Hey Dev Community,
Hope you're all doing well. I'm the game designer on a small, passionate indie team (currently me + an experienced Node.js backend dev, planning for a 2D artist) embarking on a new project, and I'd love some advice from experienced front-end folks, especially those with web game dev experience.
The Project ("sEvencley" - working title):
We're building a co-op turn-based tactical RPG designed to run directly in web browsers. The core gameplay involves 3-4 players teaming up for strategic combat using an Action Point system. The visual style will be high-quality 2D illustrated art (think unique, artistic sprites for characters/monsters inspired by greats like Amano, set against detailed illustrated backgrounds). Animation will be minimal (key poses + VFX).
Here is an example of what the turned based game could look like :
The Front-End Challenge (Where I Need Advice):
We need a front-end developer to build the entire client-side experience. This obviously involves the usual web dev staples (HTML/CSS/JS, likely a framework like React/Vue/etc.) for the UI (menus, combat HUD).
But the specific challenges are:
Real-time Communication: The game needs to sync turn-based combat state between players and the Node.js backend. We're planning on using WebSockets (or Socket.IO). How much specific experience with this is essential versus "learnable on the job" for a solid web dev?
2D Rendering & VFX: We need to efficiently display the 2D illustrated sprites and backgrounds and layer simple but impactful visual effects (VFX) on top for combat actions. What's the best approach here for performance and capability?
Is raw Canvas 2D sufficient and manageable?
Or is learning a dedicated 2D web graphics library like PixiJS or Phaser almost mandatory for managing sprites, layers, and basic particle effects efficiently? How steep is that learning curve for someone coming from standard web dev?
UI/UX Integration: How complex is it typically to build a rich, game-like UI that integrates smoothly with a Canvas/WebGL rendering context?
The Question: What kind of Front-End Dev profile should we realistically be looking for?
Is a strong generalist web dev (React/Vue expert) with high motivation to learn WebSockets and Canvas/PixiJS a viable candidate for a passion project like this?
Or do we absolutely need someone who already has demonstrable experience building interactive 2D experiences or games specifically with Canvas/PixiJS/Phaser and real-time networking?
The Context:
This is a passion project – we're all working part-time (~15 hrs/week) for a fair revenue share upon launch (aiming for an MVP in 6-8 months). There's no fixed salary initially.
P.S. While I'm primarily seeking advice on the profile needed, if this specific challenge (building a beautiful, tactical 2D RPG front-end on the web, working with a small passionate team on a rev-share basis) genuinely excites you and you have relevant skills or a strong desire to tackle these specific tech challenges (WebSockets, Canvas/PixiJS), feel free to reach out, my discord : "ccselim_51861."
We're definitely looking to bring the right person into our adventure!
Thanks in advance for any insights!