# boardgame.io

> MIT engine for turn-based multiplayer JS games

**Category:** Libraries  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://boardgame.io  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/boardgameio/boardgame.io  
**Added:** 2026-10-18

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## The Hook

boardgame.io is a JavaScript engine for turn-based games: describe how moves change the game state, and it turns that into a playable game with online multiplayer, without writing networking or storage code.

## What's Good

MIT (boardgameio/boardgame.io), developed since 2017. State syncs automatically across clients, server and storage, game phases and turn orders are declarative, a lobby handles matchmaking, bots can be generated automatically, and a debug panel simulates moves before you build the UI. Works with React, React Native or plain JS. ★~12.5k.

## The Catch

Activity has slowed: there are no recent tagged releases and the last code change was August 2026, so check open issues before relying on it. Turn-based only; it is not for real-time games. Hosting the server and storage is up to you.

## Verdict

Still the fastest way to put a board or card game online — a mature but quiet project.