Add step-based Minesweeper example with data collection

[darshi1337]

Description

I added a step-based Minesweeper model as a new example in mesa-examples. This model reframes Minesweeper as an autonomous spatial diffusion process rather than an interactive game, making it suitable as an educational and analytical Mesa example.

The model demonstrates how local neighborhood rules and a frontier-based propagation mechanism can produce emergent spatial patterns on a discrete grid.

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Motive

• Demonstrate frontier-based spatial propagation
  The model uses an explicit frontier to control which cells are processed at each step, illustrating wave-like expansion and natural termination.

• Show neighborhood-driven dynamics
  Cell behavior depends entirely on local neighborhood state (number of adjacent mines), highlighting classic cellular automaton principles.

• Combine spatial and temporal analysis
  In addition to grid visualization, the example includes a DataCollector to track and plot how the system evolves over time.

• Provide a clear, non-interactive reference model
  The example avoids user interaction and instead focuses on step-wise dynamics, aligning with current SolaraViz capabilities.

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Implementation

The model is split across three files:

model.py

• Orthogonal grid with one agent per cell
• Random mine placement via PropertyLayer
• Frontier-based reveal logic (flood-fill–like propagation)
• Automatic reseeding of unrevealed safe regions
• DataCollector tracking:
  • Total revealed cells
  • Frontier size per step

agents.py

• MineCell agent storing:
  • Revealed state
  • Number of neighboring mines

app.py

• Matplotlib-based grid visualization
• Time-series plot showing reveal dynamics
• Parameter controls for grid size, mine density, and seed

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Notes

• This model is non-interactive by design and does not implement player clicks.
• I was wondering whether click-based interaction can currently be implemented for more complex models. From what I understand, Mesa does not yet support this functionality. I would also appreciate any suggestions or guidance on how click handling might be implemented within Mesa itself.

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Running the example

solara run examples/minesweeper/app.py

[EwoutH]

Thanks for the PR.

Interesting to see a game here, not the primary target of Mesa but certainly fun!

I noticed I couldn't interact with it. That would be quite cool. Maybe with our Altair visualisation that would be easier than with matplotlib, but not sure.

@Sahil-Chhoker do you know if interactivity / clicking on a cell is possible at all?

[darshi1337]

@EwoutH I’ve made the changes as suggested. Let me know if anything else is needed.

[EwoutH]

Thanks!

We don't have games yet, we might want to give those a dedicated place. Will loop back.

[Sahil-Chhoker]

@Sahil-Chhoker do you know if interactivity / clicking on a cell is possible at all?

I don't think it's possible, currently we serve a solara's FigureMatplotlib or FigureAltair on the frontend, while they have a on_click listener for the whole object, it doesn't provide an interface to expose only cells or other properties that can be clicked.

Maybe a custom component that makes grid using solara buttons with image overlays can work, because the user has granular control over a custom component. Can't say anything for sure though.