Learning to code through a Splatoon 2 bot

Background

As a big fan of video games, I was excited when Nintendo released Splatoon 2, a third-person shooter for the Nintendo Switch. The game features a unique mechanic: maps rotate every two hours, but there was no easy way for players to check which maps were currently available. I saw this as an opportunity for a small side project to address a clear need in the Splatoon community.

Solution

As a player, I often found myself constantly visiting websites to check the current map rotation. That’s why I decided to create a Twitter bot that automatically posted updates on the upcoming maps for each game mode, helping players stay informed in real time. The bot quickly gained traction, becoming a valuable resource for the community and amassing over 2,600 followers at its peak.

Outcome

What started as a small side project evolved into a valuable learning experience that shaped my approach to both design and development. I gained a strong foundation in programming with JavaScript, working with APIs, and using version control with Git—skills I later applied to design system and prototyping projects in my professional work.

This project also taught me the importance of iterative problem-solving: focusing on launching a functional solution first and improving it over time. It was incredibly rewarding to see how something I created could make such a meaningful impact on a community I cared about.