From Layoff to Innovation: Building a Game Tool with GenAI (ChatGPT) and Experiencing the Full 360° of SDLC

After being laid off from my job in May 2024, I decided to channel my time and energy into something meaningful - a passion project I had long envisioned: building a game. This journey exposed me to many facets of SDLC including practical application of AI.

To accelerate development and explore the potential of emerging tools, I leveraged ChatGPT (GenAI). I built a word game primarily serving the South Indian Telugu-speaking community. I implemented with a static data file but also used OpenAI to dynamically generate words (in progress). This helps to pull words from internet. I also developed a version tailored for kids to make the game inclusive for all age groups. These will soon be merged into a unified experience and hosted on a public platform.

The process was both fun and deeply insightful, echoing many of the roles and responsibilities I've held in my professional journey. It tested my creativity, resilience, and adaptability - requiring me to shift personas depending on the phase, much like having a "split personality." I'm excited to share and promote this game, and to showcase how personal passion and GenAI can come together to build meaningful, community-focused solutions.

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Krishnamohan Malladi

Krishnamohan has proven experience in manual and automated testing of APIs and UIs. Worked as a SDET, QA, Lead and manager, building from ground zero and utilizing existing automation frameworks. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of bugs and conducted integration testing. Developed and executed test plans, test cases to meet sprint timelines. Proficient in Scrum/Kanban methodologies and sprint ceremonies. Created and executed performance testing scripts using JMeter to identify system performance bottlenecks. Practical experience in BDD, Gherkin, cloud technologies, DevOps, and CI/CD pipelines.