Ten years ago, Chris Taylor set out to explore whether a rich gaming experience could be delivered through web browsers. Back then, browser compatibility was limited, and the differences between platforms were a major challenge. But Taylor saw potential, especially in Google Chrome’s capabilities. His initial work resulted in The Infinite Desktop, a concept offering a virtually limitless desktop filled with interconnected apps that remained persistent across sessions. This early work showed how immersive, continuous user experiences could unfold on the web.
Although Taylor wasn’t able to fully pursue this vision at the time, these experiments laid the groundwork for future innovation. Fast forward to October 2016: after years of working with game studios like GPG and Wargaming, Taylor found himself eager to return to hands-on game development. His passion for coding, which began when he was just 14 years old, remained a constant. Reflecting on his early days writing game code, Taylor wanted to reconnect with that side of game creation—far removed from the corporate side of big studios.
The Creation of Intergalactic Space Empire (IGSE)
That creative spark led to the birth of Intergalactic Space Empire (IGSE). The idea was simple but powerful: a game that could be played on almost any device, from anywhere. Advancements in browser technology and cloud computing had made such a game more possible than ever. With performance boosts in JavaScript from engines like Google’s V8, Taylor saw an opportunity to build a browser-based game that delivered high performance and could run smoothly even in challenging conditions. To achieve this, he took on much of the development work himself, ensuring the technology would support the demands of modern gaming.
Kanoogi: From Game Platform to Visionary Goal
Originally, Taylor envisioned Kanoogi as a platform solely for IGSE. But soon, he realized its potential to support a wide variety of games and interactive experiences. What started as a tool for a single game grew into a flexible, cloud-based gaming platform. The vision for Kanoogi became clear: deliver games to a global audience, accessible in seconds, on any modern web-enabled device—even in areas with limited access to high-speed internet.
Tackling the Technical Challenges
Building both IGSE and Kanoogi presented significant technical challenges. Taylor’s in-depth research into web technologies, cloud computing, and optimization became essential. He explored the possibilities of WebAssembly (WASM) to ensure that Kanoogi could meet high-performance standards. By leveraging cloud computing, Taylor aimed to make games accessible and responsive, regardless of the player’s hardware.
One of the major breakthroughs was making games run directly in web browsers, eliminating the need for powerful hardware. This approach opened the door for a broader audience to enjoy gaming without expensive setups. Taylor’s focus on performance led him to design custom solutions that could handle the specific needs of Kanoogi and IGSE, from server architecture to cloud integration.
The Evolution of Intergalactic Space Empire
Over time, IGSE’s design evolved significantly. Originally, the game centred around space-based combat. However, Taylor found this approach didn’t align with his vision for engaging gameplay. After years of iteration, he pivoted to ground-based combat, which introduced a more strategic layer to the game. This shift allowed for a richer blend of tactics and long-term planning, emphasizing strategy over fast reflexes.
Taylor aimed for a balance between strategy and tactics, settling on a 70/30 ratio that favoured thoughtful planning over quick reactions. This approach set IGSE apart from many other real-time strategy (RTS) games, which often prioritize high-speed clicking and fast decisions. By incorporating terrain, resource management, and long-term strategy, IGSE offered players a unique experience that rewarded careful decision-making.
Building a Community Through Feedback
Throughout the development of IGSE and Kanoogi, Taylor stressed the importance of player feedback. He actively sought insights from those familiar with his earlier works, like Total Annihilation and Supreme Commander. This feedback was instrumental in shaping the game’s design, helping Taylor and his team refine the experience to meet the expectations of players. Taylor’s openness to input created a valuable dialogue between developers and the community.
Looking to the Future: AI and Beyond
In recent years, advances in generative AI and cloud computing have influenced Taylor’s work on Kanoogi and IGSE. While these technologies didn’t drastically alter IGSE’s development, they opened doors for future projects. Generative AI, in particular, presents new possibilities for creating dynamic content and enhancing game design.
Looking ahead, Taylor envisions Kanoogi as a platform that will continue to innovate alongside emerging technologies. The goal is to provide a flexible, robust environment for developers to bring their ideas to life while ensuring that players have access to immersive, accessible gaming experiences. As cloud computing evolves, Kanoogi’s potential to deliver high-quality games to a global audience only grows.
Conclusion
The story of Kanoogi and Intergalactic Space Empire is one of perseverance and vision. From the early days of web experiments to building a full-scale, cloud-based platform, Chris Taylor’s journey reflects his deep commitment to game development. IGSE, as Kanoogi’s flagship game, combines strategic depth with modern technology, offering players a unique experience. As the platform evolves, it holds the promise of bringing high-quality gaming to players worldwide—continuing Taylor’s mission of delivering immersive experiences to billions across the globe.
Join the RTS HQ Community Hub!
If you enjoyed this article and want to dive deeper into the world of strategy games, head over to our Community Hub. Connect with fellow commanders, share your insights, and be part of our growing strategy gaming community. Register today and join the conversation!
