Exclusive: How Duolingo vibe coded its way to a hit chess game

Duolingo, known for language learning, has expanded into math, music, and now chess. They launched a chess course with an AI tutor, Oscar, and are now introducing a multiplayer mode. The chess course, greenlit quickly by CEO Luis von Ahn, gained millions of users within three months. Its development exemplifies Duolingo's shift to an AI-first company to enhance productivity and focus on creative tasks. Von Ahn clarified that AI implementation isn't for job replacement but for growth and mission advancement. The chess course prototype was initially created through "vibe coding" using AI tools by employees who weren't chess experts. Engineers then developed the final product, leveraging open-source resources and the visual simplicity of chess for a faster process. Introducing player-versus-player mode presents complex engineering challenges, including synchronization and anti-cheating measures. Duolingo aims to broaden access to chess, making it engaging and accessible to a new generation of players.