Gaming JavaScript

So you're somehow ended up being a web-developer and coding JavaScript and year after year you learn that JavaScript can do more and more. What you used to create blinking texts for your counter strike clan page is now able to make full fledged servers via Node.js or native mobile apps via React-Native.

But if you're a bit like me, you probably dreamed about doing game development before you made mad bucks with old boring apps. Wouldn't it be nice if you could create your very own games with the JavaScript skills you already have? Rest assured, for there are a bunch of game engines out there that allow you exactly this!

Phaser

One of the better known contenders in the field of 2D game engines for the browser. Very code heavy but you'll definitely feel at home, if this is your jam. It just released a complete rewrite with version 3.

Crafty

Another 2D engine and the one I started game development with. It's a bit smaller and with it's entity component system more opinionated than Phaser, but I think it's a solid foundation too. It released it a new version this month too.

React Game Kit

A lesser known contender, also 2D, that helps you to create games with React. It offers basic concepts like a game loop or stages. It also works with React-Native, which makes native mobile games possible. Probably not suited for bigger projects, but certainly a simple way for React devs to get something running quickly.

BabylonJS

This time a 3D engine that works with the power of WebGL, WebVR and WebAudio. If you're not the 2D type, but also want to keep things inside the browser. As the other engines I mentioned here, it's more coding heavy than major engines, but if you aren't into big things like the Unreal Engine (C++) or Unity (C#), Babylon is the way to go.

Conclusion

There are way more engines based on JavaScript out there and some even allow you to build games as nativish apps. Personally I prefer to control much of the code on my own, which reflects in the engines I listed here, but some also come with graphical editors. So if you're a JavaScript pro and want to make games, don't hold back!