2d games

---
name: 2d-games
description: >-
  2D game development principles. Sprites, atlases, tilemaps, physics, cameras,
  and genre patterns (platformer, top-down). Use for canvas/Phaser/Kaplay/Pixi
  2D games or guest viewports inside hybrid web apps.
risk: none
source: community
date_added: "2026-02-27"
---

# 2D Game Development

> Principles for 2D game systems. Pair with `game-development/web-games` / `game-development/engine-selection` for framework choice.

---

## Shell vs guest (web)

| Setup | 2D systems live… |
|-------|------------------|
| Full-screen 2D game | Entire app (Phaser/Kaplay/Pixi/Canvas) |
| Hybrid DOM + challenges | Only inside guest viewports; tear down when done |

---

## 1. Sprite Systems

| Component | Purpose |
|-----------|---------|
| **Atlas** | Combine textures, reduce draw calls |
| **Animation** | Frame sequences (often 8-24 FPS) |
| **Pivot** | Rotation/scale origin |
| **Layering** | Z-order control |

### Animation Principles

- Squash and stretch for impact
- Anticipation before action
- Follow-through after action

---

## 2. Tilemap Design

| Factor | Recommendation |
|--------|----------------|
| **Size** | 16x16, 32x32, 64x64 |
| **Auto-tiling** | Use for terrain |
| **Collision** | Simplified shapes |

| Layer | Content |
|-------|---------|
| Background | Non-interactive scenery |
| Terrain | Walkable ground |
| Props | Interactive objects |
| Foreground | Parallax overlay |

---

## 3. 2D Physics

| Shape | Use Case |
|-------|----------|
| Box | Rectangular objects |
| Circle | Balls, rounded |
| Capsule | Characters |
| Polygon | Complex shapes |

- Pixel-perfect vs physics-based: pick one approach per game
- Fixed timestep for consistency
- Layers for filtering

---

## 4. Camera Systems

| Type | Use |
|------|-----|
| **Follow** | Track player |
| **Look-ahead** | Anticipate movement |
| **Multi-target** | Two-player |
| **Room-based** | Metroidvania |
| **Static** | Board games, modal skill-checks |

### Screen Shake

- Short duration (50-200ms)
- Diminishing intensity
- Use sparingly

---

## 5. Genre Patterns

### Platformer

- Coyote time (leniency after edge)
- Jump buffering
- Variable jump height

### Top-down

- 8-directional or free movement
- Aim-based or auto-aim
- Decide whether rotation matters

---

## 6. Anti-Patterns

| ❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
|----------|-------|
| Separate textures | Use atlases |
| Complex collision shapes | Simplified collision |
| Jittery camera | Smooth following |
| Pixel-perfect on physics | Choose one approach |
| Orphaned RAF/listeners after a guest closes | Full teardown |

---

> **Remember:** 2D is about clarity. Every pixel should communicate.

## When to Use

Use for canvas/Phaser/Kaplay/Pixi 2D systems, or guest viewports inside hybrid web apps.

## Example

**User request:**

> Use @2d-games for this task: 2D game development principles.

## Limitations

- Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
- Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
- Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.