How To Write Retro Games: Web-Programming
Book Details
  • ISBN: 979-8310050976
  • Published: February 10, 2025
  • Categories: Books Computers & Technology Web Development & Design Programming JavaScript
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How To Write Retro Games: Web-Programming

4.8
Average Rating
(128 reviews)
Editor's Choice: This book has been selected as one of our top recommendations for March 2026.

About This Book

What is a game? Why do you play games? What happens when you play games? Do you feel excited? Frustrated? Challenged? Games are more than just entertainment - they are fundamental to how we learn and grow. From childhood to adulthood, games help us develop skills, test our limits, and engage with the world in ways that few other activities can. Not all games are created equal - different games teach us different things. Some sharpen our reflexes, others train our strategic thinking, and some immerse us in rich narratives that expand our imagination. But writing games can be just as rewarding and challenging as playing the game! When I ask my students in computer graphics to choose a project, many of them want to develop a video game. And why not? A well-designed game can be just as rigorous and complex as any 'serious' software project - if not more! The next question they ask is, 'How do I write a video game?' That's why I wrote this book - to provide a practical guide to game development, breaking it down into clear, approachable steps. Computer games are not just about interactive graphics; they are carefully crafted experiences that blend mechanics, design, and challenges together to keep players engaged. Fortunately, modern computers - and even mobile devices - are powerful enough so anyone can create their own games. With the right skills, knowledge, and patience, anyone can build something amazing. This book will help you develop those skills and expand your knowledge - the patience part is up to you. To make learning accessible and experimentation easy, I've chosen to write the examples in JavaScript using the HTML Canvas API. This allows you to run games directly in a web browser, making them easy to edit, test, and share. Don't underestimate what a web browser can do - it provides access to a vast range of built-in resources and makes rapid prototyping simple. The concepts you learn here can be built upon or adapted to other languages and platforms.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive coverage of Books topics
  • Practical examples and real-world applications
  • Clear explanations suitable for beginners and experts
  • Latest trends and techniques in the field
  • Exercises and challenges to test your knowledge

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What Readers Are Saying

Michael Park
Michael Park

Computer Science Professor

As a scholar in the field of programming, I find this volume to be an indispensable resource. The author's treatment of complex topics is both rigorous and accessible, making it suitable for classroom use as well as independent study. I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about mastering this subject.

Posted 12 days ago

User939

Verified Purchase

I completely agree with Michael Park's review. This book exceeded my expectations!

Posted 8 days ago

Robert Adams
Robert Adams

Library Director

I couldn't put this book down! As someone who's been working with programming for years, I still learned so much from reading this book, clear explanations and real-world examples. It's rare to find a technical book that's this enjoyable to read.

Posted 30 days ago

User173

Verified Purchase

I completely agree with Robert Adams's review. This book exceeded my expectations!

Posted 8 days ago

Ava Garcia
Ava Garcia

Book Blogger

A must-read for anyone interested in programming.

Posted 3 days ago

James Garcia
James Garcia

Tech Journalist

As a scholar in the field of programming, I find this volume to be an indispensable resource. The author's treatment of complex topics is both rigorous and accessible, making it suitable for classroom use as well as independent study. I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about mastering this subject.

Posted 10 days ago

James Clark
James Clark

Author

I couldn't put this book down! As someone who's been working with programming for years, I still learned so much from reading this book, clear explanations and real-world examples. It's rare to find a technical book that's this enjoyable to read.

Posted 20 days ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, How To Write Retro Games: Web-Programming is designed to be accessible to readers with varying levels of experience. The book starts with fundamental concepts and gradually progresses to more advanced topics, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals looking to deepen their knowledge.

Absolutely! Each chapter includes hands-on exercises and challenges that allow you to apply what you've learned. These practical components are designed to reinforce the concepts and help you develop real-world skills.

Yes, How To Write Retro Games: Web-Programming is available in both print and digital formats. You can find the Kindle edition on Amazon along with the paperback version.