Kinema

2026 · Active open-source experiment

I’m building Kinema to explore game development in the browser, with third-person gameplay, physics, and a level editor in the same TypeScript application.

My role
Creator and engineer
Period
2026
Status
Active open-source experiment
Kinema browser gameplay scene inside its procedural showcase corridor
Kinema · The menu for playing levels and opening the editor.
OverviewTHE PROJECT

Build a level and play it in the same browser tab.

For
Developers exploring browser-native gameplay, rendering, and level workflows.
Outcome
A public MIT-licensed lab with a playable showcase, fourteen feature stations, and a level editor that can move directly into play-testing.
Kinema browser gameplay scene inside its procedural showcase corridor
Kinema · The menu for playing levels and opening the editor.
The experienceIN USE

Try the gameplay, then open the editor and change the level.

My contribution
I designed and built Kinema’s gameplay systems, browser editor, and rendering paths. I also work on input support and the tests used to check changes.
Kinema in-browser level editor with scene tools and a live gameplay viewport
Kinema · Editing a level while keeping the game in view.
Technical detailsBUILD CHOICES

How it works.

System
TypeScript and Three.js coordinate Rapier physics, WebGPU-first rendering with WebGL compatibility, keyboard/gamepad/touch input, runtime systems, and a lazy-loaded browser editor.
Key decisions
  • Keep the editor and play-testing in the same application so changes can be tried immediately.
  • Maintain a WebGL compatibility path alongside WebGPU and test browser-specific behaviour, including Safari.
  • Give the showcase named feature stations so I can go straight to the system I’m testing.
Constraints
  • The same project must remain useful across desktop gameplay, mobile validation, and browser rendering differences.
Kinema target arena station demonstrating gameplay systems and visual effects
Kinema · A target arena for testing gameplay and visual effects.
Looking backPROJECT NOTES

Notes from the project.

  • Kinema is an active experiment. The MIT-licensed repository includes setup instructions and tests for anyone who wants to work with it.

I started Kinema to see how much of game development I could bring into the browser. I wanted to be able to build a level and play it without moving between separate applications.

The current showcase includes a third-person controller, vehicles, hazards, and collectibles. F1 opens the editor, where you can use brushes and transform tools, inspect objects, undo changes, and enter play-test mode. Fourteen feature stations provide quick ways to try individual systems.

I’m still working on it. The repository has an architecture overview, compatibility notes, and commands for running the checks locally if you want to explore or extend it.

Go deeper

Sources and links