JavaScript started as a language that was once seen to be used mainly for the web. It has now grown to play a major role in modern programming. Its ability to adapt has grown over recent years, and it is now also used in creating mobile games that exercise your mind.
JavaScript has always been on the forefront due to its ability to create desktop applications, databases, web applications, backend servers, and desktop applications. Having a programming language as versatile as JavaScript, there are always questions arising regarding the creation of games. However, many programming languages and particularly JavaScript has been able to adjust in the industry of creating games.
Make a Plan
Having a great plan or no plan at all can either build or break your game. Before beginning the process of putting together your first game, you need to have good knowledge of what you want to create.
Decide the Type of Game
You must have an idea on what game you intend to develop. Is it a puzzle game? Or a racing game? Will the game be a side scroller? Is your game going to be 2D or 3D?
Take your time to note down your ideas, come up with characters that will stand out, play around with various art styles, and lastly, decide on which gameplay will make your game more fun and exciting.
Choose Your Software
Creating a video game should not be as hard as it seems. Take advantage of advanced development tools that will do coding on your behalf. This will enable you to give more focus on your creativity to make your game stand out.
Software to Choose From
Here are some of the software that you can consider when developing your game.
UDK
Also known as Unreal Development Kit, UDK is powered by Unreal Engine. It comes with a basic project that is pre-made. This allows you to have lots of fun while you practice coming up with a prototype game and learning more about the toolsets.
Unity
This software is considered to be the most used among mobile game developers. It is free for use until you decide to put your game in the market. Among the reasons for its popularity is that its graphics abilities are very high.
GameSalad
This software does not require you to have coding knowledge. Instead, it uses a ‘behavior-based logic system’. It works more like a drag and drops game creation tool. There is a learning curve. You will not immediately be creating complicated games once you open it. This software is very powerful and will allow you to put your games onto Android, Windows, and iOS by just clicking a button.
Programming Language
Whatever game development software you decide to use, you must understand the programming language. A good programming language to use is JavaScript since it is easy and simple to learn.
Since JavaScript is commonly used by game developers, here some games developed using JavaScript.
Games Made with JavaScript
Gaming capabilities brought about by a programming language are shown through the games it creates. There is a wide range of games available in the JavaScript web browser.
HEXGL
This is a fast-paced game that involves racing, and it is primarily built with JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5. It has striking similarities with the classic Wipeout series that is known for its futuristic style and unique electronic soundtrack. The game demonstrates impressive graphics while showcasing the abilities of JavaScript.
Underrun
This game portrays an artistic vision that is used in JavaScript games. The main art of styles is the blocky pixels. Despite being simple, they give a futuristic display of what JavaScript games will be like.
Gods Will Be Waiting
This game provides an eye-catching puzzle game that features a crew. This crew needs to survive for 40 days while in isolation. The cast is robust and full of different characters with an interesting art style. The player needs to interact with the crew to keep them warm, sane, and nourished. It comes with an intriguing premise that is full of adventure and action sequences that provide a unique experience to users.
CrossCode
This might be the most comprehensive game available in JavaScript. This game was created using ImpactJS and HTML. CrossCode is a 2D game, and it is retro-inspired with realized settings. It has a deep story with an interactive world with characters having their storylines. It provides quality RPG experience, and it is among the top releases of JavaScript.
PolyCraft
This game offers a resource collection. It is a 3D tower defense game. It is among the most polished games available in JavaScript. The best part of this game is that it runs very smoothly in several web browsers.
Start Your Project
Starting your own game project can be quite intimidating. Remember that if you keep things simple, the results will come fast. So, how do you start your project?
How to Start Your Project
Starting your project can be the most complex part of developing a game. As mentioned above, keeping things simple will mean less stress for you. Start with the basic mechanics and rules of playing the game. After that, design level one of the game, implement your graphics, and do as many tests as possible. Lastly, develop an interface. By interface, it means developing options, screens, options among others.
Implement Your Graphics
When implementing graphics into your game, there are two choices that you can choose.
- Create your graphics
For 2D graphics, you can create them on your own using Photoshop. You can also create them using Maya and for 3D graphics, you can use 3ds Max.
- Outsource your graphics
You can consider outsourcing your graphics to other designers. There are so many sites that are dedicated to helping game developers like you. You can hire designers to help you achieve your desired game look.
Elevate Your Play
Creating a mobile game is not enough. For your game to be successful, players need to have the urge to play it. There are a few steps that you will need to take for your game to elevate.
- Make sure your game does not pixelate.
- Ensure the controls are intuitive and easy.
- Your storyline needs to be interesting and engaging. So work towards achieving this.
- Create a game mood through your music, and the music has to be fun and has fewer distractions.
Release Your Game
Many new game developers make the mistake of working too much to make the game perfect which can cause delays when releasing the game. It is always recommended to release the game as soon as possible.
Importance of Releasing the Game Fast
If the game finds an interested audience quickly, you will be able to make improvements and execute game updates. If you are serious that you want to make your game a source of income, you will need to draw a reasonable budget for marketing it.
Making a mobile game will enable you to learn more JavaScript core concepts. It is also evident that JavaScript games are on the verge of growing because of its many available tools online.
Contributed by Jana Novak
Updated on 18th May 2022