Today only (April 9th), Manning Publications is offering my book HTML5 in Action 50%. The book focuses on building HTML5 apps with JavaScript through various APIs. I wrote the chapters on visual APIs with Canvas, SVG, and WebGL that walk you through building retro game clones. Book is almost done, so this is a great time to get a copy before it lands on shelves.
Use code dotd0409au for 50% off
For this year’s Dark Side Game Jam, a couple of friend’s and I created a 10 minute RPG called Nostos (available on Android). We chose the title nostos because its actually Greek for homecoming, particularly returning home from a long journey. The game places you in the seat of a commander who’s on a spaceship packed full of supplies for terraforming a dead planet. While playing you get to make various building choices in different scenarios. Depending upon what structures you choose, the game can pan out in different ways.
A terraforming RPG available for free on Android. Click image to download now.
My project for Canvas Prime was originally meant to be a simple HTML5 game framework that ran on Canvas. Shortly after releasing an early version it was featured on a gaming blog and started being used in my workplace. Traction was growing and it seemed like my new open source project would be a success. About a year and a half later everything has gone down the tube and the codebase is a mess. Although it was a failure, I learned a few lessons that will hopefully prevent you from making the same mistakes.
A level editor for Canvas Prime that never made it
One of the major components missing from my open source game engine has been a lightweight JavaScript easing library. If you aren’t familiar with easing, its used to create unique animation movement that feels lifelike and less robotic. There are general use libraries such as jQuery and completely dedicated JavaScript easing libraries that have the words Tweening in the title. While these tools are great, I found them to be too robust, slow, or undocumented. Because of this I’ve created a new lightweight open source library called Simple Tween JS.
Simple Tween JS is a lightweight open source JavaScript easing library at less than 200 lines of code. Complete documentation and the latest version can be found at the GitHub repo.
For my upcoming book HTML5 in Action, I wrote a chapter on creating a game like Space Invaders with SVG. The tutorial teaches you various methods for creating visual assets with vector graphics and XML.After creating the visual assets, it teaches you how to combine everything with JavaScript. The JavaScript isn’t too complex and I walk you through every step of the way. Great for those who want to learn how to create re-sizable graphics for in-browser use.
Play SVG Aliens at html5inaction.com and download the source code at the book’s official page.