Arrays in My Game

What Are Arrays?

Arrays are lists that store multiple values inside a single variable.

Example:

const numbers = [1, 2, 3];

Arrays are extremely important in games because they allow programs to manage:

  • enemies
  • players
  • objects
  • collectibles
  • animations
  • game systems

My game uses arrays to organize and control multiple game objects.

Why Arrays Are Important

Without arrays, the game would need separate variables for every object.

For example:

  • enemy1
  • enemy2
  • enemy3

This would become very difficult to manage.

Arrays allow the game to:

  • store many objects together
  • loop through objects
  • update systems efficiently
  • scale gameplay easily

Example 1: Storing Game Objects

My game stores objects inside arrays.

this.gameEnv.gameObjects

Explanation

This array contains:

  • players
  • enemies
  • NPCs
  • collectibles
  • backgrounds

The game uses this array to manage everything in the world.

Example 2: Filtering Enemy Arrays

Arrays are used to find enemies.

const enemies = this.gameEnv.gameObjects.filter(
  obj => obj.spriteData?.id?.includes("EnemyElon")
);

Explanation

This creates an array containing:

  • only enemy objects
  • filtered from all game objects

The game can then:

  • check collisions
  • move enemies
  • update AI behavior

Example 3: Filtering Player Arrays

Enemies search for players using arrays.

const players = this.gameEnv.gameObjects.filter(
  obj => obj.constructor.name === "Player"
);

Explanation

This array stores:

  • all player objects
  • objects matching the Player class

Enemies use this array to:

  • target players
  • calculate movement
  • perform AI behavior

Example 4: Creating Multiple Goldfish

Arrays help generate many objects automatically.

const goldfishList = Array.from({ length: 10 }).map((_, i) => ({
  class: Npc,
  data: {
    id: `Goldfish${i}`
  }
}));

Explanation

This creates an array containing:

  • 10 goldfish objects
  • unique IDs for each fish
  • collectible NPCs

Arrays make large systems scalable.

Example 5: Looping Through Arrays

The game loops through arrays repeatedly.

for (const enemy of enemies)

Explanation

This loop:

  • accesses each enemy in the array
  • updates movement
  • checks collisions
  • controls gameplay logic

Arrays and loops work together constantly in games.

Example 6: Finding Objects in Arrays

Arrays can search for specific objects.

const fish = gameEnv.gameObjects.find(obj =>
  obj.spriteData?.id === `Goldfish${i}`
);

Explanation

This searches the array for:

  • a specific goldfish
  • matching IDs
  • collectible objects

Arrays make object management efficient.

Example 7: Organizing Enemy Systems

Arrays help organize enemy AI.

let nearest = players[0];

Explanation

This accesses:

  • the first player inside the array
  • target data for enemy movement

Arrays allow enemies to compare multiple targets.

Why Arrays Help My Game

Arrays improved my project by:

  • organizing large numbers of objects
  • simplifying enemy and player systems
  • enabling scalable gameplay
  • improving collision detection
  • making loops and AI systems possible

Without arrays, managing multiple game objects would be extremely difficult.