Tools

I thought it might be useful to share with you the tools that I’ll be using for my game development. Some gaming hobbyists have access to premium commercial software, but I’ve managed to track down a full suite of comparable, well made tools that are completely free to download and use:

• OpenOffice.org – Perfect for documentation and planning. It’s a full office suite that’s comparable to and compatible with Microsoft Office.
• Programmer’s Notepad – I’m not a fan of cluttered and complicated interfaces and this application is exactly what I want when coding. It’s extremely configurable and easy to use.
• GIMP – Every essential feature that Photoshop offers, GIMP does it just as well. Whether I’m creating pixel art, using a drawing tablet or cleaning up graphics to post on this blog, GIMP does everything you need for bitmap graphics.
• Inkscape – Depending on your style, vector art is another option when creating graphics. It also allows you to work in pixel and sub-pixel levels, which is ideal for sharp looking bitmap exporting.
• MODPlug – Allows you to create sound effects and music with surprising efficiency. I found it difficult to understand the process of setting up a new song at first, but now I fully appreciate the flexibility and control it offers.
• SoundManager – Honestly, I have not tried it out yet, but the linked page gives you a live, working rundown of what it offers and I’m positive that it will do everything I need for controlling sound.
  Note: There is a newer version called SoundManager 2, but I don’t see a need to use that one, unless there’s a massive performance boost, as it seems to offer way more than I actually want.
• Firefox – This is my browser of choice, but it really shines when using the following tool…
• Firebug – Essential for debugging complicated scripts and understanding exactly what your code is doing while it’s doing it, and it works within the Firefox browser.
• WordPress – I took a peek at other blog sites and this one is easily the most comprehensive and user-friendly. The reason I list WordPress is that you might as well share your JavaScript games with the world as you build them because there’s no way to keep your source code and assets from prying eyes.
• FileZilla – A solid FTP program that does exactly what it’s supposed to do.

Note: There are a lot of free hosting services out there to share your games, but I’ve chosen to use my ISP’s web hosting as it’s not costing me anything extra. Also, I’m hesitant to use any existing JavaScript libraries as I need to hone my skills first.

I’m using a couple of peripherals for development. I use a scanner to bring in pencil drawings and a Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet to color my artwork. I’m in the process of learning how to use the tablet more effectively, but the control is phenomenally better than a mouse. If your style is purely pixel-based, a mouse will do just fine, but I like the flexibility a tablet offers.

I’m patiently scouring the stores for a solid PC game pad and/or joystick. There are times when a game controller actually enhances the experience beyond what a keyboard and mouse can do, and I’m all for that.

Preface

I’ve always wanted to make video games, but I’ve never committed myself to the task before so it’s time to try a new tactic. In an effort to better learn how to make video games and actually commit to the undertaking, I’ve decided to chronicle the process. This blog is primarily a way for me to stay inspired, focused and organized, but also to potentially help others who are interested in browser-based game development.

As the title for this site suggests, JavaScript will be the basis for my game development. I’m familiar with the language, but it’s the accessibility and future potential that gets me excited about creating games with it. Personal computers, mobile devices and gaming systems typically have web browsers that support JavaScript. The thought of playing one of my creations on the Wii through the Opera browser is enough to sell me on the concept.

I realize that there are disadvantages to using JavaScript, but I also fully accept them. Working within a web browser forces you to be economical with your project scope, and that’s a healthy restriction to have. I want to keep my goals with this endeavor attainable and simplicity is key. It also encourages a person to do more with less, and I’m sure that’s something even professional developers can respect.