HTML5

In this series, we will go over how to create a reusable TypeScript class that can be used to build the game Connect Four, and in a future series we will see how we can use this library to create implementations of the Connect Four game for the CLI and the web.

Previously, in part 1 , we reviewed the rules and game play of the game Connect Four and we started to build out the initial ConnectFour class by adding the properties and methods that will be needed.

In this series, we will go over how to create a reusable TypeScript class that can be used to build the game Connect Four, and in a future series we will see how we can use this library to create implementations of the Connect Four game for the CLI and the web.

In part 1 of this series, we are going to review the rules and game play of the game Connect Four and we will start to build out the initial ConnectFour class by adding the properties and methods that will be needed.

Before we start learning about HTML5 Canvas and start writing any code, the first thing we need to do is setup a development environment that will allow us to easily edit our files, serve our static files on a local web server, and view our changes in real time as we make them.

For this series, we will be trying to keep things as simple as possible, so we will not be using things like node, npm, webpack, vite, etc. The tools are fantastic, and they can be used to make certain things easier and simpler, like bundling your source code, installing project dependencies, minifying your code, and much more. However, for this series we will only need two things:

Today, I wanted to introduce a new series that I will begin working on that will be focusing on creating games with pure JavaScript and rendered on HTML using the HTML Canvas element . This series will focus on step by step tutorials for learning the basics of working with the HTML Canvas elements for game development and then we will move on to creating games.

As we progress through the series, we will be building blocks of re-usable code that you will be able to use to create your own games. Finally, with the knowledge you gain here, you should be able to pick any JavaScript game framework and use that framework for your projects, since they just build on the basics you will be learning here.

Welcome everyone! This is the first of many posts that will cover the topic of game prototyping and we will be putting game prototyping into practice by building some basic games in HTML5 using TypeScript.

What is game prototyping?

In game design, game prototyping is the process by which a game designer builds the simplest version of their game in order to test their idea and get feedback. A good prototype will convey the mechanics of the game the designer wants to build and it will allow others to test the gameplay.