Gamedev.js Jam 2022: The Best Open-Source Browser Games
The third edition of the Gamedev.js Jam wrapped up with a new requirement: participants were asked, optionally, to publish their source code on GitHub. Of the 95 games submitted for this year's "RAW" theme, 27 developers made their code available. Here are the 13 strongest entries based on overall results, with feedback from the community.
Just Add Code
While the long-running js13kGames competition has always demanded readable source code alongside its 13-kilobyte zipped entries, the Gamedev.js community has historically centered on local meetups and hackathons, with its Weekly newsletter running since 2014. The first online Jam appeared in 2020, and 2022 marked the first time source sharing was encouraged.
Developers responded in solid numbers. Rated by both experts and fellow participants across gameplay, innovation, theme, audio, graphics and more, these entries show what can happen when web games ship with their internals exposed.
All playable links and repositories are credited to their original authors.
The Top Entries
Aaron's Quest IV: While Moses Was Away
Play · Source by @jimbly — second overall, #2 Gameplay, #2 Innovation, #7 Audio.
"The game feels really rewarding to play," writes Joep van Duinen. "You can add lots onto the game, like new upgrades, maps/modes... You made a really simple game, but it works so well."
Sushi Mania
Play · Source by @jorge-frvr — ninth overall, #4 Theme, #8 Gameplay, #8 Graphics.
Raptor9999 praises the loop: "Everything is quite balanced, and the controls work very well. I surprised myself how well I was able to slice what I was looking for, even when the belt was moving that quickly!"
IT'S TOO RAW!
Play · Source by @xem — 12th overall, #1 Theme, #2 Decentralized, #3 Web Monetization.
"This game made me laugh!" says Omhet. "Very innovative take on a casual genre. I think Gordon would've liked it."
.raw mode
Play · Source by @caiofov — 14th overall, #1 Innovation, #12 Gameplay.
"This game has interesting and unique mechanics, which is definitely something you can explore further," notes Johnonym. "Being able to swap any bit made the game easy."
Golem Caves
Play · Source by @svntax — 17th overall, #3 Decentralized, #9 Gameplay.
Photonstorm's critique: "Really quite fun! Although, I wish the pick-ax worked a lot faster, as it took ages to get going. Once you did, it was compelling to carry on collecting gems."
UNRAWIFY
Play · Source by @Stiggstogg — 18th overall, #3 Innovation, #6 Web Monetization, #12 Theme.
"I love the idea of features of the game getting added as you play!" says J.C. Games.
Super Simple Salad Simulator
Play · Source by @piesku — 24th overall, #6 Theme, #14 Innovation.
Makritzaa's review: "I love it! You made a great game!"
Chez RAW
Play · Source by @thomasssaulay — 26th overall, #8 Theme.
"Fun, frantic little game! And the sprites are very cute," writes Ardiam Games. "I felt bad for killing the piggys. Good job!"
Sushi Dou
Play · Source by @Elfet — 28th overall, #3 Decentralized.
Melky Pop offers constructive feedback: "What a cute game! I wasn't sure how to serve the plates until I read instructions, so I think it would help to have those instructions in the game."
Rock to forget
Play · Source by @Horncn — 30th overall, #2 Audio.
"Nice game! The fact that you have covered the song makes it even better," says Caiofov. "I found it pretty hard. I need to keep playing it."
RunAWay
Play · Source by @gregwoodsfrontier — 33rd overall, #13 Graphics.
Heru's verdict: "I loved the art and the animation in the start screen. Nice job there."
R.A.W. Ball
Play · Source by @tpwatson — 36th overall, #7 Decentralized, #8 Web Monetization, #9 Audio, #13 Graphics.
"I love the visuals of this game, the intro, and the theme," comments BuyMyBeard.
RAWS: a Raw Ascii Web Shooter
Play · Source by @fdadeau — 41st overall.
Dashing Strike's thorough review: "That's a really solid game! I played quite a few times, managed to get 4,600 points. And... then I saw someone's comment about beating the game, so I had to go play again until I did. I really like the ASCII graphics, though definitely not feeling like a terminal emulator."
Where to Look Next
The full roster of open-source entries is collected on itch.io. Prospective participants can also pre-join the itch.io page for Gamedev.js Jam 2023, with community channels on Twitter and Discord keeping developers informed until then.
