Game development is undoubtedly a daunting task, but with the right tools, the pain can be alleviated.
Thankfully, the JavaScript engine offers advanced features compared to other engines. We offer a wide range of options for tools and add-ons that enhance the quality of your game development process. As a result, the JavaScript engine has created some of the world’s most popular games like Temple Run 2.
Learn about the best JavaScript game development engines, their features, and factors to consider when choosing an engine.
melonJS is a lightweight 2D sprite-based engine used by developers and designers for game development. A nice feature of melonJS is that it is completely independent and does not require any external plugins. However, there are 3rd party tools that are proven to improve your engine experience.
melonJS has an integrated tilemap editor that you can use to create levels easily. It also features a texture pack to auto-generate and create the textures you need in-game. The engine also includes an algorithm-based technology “arcade” that ensures fast collision detection.
melonJS does not rely on external libraries to run and boasts smooth transition effects. Supports popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Safari.
The engine is also compatible with almost any input system and features high DPI resolutions and efficient web audio support.
Babylon.js is the next generation web rendering 3D technology. He is responsible for creating industry-leading games such as Space Invaders and Temple Run 2.
The engine has an industry-leading set of features such as follow cameras and light sources, which are useful tools for creating large, feature-rich games.
Additionally, developers can write, render, and view code across various browser platforms. Babylon.js also allows him to view his 3D graphics in a web browser using HTML5.
Babylon.js includes a performance profiler that simplifies performance management and debugging. It also features an animation curve editor that allows unlimited access to morph targets and lets you create and modify animations.
Another selling point of Babylon.js is its commitment to helping create rich graphical user interfaces. The Babylon.js engine has a Mixed Reality toolbox that gives you access to XR/UR elements, 3D sliders and touch holographic buttons to complete your game scene.
Additionally, the authors provide detailed tutorials on common issues encountered by most developers new to the engine. As such, with Babylon.js you don’t feel the depth.
Phaser is an open source 2D engine with key features for creating WebGL and Canvas powered games. This engine is for game developers looking to bring their game ideas to life.
Phaser lets you build interactive games and deploy them to the web with tools like follow cameras, sound, device scaling, animations, and mobile browsers.
Although free, Phaser lets you create cross-platform games that users can play on any modern web browser, mobile device, or desktop. Plus, with lots of tutorials to help game developers, getting started with Phaser is easy.
Phaser is also multi-input system aware, has sound support, and is WebGL compatible.
PixiJS is a rendering engine that lets you create interactive graphics, multi-platform applications, and games without worrying about WebGL APIs or device compatibility. As such, its ability to absorb speed and quality into the graphics and quality of 2D games (similar to how WebGL works with 3D graphics) has made it a solid choice for game development.
Pixi Engine allows you to create interactive websites, html5 canvases and applications for smooth development work. It also gives you the flexibility to implement your game ideas based on real-life scenes.
This free engine allows you to create special objects called containers to store and move abstract items. For example, objects such as trees and rocky landscapes can be stored in containers and he can move them together as a group.
PixiJS supports multiple platforms, has a Photoshop-level editor and color blending quality. Additionally, projects can be seamlessly deployed into applications using the multi-touch input system.
Kiwi’s accelerated WebGL reading capabilities are ideal for developing high quality games. Associating with Cocoon.js makes it easy to deploy your game to desktop and mobile browsers. This is his open source HTML5 engine that supports WebGL rendering, multitouch and 2D canvas.
Kiwi’s efficient library gives you access to plugins, game templates, and official documentation. This document provides information to help guide you through the development process. Additionally, fellow contributors can create plugins and add-ons using WebGL shaders.
Unlike other JavaScript engines, Kiwi.js has modules that allow typescript developers to write plugins natively. Additionally, you can set a load tolerance to prevent crashes due to slow connections.
The engine also ensures access to animated sprites and flexible assets from the data library, providing access to images, sounds, and other background features.
Play Canvas is a game engine with an infrastructure that supports both 2D and 3D game graphics. The engine has light features and a built-in editor for physical rendering and 3D material integration.
A big selling point of Play Canvas is that it’s not just limited to game developers. So brands that need animated visuals for marketing or building real estate models will find this engine useful.
Play Canvas lets you create interactive games and content, write and test running code, build scenes, and export your content to other platforms. The Play Canvas web app also makes it easy to create browser games.
Plus, Play Canvas saves you time by allowing you to integrate physics into your game. The engine also allows you to script and customize the content according to your preferences. Plus, you don’t have to reload your browser every time you make a change.
It’s also important to note that Play Canvas supports and facilitates collaboration on joint projects between game developers.
Play Canvas is usually free, but as long as you’re on the free plan, your project’s privacy isn’t protected. As a result, your project and assets will remain in the public domain until you subscribe to the package.
GDevelop is a unique open source engine based on an event system. Games created with this engine can be easily compiled and exported on multiple platforms.
GDevelop features an intuitive-based event system that supports your creativity, allowing you to express the logic and rules of your game however you like. The event system also supports advanced features such as editable game objects and behaviors.
GDevelop also has a comprehensive core library with advanced tools, graphic effects and built-in editors to customize and implement your ideas to your liking. It also supports cross-platform development.
The engine is free, but the game doesn’t have to be open source. With the MIT license, you can freely distribute your game or make it available for purchase. For this purpose, monetization and advertising to earn purchases is allowed on Facebook and Shopify.
Impact.js is an engine that takes game development to another level. We provide advanced industry tools and standard software updates to help you create your own games.
It works in all HTML5 capable browsers and comes with a built-in editor and powerful debugging tools. Plus, it has comprehensive documentation with detailed guidelines on how to get the most out of its features.
An exciting feature of Impact.js is the Versatile Weltmeister Level Editor, an advanced editor. This gives you access to entities and advanced tools to keep you in control of your code. The debug menu also helps you pinpoint and address any errors that may occur during the development process.
There is also a related framework called Ejecta that allows publishing games in iOS apps. Additionally, built-in plugins allow you to simulate a 3D experience.
Additionally, there is an Impact.js community for developers to share game ideas, ask for help, and share game projects.
Choosing the best JavaScript engine
Note that price is not the most important factor to consider when choosing a game development engine.
Factors like ease of deployment, monetization, and the ability to build specific types of games are arguably more important. All these factors work together to affect the development experience.
As you continue your JavaScript game development journey, cheat sheets that provide quick and easy reference to important information can be an invaluable resource.
