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Beginner’s Guide: Start Making JavaScript Games Easily

Beginner-friendly guide to starting JavaScript game development

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

This article offers a detailed beginner’s guide to making games in JavaScript, covering fundamental programming skills, development environments, and practical tips for creating and deploying simple web games.

Why it matters: It helps newcomers avoid overwhelm by focusing on core JavaScript, 2D games, and practical frameworks to increase chances of finishing projects.

The big picture: Modern JavaScript game development heavily relies on Node.js, NPM, and bundlers to streamline coding, testing, and deployment workflows.

Bottom line: Beginners should start small, use frameworks like KAPLAY or Phaser, learn pixel art, and leverage map editors to build and publish playable games.

Commenters say: Some argue 3D is approachable with the right tools, recommend higher-level engines like Unity for actual game creation, and suggest starting with simpler libraries like P5.js. Others highlight the importance of focusing on gameplay over engine-building and express interest in alternative languages compiling to WebAssembly.