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Advice needed for optimal Javascript Game coding Dev environment and initial project

Hi
Part 1:
My new MacBook (which I acquired to do my Javascript phone games dev or test, with my other MacBook and fixed dead iPhone, needs to have an optimal Javascript game dev environment set up on os X.

I've used Atom IDE already, and think it's fine. Is that the best way to go? Must I do a standard Atom MacBook install, like before?

I have an iCloud drive account, and one expert suggested I utilize a cloud system. I am open to that. If that facilitates seamless posting of my game online, and good project structure, it's a win win. Using an iCloud is basically indistinguishable from the file system?

Part 2:
I'd love to be able to see an example game that is just a one-screen with a 'start' button that enters a game loop of a circle/ animated GIF that can be finger-tapped, finger-dragged, mouse-clicked or mouse-dragged to a destination. That would set me going very well. The mouse, key and touch listeners look straight-forward. Keyboard shouldn't be a problem. Are most games mouse, keys and touch if appropriate?

Thanks

Dustin Saunders

I believe Unity has Javascript coding support and is a 2D/3D game development platform. But Unity also works with C# and thats what I use for my projects; JS and C# syntax is similar enough where it's a small hop, and all the memory management etc is handled by the engine. There are thousands of tutorials out there for creating the type of game you want, and it has a built in Asset Store so you can get graphics and etc. with all the appropriate licensing easily.

Unity is also free, I think licensing costs only kick in after a game has sold x amount, but I'm unfortunately not in a good spot to check on all that other than giving a recommendation.

James Hancock

ASKER

Thanks

Do I have to get a new IDE? I'm concerned that if I ask for expert help on coding questions, using Unity might raise unexpected issues?
Also, I definitely want Javascript, not C#. - coz that's what mobile coders use.
Google says, unity won't be able to do Javascript in the future.

What did the dev the made slither.io use? what about boas.io, candy crush, etc?

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Chinmay Patel

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lenamtl

Hi,

For tool and OS use what you are comfortable with, this save a lot of time so you can concentrate your efforts on the code.
For coding language JavaScript is the way to go to my opinion because you already have the knowledge and the demand is very high for this at the moment.

You can follow some Facebook groups, this is good way to know what are the challenges, issue, news and this is not very long to read.
I do like https://www.facebook.com/groups/IndieGameDevs

You can also have an experienced game dev partner or find a part time job in the industry to get more exprience.

Chinmay connection is a great opportunity....

James Hancock

ASKER

Thanks