Guessback
guessback.comA voice game where players describe a word and an AI tries to guess it before time runs out. It tracks completed words, shows round results, and lets friends share challenges.
The problem
A timed voice game makes every pause noticeable. You need to know whether the AI heard your clue or is still working on a guess. We also needed to keep the answer out of its instructions, check guesses against the game’s rules, and limit each audio session. Paid play added another requirement: account for the time used.
What we built
One screen for each round
We built one changing screen for the word, the AI’s guesses, and your completed words. Pause and pass controls stay within reach. When the round ends, the same screen shows your results.
The Signal Ring
The ring responds to your voice and shows when the AI is working on a guess. Its outer edge tracks the remaining time. You can follow the round without leaving the word in front of you.
Keyboard, screen-reader, and reduced-motion support
Light and dark themes, phone and desktop layouts, keyboard controls, screen-reader announcements, and reduced motion support cover the same game.
Paid play and shared rounds
You can buy playtime, see your remaining balance, and use it for your own rounds. You can also send a challenge link that lets someone else play without signing in.
How it works
Clues in, guesses checked in code
The browser sends audio over WebRTC for transcription. A separate AI model receives your clues and previous guesses, without the active answer in its instructions. Server code checks each guess against accepted names for that word. Saying an accepted answer discards the word. The model does not decide whether its guess earns a point.
Time limits beyond the browser
Our server sets up each audio session and keeps the API key out of the browser. A queued job ends the call at its time limit without relying on the page staying open. Paid play is measured in elapsed seconds. We also cap guess requests and cancel stale requests as the round moves on.
The round ends with a recap on the same screen. Review completed words and the time taken for each correct guess.
Let’s talk about your project.
Tell us what you want to build or improve. Someone from our team will read your message and reply by email.