Develop Real-Time Multiplayer Quiz Game Mvp: Trivial Clash Backend & Lobby System

We are seeking a skilled backend developer to build the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for 'Trivial Clash', a real-time multiplayer quiz game accessible directly through web browsers. The primary focus of this project is to establish a robust Node.js and Socket.IO backend capable of handling real-time synchronization. This means ensuring that all connected players simultaneously see questions, a server-controlled timer, and live leaderboard updates without delay. The MVP must include a functional lobby system where users can create private rooms or join existing ones using a unique 4-digit code. The scoring mechanism should reward players based on both the correctness of their answers and their response speed. All quiz questions will need to be fetched from our pre-existing database structure. We require a solution that is scalable for future enhancements and provides a seamless, engaging user experience.