integrate Steam items into BUFF so that users could get them as rewards
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Strong anti-fraud security
that prevents the use of any malicious properties, bot creation, or background mining & verifies users
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Overwolf authorization
BUFF passed rigorous tests of security and authenticity to partner with Overwolf
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Secure in-app payments
the team provided extra encryption for any transactions happening on the platform when users buy desired items
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PlayStation partnership
We’ve worked through open APIs to connect users’ PlayStation ID to their Buff accounts
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BUFF advertising
we elaborated a system that collects data from advertisers, analyzes it and builds ad indices accordingly
Redesigning BUFF
In just 2 months, Fulcrum designers ran a complete overhaul of the platform – we elaborated a consistent design system, switched to a template design, updated the app’s UX, and added new features to drive social networking:
A new design system created
We’ve adjusted the new branding created by an external agency to web design basics and made BUFF’s interface consistent across all platforms
Tone of voice
The team developed a custom unified dictionary for consistent communication with users
UX improvements
Fulcrum designers remastered the platform UX-wise & incorporated outcomes of the earlier conducted UX research
New Banner System
It allowed us to switch to a template design & unload designers, allowing the business team to work more efficiently:
Adding new features
Highlights
It allows users to record, edit, post, comment, & share moments from their plays.
Premium
We’ve adapted the Premium subscription page to a new design system & made it user-friendly.
Reward Track
It’s a functionality – BUFF’s “battle pass” – that rewards gamers for time spent online.
Team
Tech stack
FRONT-END: React, Redux, Saga, Immutable.js, GSAP, Jest/Enzyme
BACK-END: Node.js, PostgreSQL, Python, Docker
API: Overwolf, League of Legends
Stats
Today, BUFF is the real market player with millions of users worldwide and thousands of transactions daily. Becoming Israel’s first company that entered IPO, BUFF already partnered with Overwolf, LEGO, Hulu, Alienware, and Monster Energy.
IPO
the first publicly traded gaming company that entered IPO & raised $9 million
9 000 000 +
people use BUFF worldwide
450, 000+
daily active users that play over 3, 000 000 matches every day
Overwolf, LEGO, Playstation
partnered & runs special promotions with world-class game publishers
Client's review
Fulcrum executed a functional and reliable app that has exceeded user behavior and engagement KPIs. The proactive team excels at managing expectations and meeting milestones, delivering on time and within budget. They facilitate daily communication and in-person meetings and offer their own insights.
Elay De Beer
CEO, BUFF Games
Tailor-made projects for our clients from various industries. Fulcrum’s cast-iron goal is to make functional and attractive products for brands and connect them with their audiences.
