Developing Games Using JavaScript

Even before Ajax, JavaScript has always been considered a powerful programming language for client side applications.

Developers who practically grew up with this programming language will be able to build almost anything without having to scratch the server except for simple files that JavaScript would have to load.

Everything else has to be done in the client side. Because of its client side ability and use of other programming languages, Ajax is born.

Aside from highly interactive websites, Ajax is used to develop online applications. User would just need to have an updated major browser so that they would be able to load the application.

Because of its efficiency in helping developers build online applications, it has also been considered for games.

This idea is actually feasible since games are also applications too except that it will expect a lot of commands from the user. But there are already applications that have that ability.

Online office applications such as the one offered by Google could practically replace desktop office applications if there is a strong internet connection and powerful local gadget. No downloads is necessary so users could enjoy the applications anytime.

But having JavaScript as your programming language for games presents a lot challenges.

First and foremost JavaScript and Ajax will require you downloads which means the client for games has to come from the server.

Imagine if you are building an MMORPG with Ajax. Maintenance and server requirements alone would be a nightmare.

Website owners would have to invest thousands of dollars just to ensure the server works well.

On the other hand, the local gadget will also share some problems. The browsers that we have today are very powerful as it offers customization and ability to adopt to the changing requirements of different online applications.

However, the browser is not enough to handle such massive interface in just a single download.

It will require a very powerful device and a strong internet connection to ensure that you can enjoy the offered games.

Let's say instead of MMORPG you just develop simple casual games. That would be a possibility but it will still require a powerful gadget since casual games will still have graphics that could almost rival current applications.

Marketability of casual games will also be a problem. If you rely on online advertising, the game itself will not longer be enjoyable as it will just push for more bandwidth.

Besides there are casual games that could be purchased online that does not even require any bandwidth except during the one time download.

Last but not the least, JavaScript has security holes that could cripple the application in no time.

Unfortunately, JavaScript and Ajax are not known for these features. They may offer the best interactions but they are not secured enough.

In the end, games for JavaScript is a possibility but not yet feasible. The hardware requirements would be too high even for dedicated gamers. The security problems in JavaScript is also a point of concern. But that doesn't mean it will not happen. Maybe in the future but certainly not today.