Should You Use a JavaScript Game Engine? If so, Which One?

Game engines are built for, and using, all kinds of programming languages, such as Unity with C#, Unreal Engine with C++, and GDevelop with JavaScript. JavaScript, being the language of the web, has gained popularity for game development, especially to make 2D games for mobile devices and desktops. Its wide adoption ensures broad accessibility, and cross-platform compatibility allows games to run seamlessly on different devices. So, how about using a JavaScript game engine?

JavaScript in GDevelop (and GDevelop in JavaScript!).

Should you use JavaScript Game Engines?

Yes! JavaScript game engines are fantastic for development due to wide browser support, cross-platform compatibility, a strong developer community, versatility for creating various types of games, seamless integration with web technologies, and efficient asynchronous programming for responsive interfaces.

One of JavaScript's key strengths lies in its cross-platform compatibility. Developers can create games that seamlessly run on various devices and operating systems. So you only need to make your game once, and it’ll run on Android phones, iOS devices, Windows, Mac and Linux PCs, and more!

Why use GDevelop, the no-code, open source JavaScript game engine?

JavaScript game engines can be highly effective, and GDevelop is a great example. GDevelop, based on JavaScript, is a user-friendly game development platform that simplifies the process of creating games. GDevelop's visual programming interface, combined with the power of JavaScript under the hood, makes it a good choice for those looking for a versatile and approachable game development solution.

Here are a few key reasons why GDevelop is a great Javascript game engine

• User-Friendly Design: Its interface is designed with user-friendliness in mind, catering to both beginners and seasoned developers. The learning curve is gentle, making it accessible to a broad range of users.
• Event-based System: Instead of wrestling with complex code, GDevelop employs a visual programming Event system. This means you can define game logic and interactions without diving deep into coding, making development more intuitive and efficient.
• Multi-Platform Compatibility: GDevelop allows you to export your games to various platforms, including web, Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This versatility ensures your creations can reach a wide audience.
• Asset store: GDevelop has an asset store with thousands of free and premium assets, so there’s no need to draw everything yourself. It also includes music and sound effects.

The Asset Store has tons of free and premium assets to get you started!

• Cloud services: with GDevelop, even free accounts get cloud project backup, one-click exports for Android, Linux, Windows and web, free analytics for your games and even dashboards to make your games more social.
• Built-In Behaviors and effects: The engine comes equipped with pre-built behaviors and a range of visual effects. This streamlines development, letting you implement functionalities and aesthetics without starting from scratch.
• Open-Source Community: As an open-source engine, GDevelop has a collaborative community constantly enhancing and expanding its capabilities. This communal effort fosters ongoing improvements, making GDevelop a dynamic and evolving choice for game development.

Using JavaScript Within GDevelop

While GDevelop is primarily focused on helping people create games through visual programming with its Events system, you can add JavaScript code directly as well.

Not only that, but you’re also able to create your own Extensions for custom Behaviors and other things with JavaScript. And because GDevelop is open source, you can choose to share these creations with the community.

For example, not long ago GDevelop lacked any sort of 3D feature. But community members like Pandako brought 3D support via their own Extensions.

The same is true for networking, where people like Arthuro have created and maintained multiplayer solutions like THNK.

Therefore, while GDevelop’s primary programming method is the Events system, people who are comfortable with JavaScript can also apply those skills here.

Create Successful Games with GDevelop

GDevelop is a battle-tested game engine, used to create games with millions of downloads in the Apple App Store and Google Play store, such as Vai Juliette!. It’s also been used to create games to promote popular TV shows such as Prime Video’s The Boys.

Recently, games made with GDevelop have gone to game expos and jumped to the top of the Steam demo pages as well. GDevelop games have conquered Newgrounds, mobile stores and more.

Not only that, but agencies have also used GDevelop to make games for clients such as Hewlett-Packard and Omen.

GDevelop as a JavaScript Game Engine in Schools

GDevelop is the perfect JavaScript game engine for schools. In fact, don’t take our word for it. There are multiple testimonials from teachers who use GDevelop in their classroom every day.

Maria creates after-school programs in Denmark, where she was able to even teach her students to become teachers themselves. Older students are now able to teach younger students based on what they’ve learned.

In Spain, Eduardo teaches game development to illustrators and graphic designers, because it’s super easy and they don’t need to learn a programming language.

Eduardo and his university students making games with GDevelop.

Teachers in Brazil, Colombia and Singapore use GDevelop because it runs on basically anything, including your web browser, iPad, iPhone, Chromebooks, PCs and Mac computers.

The Museum of Design Atlanta also uses GDevelop to teach game development workshops.

They like the fact that it’s a step-up from engines like Scratch, but still more accessible than something that requires programming such as Unity or Unreal.

GDevelop: A Great JavaScript Game Engine

Whether you want to make the next indie game hit, make a game for a client or teach game development in schools,GDevelop is a fantastic choice when it comes to picking a JavaScript game engine.

There are plenty of resources, compatibility is amazing across devices, and there is even a built-in asset store. Create your game once, and deploy it everywhere: Steam, Android, iOS, Newgrounds, Facebook… and often with just a single click.

So, what are you waiting for?