Create Bingo Game Using C++

Bingo is a game of chance in which participants match randomly chosen numbers with numbers pre-printed on 55 grids or cards. Each grid contains 25 squares, with one unique number in each square between 1 and 75. The five vertical columns of squares are labelled "B", "I", "N", "G", and "O" from left to right. The center square is typically a free space.

The game requires a bingo caller to draw numbers at random, usually from a noisy mechanical ball-blowing machine or a deck of number cards. As numbers are called, players check their bingo cards to see if they have the called number on their card. If they do, they mark it off with a marker. Some common ways to mark called numbers are to cover the square with a chip or coin or use a dauber stamp to keep it.

The caller continues to select and announce numbers until a player achieves a specific pattern or coverall of matching called numbers on their card. Covering a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of 5 or more squares on the card is required for standard winning designs. The first player to properly mark a winning pattern and call out "Bingo!" wins the round. After that, game begins again with new cards and numbers for subsequent rounds.

Bingo rules can vary in different venues, but the overall mechanics remain the same - players match randomly called numbers against a bingo card to complete a specified pattern for a bingo win. Prizes like money or small items may be awarded to winners. The simple format makes it easy for people of all ages to catch on and play.

Set Up the Project

We must first set up an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) on our computer that is optimized for C++ workflows to create our Bingo game application. Popular IDE choices with robust C++ support are Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio Community/Enterprise. These IDEs come equipped with code editors, debuggers, project file management, and integration with compilers needed to build C++ programs. If a C++ compiler is not already bundled in the IDE, we must install one separately, such as GCC/G++ on Linux or Clang/LLVM on macOS. Other options include Visual C++ on Windows. We should create a dedicated C++ project within the IDE for our Bingo game codebase. It will allow proper configuration of compiler and linker settings tailored for our application. As part of the project setup, source code files with .cpp and .h extensions can be defined to hold the actual bingo game logic and functions we intend to write. With the project initialized and source files ready to be edited in the feature-packed IDE editor, our C++ development environment will provide everything required to start coding up and debugging the behaviors of our exciting Bingo game variant.

Developing a Virtual Bingo Experience

Let us explore critical elements to code up an entertaining game of Bingo in C++:

Card Definition

First, we need to model bingo cards in our software. We can design a BingoCard class to encapsulate a 5x5 grid of integers ranging from 1 to 75. It represents the random arrangement of numbers on each player's cardboard or digital card at the start of play.

Number Selection

At the heart of any Bingo game lies an element of surprise - the sequence of randomly drawn numbers that players anticipate. We can develop a NumberSelector utility that randomly picks integers between 1 and 75 without repetition until all numbers have been called.

Core Game Loop

With cards and a number selection process, we tie it together within a game loop inside a BingoGameEngine class. This loop will virtually draw and share new numbers, scan player cards for matches, check if anyone won, and facilitate continued play.

Winning Logic

We can code BingoCard methods that examine patterns of matched called numbers on horizontal, vertical, or diagonal axes per traditional rules to identify winners. Game announcements and rewards come when the engine detects a winning card!

By breaking development into reusable components like these, we set the stage for an exciting Bingo implementation filled with randomness, anticipation, and celebration of winners in each round's virtual matchup.

Implementation of the Code:

Output:

Bingo Board:
59 68
40 73 38
32 15
0 65 5
26 58
27 12 46
41 17
3 60 47
43 2
69 71 20
The called number is: 55
Enter the number to mark on your Bingo card: 65
Bingo Board:
59 68
40 73 38
32 15
X 65 5
26 58
27 12 46
41 17
3 60 47
43 2
69 71 20
The called number is: 32
Enter the number to mark on your Bingo card: 32
Bingo Board:
59 68
40 73 38
X 15
X 65 5
26 58
27 12 46
41 17
3 60 47
43 2
69 71 20
Congratulations! You've won!

How will we play the Bingo Game?

Here is the explanation of how to play the Bingo game:

• Booting Up

Run the executable file to launch our virtual Bingo game. The console displays each round's randomized number calls and player card updates.

• Ongoing Play

As random numbers get selected by the automated caller, human players check their on-screen cards and daub matches. Back-and-forth play continues between the computerized host and participants.

• Scoring Wins

The first player to complete an entire row, column or diagonal pattern shouts, "Bingo!". Our game engine validates the win and congratulates the victor before wrapping up the round.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the C++ implementation of the Bingo game provides a virtual experience where players interact with randomly generated numbers on their cards, aiming to achieve specific patterns and shout "Bingo" to win. The code includes features such as initializing the game board, displaying the board, generating random numbers, marking called numbers, and checking for a winning condition.

Players participate by entering marked numbers on their Bingo cards in response to the automated caller's announcements. The game continues until a player achieves a winning pattern, such as an entire row, column, or diagonal line. The simplified console-based output demonstrates the game's progression, displaying the called numbers and marked cards.

This implementation is a foundation for a more extensive and feature-rich Bingo game. Additional enhancements, such as input validation, improved display formatting, and advanced win-checking logic, can be incorporated to create a more engaging and user-friendly experience. The modular structure of the code enables further development and customization, making it a versatile starting point for a virtual Bingo game in C++.