gameBase
A lightweight base structure for creating games using the Heaps framework and Haxe language.
What is gameBase?
GameBase is a lightweight base structure for creating games using the Heaps framework and Haxe language. It provides a pre-configured project setup with sample code, build configurations, and essential tools to streamline game development. The project solves the problem of repetitive boilerplate setup, allowing developers to start building game logic immediately.
Game developers using Haxe and the Heaps framework who want a minimal, opinionated starting point for 2D or 3D projects. It's particularly useful for indie developers or small teams looking to reduce initial setup time.
Developers choose GameBase for its simplicity, clean structure, and tight integration with Heaps and Haxe. It offers a production-ready foundation with practical examples, avoiding the complexity of larger game engines while maintaining flexibility.
Overview
Base structure for my games, using Heaps framework and Haxe language.
Use Cases
Best For
- Starting a new 2D or 3D game project with Heaps and Haxe
- Learning Heaps framework structure and entity management
- Building cross-platform games targeting desktop and web
- Reducing boilerplate setup time for game prototypes
- Implementing localization using PO files in games
- Creating games with sample-based player controls and physics
Not Ideal For
- Teams wanting a visual, drag-and-drop game development environment like Unity or Godot
- Projects requiring extensive built-in physics engines or advanced 3D rendering tools without additional setup
- Developers unfamiliar with Haxe or command-line build processes who prefer mainstream engines with larger communities
Pros & Cons
Pros
Built directly on the Heaps framework, providing a pre-configured setup that eliminates boilerplate code for high-performance 2D/3D rendering and cross-platform deployment, as shown in the sample build configurations.
Supports compilation to DirectX, OpenGL, and JavaScript/WebGL via Haxe, enabling games to target desktop and web with minimal changes, using simple command-line commands listed in the README.
Includes SamplePlayer and SampleWorld classes that demonstrate player controls, gravity, collisions, and animations, offering a hands-on starting point for quickly prototyping game mechanics.
Compatible with PO files for translation, as detailed in the linked guide, making it easier to create multilingual games without reinventing the wheel.
Cons
The main tutorial still refers to the legacy branch, not master, which the README admits can confuse users learning the latest version, leading to a steeper learning curve.
Requires manual installation of Haxe and Hashlink via external tutorials, plus running setup scripts, which may be a barrier for developers new to this niche ecosystem.
Relies on Haxe and Heaps, which have smaller communities and fewer resources compared to mainstream engines, limiting support and third-party tooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
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