Optional Live In-Game Leaderboard Context

I’ve spent some time thinking through this and wanted to share an idea based on real-world game operations.

There is no expectation that this would be implemented—this is simply offered as a conceptual suggestion in case it aligns with your roadmap.

TL;DR / Bottom Line Up Front

• At game start, give teams a simple opt-in choice:

  • No score or ranking displayed

  • Live leaderboard / score displayed

• If enabled, display the team’s current score or time alongside the game timer, with leaderboard context.

• The concept is compatible with both time-based and point-based ranking models.

Scoring Model Examples (High-Level)

Time-Based Ranking Model (Example from My Use Case)

• All teams have a fixed amount of time to escape.

• Ranking is based on a separate performance score used only for comparison.

• Teams typically start near the top of the leaderboard and move downward as the game progresses.

Point-Based Ranking Model (Your Current System)

• Teams start at the bottom of the leaderboard.

• As puzzles are solved, they move upward.

• Time can still factor into ranking to avoid ties at the top.

Leaderboard Context (If Enabled)

• The #1 leaderboard position is always visible, so teams know the benchmark they are working toward.

• The lowest leaderboard position (e.g., last place that still makes the board) is also visible, so teams know:

  • What they need to stay above

  • Or what they need to surpass to make the leaderboard

• This approach:

  • Gives point-based teams a clear target to climb toward

  • Gives time-based teams a clear threshold they need to stay ahead of

  • Keeps the display consistent across both scoring models

If this concept is of interest, I’m happy to provide additional detail on the time-based ranking model or discuss how offering both time-based and point-based ranking options could give Game Masters more flexibility. Otherwise, I wanted to keep this at a high level and let your team decide what fits best.