Back in the days it was popular to make video-games targeting web browsers using Flash or Java applets. Now does dayes are gone,so the question is: can we build video games for the browser with JavaScript?
The answer is YES!!!
Creating 2D games with JavaScript is a popular choice among game developers due to its versatility and ease of use. Let's look at some steps to get started.
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Choose a game engine or framework: There are many game engines and frameworks available for creating 2D games in JavaScript. Some popular options include Phaser, PixiJS, and CreateJS. Choose the one that best suits your needs and skill level.
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Set up your development environment: Once you have chosen your game engine or framework, set up your development environment. This includes installing any necessary software and tools, such as Node.js and a code editor.
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Learn the basics of JavaScript: To create 2D games with JavaScript, you need to have a solid understanding of the language. Familiarize yourself with JavaScript basics such as variables, functions, loops, and conditionals.
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Create game assets: Create the assets for your game, such as graphics, animations, and sounds. You can use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Sketch to create the graphics, and audio software like Audacity to create sound effects and music.
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Start coding: With your assets ready, start coding your game using the game engine or framework of your choice. Follow the documentation and tutorials provided by the engine or framework to create a basic game.
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Add game mechanics: Once you have a basic game, add game mechanics such as player movement, collision detection, and scoring. You can also add more advanced features, such as AI opponents or multiplayer capabilities.
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Test and refine: Test your game to ensure it works as intended and refine it based on user feedback. Use debugging tools to identify and fix any issues.
Hurray!! Then it's just get started making videogames with JavaScript, what can go wrong?
When creating 2D games with JavaScript, there are some common mistakes that developers should avoid to ensure that their game is stable, performant, and enjoyable to play. Let's look at some of them.
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Overcomplicating code: One common mistake is to write complex code that is difficult to understand and maintain. Avoid overcomplicating your code by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable functions, and using clear and concise variable names.
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Not optimizing performance: JavaScript is an interpreted language, which means that it can be slower than compiled languages like C++ or Java. To optimize performance, avoid using expensive operations like loops and excessive calculations, and use caching and preloading techniques to reduce load times.
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Neglecting cross-browser compatibility: JavaScript can behave differently in different browsers, so it's important to test your game on multiple browsers and devices to ensure cross-browser compatibility. Use browser-specific prefixes and feature detection to ensure that your game works consistently across different platforms.
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Not testing thoroughly: Another common mistake is to not test your game thoroughly before releasing it to users. Test your game on different devices and screen sizes, and use debugging tools to identify and fix any issues.
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Ignoring user feedback: Finally, it's important to listen to user feedback and make improvements to your game based on their suggestions. Ignoring user feedback can result in a game that is frustrating to play and doesn't attract a loyal player base.
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By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create a stable, performant, and enjoyable 2D game with JavaScript.
JavaScript is not like C or C++ which is nativ and fast. JavaScript is an interpreted language which is not as close to the metal. What can we do to make it as fast as possible?
Caching and preloading techniques can significantly improve the performance of a 2D game developed with JavaScript. Let's look at some techniques that we can use.
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Browser caching: Browser caching can be used to store frequently accessed files, such as images, sounds, and game assets, on the user's device. This can reduce load times and improve the overall performance of the game.
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Image caching: Image caching can be used to preload images that are frequently used in the game. This can reduce the time it takes for the images to load when they are first accessed, improving the game's performance.
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JavaScript caching: JavaScript files can also be cached to reduce load times and improve performance. This can be done by using a CDN (Content Delivery Network) or by configuring the server to send appropriate caching headers.
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Preloading: Preloading is the process of loading game assets, such as images, sounds, and game data, before the game is started. This can improve the game's performance by reducing the time it takes to load assets during gameplay.
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Lazy loading: Lazy loading is the process of loading game assets on demand, instead of loading them all at once. This can reduce the initial load time of the game and improve its performance.
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Compression: Compression can be used to reduce the size of game assets, such as images and sounds, without compromising their quality. This can reduce load times and improve the game's performance.
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By using these caching and preloading techniques, you can significantly improve the performance of your 2D game developed with JavaScript.
Game assets, such as images and sounds, can take up a lot of space, which can impact the performance of a 2D game developed with JavaScript. Compression is a technique used to reduce the size of game assets without compromising their quality. Let's look at some popular compression techniques for game assets:
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Lossless compression: Lossless compression is a technique that compresses data without losing any information. This technique is commonly used for game assets that require high-quality images, such as backgrounds and textures. Examples of lossless compression techniques include PNG and GIF.
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Lossy compression: Lossy compression is a technique that compresses data by removing some information. This technique is commonly used for game assets that do not require high-quality images, such as sprites and icons. Examples of lossy compression techniques include JPEG and WebP.
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Vector graphics: Vector graphics are images that are created using mathematical equations, rather than pixels. Vector graphics can be compressed without losing any quality, making them a popular choice for game assets that need to be resized or scaled. Examples of vector graphics formats include SVG and EPS.
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Audio compression: Audio compression is a technique used to reduce the size of audio files without compromising their quality. This technique is commonly used for game sounds and music. Examples of audio compression techniques include MP3 and AAC.
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Texture compression: Texture compression is a technique used to reduce the size of textures used in 3D games. This technique is commonly used for mobile games and games with limited storage capacity. Examples of texture compression techniques include ETC1 and PVRTC.
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By using these compression techniques, you can significantly reduce the size of your game assets and improve the performance of your 2D game developed with JavaScript.
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Creating 2D games with JavaScript requires time and effort, but with dedication and practice, you can create fun and engaging games.