LifeLoop

LifeLoop: The Game of Real Worlds

Live, Dream, Connect — One Life at a Time.

LifeLoop is a 3D life simulation game built with React, Three.js, and Express.js where you can build your dream life, explore real-world cultures, and form deep emotional connections with AI-powered characters.

Features

🌆 Live in immersive 3D cities - Explore detailed urban environments
🧠 AI-driven NPCs - Powered by OpenAI GPT-4o for realistic conversations
🎨 Customizable homes - Build and decorate your living spaces
❤️ Dynamic needs system - Manage happiness, energy, social, hunger, and hygiene
🌍 Real-time progression - Day/night cycles and character aging
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Multiple life stages - Start as child, teen, adult, or elder

Quick Start

1. Clone the repository

   git clone <your-repo-url>
   cd lifeloop-game
   

2. Install dependencies

   npm install
   

3. Set up environment variables Create a .env file and add:

   OPENAI_API_KEY=your_openai_api_key_here
   

4. Start the game

   npm run dev
   

5. Open your browser Navigate to http://localhost:5000

Game Controls

• WASD / Arrow Keys - Move your character
• E / Space - Interact with NPCs and objects
• ESC / M - Open menu
• Mouse - Look around the 3D world

Technology Stack

• Frontend: React, TypeScript, Three.js (React Three Fiber)
• Backend: Express.js, Node.js
• AI: OpenAI GPT-4o for NPC conversations
• State Management: Zustand
• Styling: Tailwind CSS
• UI Components: Radix UI
• Build Tool: Vite

Project Structure

├── client/                 # Frontend React application
│   ├── src/
│   │   ├── components/     # React components
│   │   │   ├── game/      # 3D game components
│   │   │   └── ui/        # UI components
│   │   ├── lib/           # Game logic and stores
│   │   │   ├── gameLogic/ # Core game mechanics
│   │   │   └── stores/    # Zustand state management
│   │   └── pages/         # Application pages
│   └── public/            # Static assets
├── server/                # Backend Express application
│   ├── routes/           # API route handlers
│   └── storage.ts        # Data storage layer
└── shared/               # Shared types and schemas

Game Mechanics

Character System

• Life Stages: Child (5-12), Teen (13-19), Adult (20-64), Elder (65+)
• Personality Traits: Creativity, Sociability, Ambition, Kindness
• Needs Management: Five core needs that decay over time
• Aging: Real-time character development and life stage transitions

Activities System

• Age-appropriate activities for each life stage
• Energy costs and benefits for each action
• Experience gains in different skill areas
• Money earning through work activities

AI NPCs

• Unique personalities and conversation styles
• Memory of past interactions
• Relationship tracking with player
• Contextual responses based on game state

Home Customization

• Multiple rooms: Living room, bedroom, kitchen
• Furniture and decoration purchases
• Money management system

Development

Adding New Features

1. New Activities: Add to client/src/lib/gameLogic/activities.ts
2. New NPCs: Update client/src/lib/stores/useNPCs.tsx
3. New UI Components: Add to client/src/components/ui/
4. API Routes: Add to server/routes/

Environment Setup

The game requires Node.js 18+ and an OpenAI API key for AI features.

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Test thoroughly
5. Submit a pull request

License

This project is open source. See LICENSE file for details.

Support

For questions or support, please open an issue on GitHub.

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Start your life simulation journey today with LifeLoop!