Introducing Easel
Welcome to Easel, a game programming language with multiplayer baked in. Make shareable little games and learn to code, the fun way!
Easel is an entirely solo project that I have been working on for two years, and I am excited to finally share it with you all.
When I made my previous game, Acolyte Fight, I found that a large proportion of the players were more interested in modding the game than playing it. The easy-to-use tools that I had created for myself turned out to be a hit with people who were new to coding. Unfortunately, the tools were limited to the design the existing game and so there was a limit not just to what could be made, but what could be learned. Ever since then, I wondered, what would happen if someone would make a new game engine with the same declarative style of editing, but with substantially more power and flexibility? Would it lay out a path for someone to take from complete beginner to seasoned coder? That is what Easel is all about.
Learning to code can be a long journey. I think you've got to find a way to do it that is engaging enough that you can stick with it for the long haul. When I was a child, I learned to code by making the tools I needed to mod StarCraft, one of the most popular games at the time. That kept me interested. I hope Easel can do the same for a new generation of coders.
Easel is a specifically online multiplayer engine because I believe that one of the most engaging ways to learn to code is to do it with other people. I hope that Easel can be a place where people can come together to learn and create. I imagine a community of people of all skill levels coming together, helping each other out, sharing their latest creations, and creating amazing things together.
One thing that I really loved about Acolyte Fight was that it introduced coding to people who had never coded before. I hope that the same happens for Easel. The people I hope to reach are not specifically the ones who already want to make games, but instead its the people who want to play games, but gradually become curious about how their favourite game is made. That is why I hope to see some truly fun and engaging games made with Easel that will reach a wide audience and somewhat accidently inspire people to look behind the curtain.
Coding can be a life-changing skill, it was for me, and I hope that Easel can be a part of that journey for you or someone you love.
If you are interested in learning more about Easel, a good place to start is the Quickstart tutorial.
Join the Easel community on Discord!