chip-factory-game
Chip Factory Game
Learn how modern semiconductor devices are assembled by stacking layers in a retro arcade puzzle.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Live Demo
- Gameplay Highlights
- Chip Curriculum
- Controls
- Tech Stack
- Getting Started
- Development Scripts
- Deployment
- Learning Resources
- Roadmap
- Contributing
- License
- Acknowledgements
- Contact
Overview
Chip Factory is an educational puzzler that translates the multi-layer semiconductor fabrication process into intuitive Tetris-like gameplay. Every layer you place mirrors a real manufacturing step—perfect for students, hobbyists, or anyone curious about how chips power everything from smartphones to avionics.
Why You’ll Love It
- 🧠 Authentic learning – Accurate fabrication steps grounded in semiconductor packaging research.
- 🕹️ Retro-inspired UI – Neon grids, responsive typography, and smooth canvas rendering.
- 🧩 Layer-by-layer mastery – Six to seven distinct layers per chip device.
- 📈 Skill feedback – Scores, perfect placement streaks, and real-world facts after each build.
Live Demo
👉 Play now: https://meanharsh.github.io/chip-factory-game/src/
For the best experience, use the latest version of Chrome, Edge, or Safari.
Gameplay Highlights
- Growing Complexity: Each device now stacks 6–7 fabrication layers to mirror real production flows.
- Forced Orientation: Pieces drop misaligned, encouraging spatial reasoning before locking them in place.
- Blueprint Visuals: A holo-style blueprint updates in real time so you never lose sight of the target stack.
- Short Circuit Protection: Misplaced cells trigger an electrical fault with actionable diagnostics.
Chip Curriculum
| Device | Layers (bottom → top) | Real-World Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Logic Switch (Transistor) | Silicon wafer • Shallow trench isolation • Well implants • Gate oxide • Gate stack • Spacers & silicide • Metal contacts | Front-end-of-line CMOS fabrication |
| Memory Stack (DRAM) | Silicon substrate • Isolation grid • Deep capacitor trenches • Storage dielectric • Access transistor • Bit-line metal • Bond pads | 1T1C DRAM cell packaging |
| Power Manager (PMIC) | Power substrate • Epitaxial drift region • Copper spreaders • Driver FET array • Interconnect mesh • Solder bumps | High-current power management IC |
Each successful build ties your work to a real application—think iPhone RAM buffers, jet engine controllers, or electric vehicle power stages.
Controls
| Input | Action |
|---|---|
| ← / → | Move piece horizontally |
| ↑ / Z | Rotate 90° |
| ↓ | Soft drop |
| Space | Hard drop |
| P | Pause/unpause |
Tech Stack
- HTML5 Canvas for rendering and ghost-layer previews.
- Vanilla JavaScript state machine for game logic, scoring, and collision checks.
- Retro UI theme handcrafted in modern CSS (neon grid, outlines, and glass panels).
- GitHub Actions deployment pipeline for GitHub Pages.
Getting Started
Requirements
- A modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
- Optional: Python 3 or Node.js to run a local static server.
Local Setup
git clone https://github.com/meanharsh/chip-factory-game.git
cd chip-factory-game
# Option 1: Python
python -m http.server 8000
# Option 2: Node (http-server)
npx http-server
Then open http://localhost:8000/src/ in your browser.
Development Scripts
| Task | Command |
| —- | ——- |
| Launch local server | python -m http.server 8000 |
| Run Node static server | npx http-server |
| Format HTML/CSS/JS (manual) | Use your editor’s formatter of choice |
Deployment
- The project deploys from the
gh-pagesbranch using the GitHub Pages workflow located at.github/workflows/deploy.yml. - Whenever you push to
gh-pages, the workflow builds the static site and publishes it to thegithub-pagesenvironment. - Main branch commits won’t deploy automatically—create or update
gh-pageswhen you are ready to ship.
Learning Resources
- How Semiconductors Work
- Intel’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Process
- SparkFun: Introduction to Transistors
Roadmap
- Add additional device families (RF front-end, image sensors).
- Introduce timed challenge and combo scoring.
- Support touch controls for mobile devices.
- Add multilingual facts and tooltips.
Have an idea? Open an issue and let’s discuss.
Contributing
Contributions are welcome! To get started:
- Fork the repository.
- Create a feature branch (
git checkout -b feature/amazing-idea). - Commit your updates with clear messages.
- Submit a pull request describing the rationale and testing.
Please review the Contributing Guidelines before opening a PR.
License
This project is available under the MIT License with additional attribution requirements. See LICENSE for the full text.
Acknowledgements
- UI inspiration from Retro UI.
- Educational direction informed by industry primers from Intel, TSMC whitepapers, and IEEE tutorials.
- Original concept and art direction by Harsh Meena.
Contact
- Author: Harsh Meena — harshmiitk@gmail.com
- Project Page: https://github.com/meanharsh/chip-factory-game
If you build something awesome with Chip Factory, share it—learning devices deserve a spotlight! ✨