Build a Reusable 2D Game Engine in JavaScript

Every game project starts the same way, and that's the problem.

Rendering, animation loops, timing, UI, asset loading, input handling. You know these systems need to exist. You've probably built some of them before. And you'll build them again for your next project, and the one after that.

There's a better way.

In this class, we build a reusable 2D game starter kit completely from scratch, using plain vanilla JavaScript — no frameworks, no libraries, no shortcuts. One solid, well-architected foundation that you implement once, and use to build every 2D game you create going forward.

What you'll build:

A production-ready, data-driven 2D game framework in vanilla JavaScript, including:

• A rendering system built on the HTML5 Canvas

• A game loop with precise timing and frame management

• A sprite animation system with state management

• A UI layer that stays clean and decoupled from game logic

• An asset loader for images, audio, and data files

• An input manager for keyboard, mouse, and touch

• A scene/state manager to organise your game flow

• Clean, scalable data-driven architecture throughout

Why vanilla JavaScript — and why from scratch?

Because frameworks abstract away exactly the things you need to understand. When you build these systems yourself, you stop copying and start engineering. You'll understand why things work, not just how to use them — and that understanding transfers to every project, every language, every engine you'll ever touch.

This is the class for developers who are tired of starting over.

Who this is for:

• JavaScript developers who want to build games the right way

• Developers who have built small games before but want cleaner, scalable architecture

• Anyone tired of rebuilding the same systems from scratch every single project

• Developers looking for a strong foundation before tackling complete game projects

Some prior JavaScript experience is recommended. You don't need to be an expert, but familiarity with functions, objects, and the DOM will help you get the most out of this class.

What happens after this class?

You'll walk away with a starter kit you can actually use — not a toy project, not a tutorial throwaway. A real foundation you can drop into your next game and start building from day one.

Check out my other classes on my instructor profile where we take this exact foundation and use it to build complete, polished games from start to finish.

Let's build 2D games in JavaScript — and let's do it the right way.