Play Store Validation Hits a Snag

Well, that didn’t go as planned. After submitting my Disappearing Tic-Tac-Toe game to the Google Play Store, I was expecting maybe a week of review time. Turns out Google had other ideas! Got an email this morning flagging “concerns about game mechanics that may confuse users” – apparently the whole “pieces disappearing” thing triggered some algorithm. Eye roll. ( Just kidding, the process is just long.)

The Bureaucratic Nightmare

So I’m now stuck in what I’m calling “validation purgatory.” Google wants additional information about the gameplay, more screenshots, and a video demonstration explaining that yes, the pieces are SUPPOSED to vanish – that’s literally the whole point of the game!

The reviewer (or robot, who knows these days) suggested that players might think the disappearing pieces are a bug rather than a feature. I’ve had to write a small essay explaining that’s the entire mechanic that makes the game unique and, you know, fun.

According to their timeline, this “additional review” could take another 2-3 weeks. When I saw that estimate, I nearly spilled coffee all over my keyboard. Not exactly the launch schedule I had in mind.

Web App to the Rescue

Rather than leaving everyone hanging, I’ve decided to pivot. Why wait for Google’s blessing when the web exists?

I spent last night reconfiguring the Expo project to generate a properly optimized web build. The beauty of React Native + Expo is that most of my code worked for web with minimal changes.

Honestly, I should have done this from the start. The web version actually runs smoother than I expected – even the animations work great. Tested it on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox (even Edge, though that was reluctant).

New Feature: Ultra-Fast 1-Second Mode

Since I was already knee-deep in code for the web version, I figured I might as well add that crazy feature my Pauline kept bugging me about – a 1-second disappearing option!

Previously, the game had sensible options like 5, 10, and 15 seconds before a move disappeared. But Pauline (who apparently has superhuman reflexes) insisted that wasn’t challenging enough. So I added the 1-second mode, which is basically chaos mode:

const timeOptions = [1, 5, 10, 15];

I thought this would be too frustrating to play, but after testing it for an evening, I’m oddly addicted. You have to plan your strategy instantly – no time to think. Your move is literally disappearing as you’re planning your next one.

Pro tip: Don’t try the 1-second mode after your third coffee of the day. My win rate dropped to about 10% because my hands were too jittery. Learned that the hard way yesterday.

Mobile Responsiveness

The biggest challenge was making sure the web version felt good on both desktop and mobile browsers. Nobody wants to pinch and zoom just to play Tic-Tac-Toe.

I went with a mobile-first approach, then added media queries for larger screens.

How to Play Now

The web app is live RIGHT NOW at https://tictactoerush.yundrox.dev/ (just set this up last night, so let me know if you encounter any issues).

For the best mobile experience, you can add it to your home screen:

  • On iOS: Open in Safari → Share button → “Add to Home Screen”
  • On Android: Open in Chrome → Menu (three dots) → “Add to Home Screen”

This gives it a near-native feel without the hassle of app stores.

What’s Next

The Play Store saga continues in the background – I’m still determined to get the native app approved eventually. The iOS version is still in development, but given this experience with Google, I’m not exactly rushing to deal with Apple’s infamous review process.

In the meantime, I’m using this unexpected detour as an opportunity to gather feedback on the core gameplay. The web version includes anonymous analytics (just counting moves and game completion rates, nothing creepy), which should help me refine the disappearing mechanic before the mobile apps go live.

If you try the web version, hit the feedback button or drop a comment below. And remember – when your X or O disappears, that’s not a bug, it’s THE WHOLE POINT!

PS: Special shoutout to Pauline for pushing me to add the 1-second mode – though I’m still convinced you’re secretly a robot with those reflexes.