Hey guys! Been a while since I last posted here (almost 20 years!). I just released a new game engine (in JavaScript) called Jest for small 2D pixel-art simulations; it has a long way to go. If coders are interested in contributing to it, using it, trying it out, etc. please feel free to take a look. A direct support Discord channel for tech support or hardcore development to discuss directly with developers can be found here: https://discord.gg/eyRqghNt3q

Video Preview: https://youtube.com/shorts/wDopzitCrvA

Needs a lot of love. It works as a browser plugin. Right now it is a small replica of an old MMO Zelda 3 style game. Of course, complete customization is available. At present a C++ version of the code is being developed which will hopefully enhance security substantially. The current code could be transported to Element & Phaser with a little bit of love 🙏❤️.

ℹ️ GitHub Source: https://github.com/jestingly/jest

Creating an open-source game engine using JavaScript involves several key steps:

1. Plan the Engine Architecture – Define the core components: rendering (using WebGL or Canvas), physics, input handling, audio, and scripting.
2. Set Up the Development Environment – Use tools like Node.js, npm, and a code editor (VS Code, etc.) to set up your project structure.
3. Rendering System – Implement a rendering engine using WebGL (for 3D) or HTML5 Canvas (for 2D). Start with basic shapes and build up to more complex systems (sprites, shaders, etc.).
4. Physics Engine – Build or integrate a simple physics engine (e.g., matter.js) for collision detection, gravity, and object movement.
5. Input Handling – Capture user input through keyboard, mouse, and touch events to control the game’s characters and interactions.
6. Audio System – Implement audio features to handle background music, sound effects, and in-game sounds using the Web Audio API.
7. Scripting – Allow game developers to script gameplay using JavaScript (or a custom scripting language if desired).
8. Optimization – Ensure the engine is optimized for performance across browsers by profiling and improving the frame rate and memory usage.
9. Documentation and Licensing – Document your engine well and choose an open-source license (like MIT or GPL) to share with the community.
10. Community Contributions – Publish the engine on GitHub or similar platforms and encourage others to contribute.