Development of an HTTP-based Leaderboard System for the 8-Puzzle Game Using the Linear Congruential Generator Algorithm with the System Usability Scale Analysis Method

This paper presents the design and implementation of an HTTP-based leaderboard system and LCG algorithm introduced for the 8-puzzle game, aiming to improve player retention and user experience. The study combines algorithmic randomization with competitive game components to develop a comprehensive gaming framework. The 8-puzzle game operates on three types of difficulty (Easy, Medium, Hard) and implements the LCG method to minimize repetition during an entire game. The leaderboard system utilizes HTTP protocols to facilitate efficient client-server communication and track player performance metrics, including game completion time, move count, and experience points (XP). The system has been evaluated by black-box testing, user load testing, and the System Usability Scale (SUS). Black-box testing confirmed the effectiveness of user authentication, puzzle development, gameplay dynamics, experience point calculation, achievements monitoring, and leaderboard display. User load testing with 1,100 virtual users over 30 seconds yielded an average response time of 640 ms, successfully handling 21,693 requests. The SUS analysis, including 20 participants, yielded a score of 85.1 (A-grade), indicating that the system is exceptional and exceeds other educational gamification systems documented in the literature. The excellent usability score demonstrates that integrating the LCG algorithm with gamification elements creates an engaging and well-balanced gaming experience that encourages sustained involvement by providing an optimal level of challenge. The analysis demonstrates that integrating HTTP-based leaderboards with algorithm development establishes a feasible framework for educational gaming applications. Despite challenges related to LCG pattern predictability and HTTP stack scalability with an expanding user base, the system has adeptly maintained a balance between challenge and skill through the achievement system, weekly challenges, and performance reveal features, thereby making a substantial contribution to educational game design.