Development of an Online Game Engine

This project focuses on building a web-first online game engine using WebGL2 and Three.js. The goal is to create a modular, shader-driven architecture with an entity-component-system (ECS) design, enabling developers to craft experiences directly in the browser.

Playable Prototype

Jump into the demo

Spin up the current build in your browser. Best on desktop Chrome/Edge with keyboard + mouse. Feedback is welcome!

Launch Demo
Latest build

Online Game Engine Prototype

  • WebGL2 + Three.js based rendering system
  • Modular ECS with transform and render systems
  • Shader-driven materials with GLSL
  • Dynamic canvas resizing
Read recent updates →

Project Story & Goal

The Online Game Engine project aims to create a lightweight, web-native engine that leverages modern graphics APIs and architecture patterns. By focusing on an ECS design and shader-driven rendering, the engine seeks to empower developers to build rich, interactive experiences directly in the browser without heavy dependencies.

Tech Stack Snapshot

  • Core: Javascript + WebGL/WebGPU
  • Architecture: ECS with modular systems
  • Networking: Unsupported
  • Build/Deploy: Downloadable files for on system building

Architecture at a Glance

Renderer · Physics · ECS · Asset pipeline · Tooling.

Overview

Features

Shipped

  • Scene graph with transform hierarchy
  • Modular ECS with basic systems (transform, render)
  • Shader-driven rendering with GLSL materials
  • Dynamic canvas resizing

Next Up

  • Input system (keyboard/gamepad)
  • Hot-reloadable shader playground
  • Authoring tools (entity inspector, gizmos)
  • Asset compression + streaming loader

Performance Benchmarks (dummy info - not accurate)

Scenario Target Current Hardware
Local render test 60 fps 54–60 fps MBP M1 / Chrome
Round-trip latency <80 ms 95 ms avg US-East test server

Roadmap

  • Alpha renderer/physics spike – Feb 2026
  • Editor GUI/In browser code editor – Apr 2026
  • Debugging tools – May 2026
  • Shader tools preview beta – Jun 2026
  • Easy build process – Aug 2026
  • Easy use graphics shaders - Sep 2026
  • Public web demo – Oct 2026

Changelog Highlights

  • Jan 30, 2026: ECS setup and shader cache

Try Prototype Planning Doc Progress Overview

Risks & Needs

  • WebGPU availability across browsers
  • Memory spikes with large scenes; profiling ongoing

Reach out at any time with feedback or contributions using the contact button at the top or bottom of the page.