Scribble.rs

Scribble.rs is an open-source, self-hosted web application for multiplayer drawing and guessing games. It allows users to create private game sessions where participants take turns drawing a word while others attempt to guess it in real time. The application focuses on privacy and accessibility, removing the need for advertisements or user registrations to participate in a match.

The software is deployed as a server that users can host on their own infrastructure, making it suitable for private groups or community servers. It is accessed entirely via a web browser, meaning players do not need to install local software to join. Deployment is supported through Docker containers for Linux and Windows, or by compiling the source code into a portable binary using the Go programming language.

Key features

• Multiplayer drawing and guessing mechanics
• Account-free access for all players
• Self-hosting capability for private groups
• Docker image support for Linux and Windows
• Configuration via environment variables or .env files
• WebSocket support for real-time interaction
• Prometheus metrics endpoint for server monitoring
• Support for multiple language translations

The application is built with a Go backend and utilizes WebSockets to synchronize drawing strokes and chat messages between the server and clients. Administrators can customize the server behavior through several configuration keys, including the HTTP port, the root path for the domain, and CORS allowed origins. To maintain server performance, the software includes a lobby cleanup system that removes inactive players based on a configurable time threshold. For those running the server behind a reverse proxy such as nginx, specific configuration is required to ensure the WebSocket connection remains stable.

Scribble.rs is designed for groups seeking a privacy-respecting environment for social drawing games without the requirement of centralized account management.