I'd like to know why you chose PixiJS over 2D game engines? Wouldn't they save you a lot of work?
Good question, there are a few reasons - maybe not all good and maybe specific to me.
I have used PixiJS and Colyseus before for prototypes so I was familiar.
My day job is a developer, so I know how to code - but I do not know any of the game engines. So to be productive right away I opted to stick with what I know instead of trying to learn something that I find somewhat baffling. If I was going to use a game engine DragonRuby seems to be closer to my style that something like godot or defold.
It runs natively on the web, it's convenient to build downloadable electron versions but I may ultimately host the game with integrated multiplayer rather than requiring a download.
Ah, I understand. I found the hard way that using a framework is akin to trying to re-invent the wheel. Game engines save you a lot of work over time. Some game engines out there are stripped down and lightweight, maybe consider using one of them. The engine won't stand in your way, and you could add the things you're missing. Best of luck.