Table of Content
With the advancement in technologies, the gaming world has grown massively and, at the same time, changed a lot. Nowadays, HTML5 is a new tool for developers to create interactive games for browsers and offer a similar experience to modern games. HTML5 games are lightweight browser-based games, meaning they don’t need heavy systems to run. HTML5 uses some of the most basic programming languages, like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Developers can easily build games using these languages. These games can run on almost any device, and users don’t need to download anything in order to play.
Mobile devices and web browsers are the main platforms on which HTML5 games typically run. These games don't require to be downloaded; you can play them using almost any browser. These are some qualities of the HTML5 games that allow developers to reach a wider audience, as they can be played on many devices, be it a smartphone or desktop.
The HTML5 technology offers you the flexibility of creating almost any game that can run on a browser. Want to create HTML5 games that run on your browser? You can with modern HTML5.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about HTML5 game development, including the benefits of developing HTML5 games, HTML5 game engines to use, and some monetization strategies to generate revenue.
Dig Deeper: AAA Game Development Cost
HTML5 games are fun, web-based games that run on any device, from mobile devices to desktops. These games are typically built using modern web technologies like HTML5 markup language, CSS3, and JavaScript. These technologies enable HTML5 games to run directly in modern web browsers.
The ultimate goal of every game developer is to create engaging and well-secured games. And this becoming the major reason and there are other as well, such as its extensive support got cross-browsing and multiple operating systems, HTML5 game development companies have the power and can design web games and other mobile apps more effectively.
Web game developers significantly embraced the capabilities of new HTML5 and have been choosing it as their preferred platform due to the following HTML5 game development advantages:
Cross-Platform Compatibility
HTML5 games have the ability to operate on any device that has a modern web browser, be it a PC, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV. This means that there is no longer a need to create multiple versions of a game for different platforms, as it is a single version that works everywhere.
Ever-green Accessibility
Since HTML5 games are browser-based, they do not require users to download or install any software. Players only need one click to get a link and start playing.
Easier Updates
When you revamp your game on the HTML5 platform, all that is necessary is the upload of files on the server. Players will be given the new version of the game automatically without the need to do the update themselves.
Development Efficiency
Due to the large number of HTML5 game development frameworks and tools (such as Phaser, Construct 3, and Babylon.js), developers can now create games more efficiently and with voluminous codes.
Monetization and Distribution
The web is an open platform. You can easily disseminate HTML5 games on numerous websites, game portals, and social networks. Moreover, you can carry out monetization through ads, in-game purchases, or the sale of licenses to game portals.
Integration with Web Technologies
HTML5 games can also be easily integrated with other web services and APIs without causing any interference. This gives rise to the possibility of having social integrations, data analytics, and other such activities.
Hardware Acceleration in Browsers
HTML5 games can utilize WebGL and GPUs that are supported by modern browsers to enhance visuals and performance.
Offline Play
With the help of the Cache API, developers can offer local copies of their HTML5 games; thus, users will have an option to play without a connection.
Cost-Effective Development
It is often more cost-efficient to build games with HTML5 than to create native games for each platform, especially when aiming for the largest possible number of devices.
Easy to Share and Embed Within Different Platforms
HTML5 games are capable of being directly embedded not only on websites and blogs but also in educational or work-related apps.
Scalability
HTML5 games are developed to work on every type of device. Developers can use responsive design techniques to create games that can scale and adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions.
Dig Deeper: Minesweeper Game Development: Cost and Key Features
HTML5 empowers you to create exceptional web games that smoothly run on web browsers. Developing an HTML5 game requires more than just idea discussion; it's a comprehensive process that includes several steps like planning your game, coding with HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, along with adding visuals and amazing sounds, and most importantly, ensuring that it works smoothly on the device. In this section, we will understand the steps of game development processes.
Game Planning
The HTML5 game development starts with planning the fundamentals of the game. HTML5 offers the basic structure and layout of the game. So, before diving into the coding, it’s crucial to plan your HTML5 game carefully. Are you thinking about a puzzle game, an adventure-type game, or a simple action game?
If your game theme is story-based, then think about the storylines and characters you want to include. Think about who the main characters are and what role they play. And accordingly select your target audience who will play your game.
After that, focus on game mechanics. These are rules and actions that make your HTML5 game function. CSS3 enhances visual design and animations, making the game feel more realistic. JavaScript handles all your game’s logic, interactivity, and physics that bring your game mechanics to life.
Understanding these technologies' functions is the most essential part of creating your HTML5 games. You can use tools like the H5 game engine that can help streamline the development process to make it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers.
Set the HTML5 Game Framework
When you have a plan for HTML5 game development, it is time to get the full layout or framework of your game. The H5 game engine can assist you in simplifying the development process, thus making it possible for all online games. HTML5 games require a strong architectural plan. Divide your game into different modules, such as input handling, game logic, rendering, and asset management.
Developers usually create a component-based system where each unit has a particular role. The modularity of this design makes debugging easier, more scalable, and more manageable for future updates.
Employ HTML to organize the contents, layout, and control of your game. It is the basis for representing the game elements, such as the game loop and asset components, in browsers.
In case you want to play your HTML5 games offline, then you have to save all the game assets and data on the local storage of the browser or use technologies like service workers that provide extra ability to work offline. Be that as it may, if your HTML game is built with continuity features online in mind (such as multiplayer or cloud saving), then an internet connection is necessary for its total operation.
Choose the Right Game Engine
In the HTML game development process, working with a flexible and robust game engine is an essential approach to stay ahead of the curve. The game engine you choose will determine how easily you can build your game and the features you can include. Certain game engines are designed specifically for HTML5 games, and each possesses its own unique abilities and features.
There are several game engines that are used in creating HTML5 games:
There are plenty of options for game developers, and each engine brings something different to the table, so make sure to understand each one’s capabilities and choose the right fit for your project.
Dig Deeper: How Does Minecraft Make Money
Create HTML5 Canvas Element
The HTML5
In order to create a canvas, you just need to add the
An additional major advantage of using the HTML5 Canvas is that it can display both 2D and 3D visuals, which is perfect for making fun games. The Canvas API has a method called getContext (), which gives you the choice of 2D or 3D graphics.
Canvas provides several ways to draw the shapes, to make the animations, and to treat interactive elements of the game. Besides that, it also has functions to rescale the graphics, which is a must for the game to be visually consistent across all screen sizes and to be able to smoothly transition across devices.
In a direct HTML5 canvas vs. SVG comparison, canvas offers better real-time graphics rendering capability, which makes it suitable for fast-paced and interactive games. Although SVG is particularly suitable for static graphics, Canvas is superior in the continuous updating of game environments. For game development, the capability to change the canvas dynamically makes it a far better option for rendering the complex game elements and animations.
In terms of rendering, you can use either the HTML5 Canvas API or WebGL. The Canvas API is very efficient for 2D games as it helps in minimizing redraw areas and grouping similar operations, whereas WebGL allows you to utilize the power of GPU-accelerated 3D graphics.
Additionally, if 3D is more your thing, the canvas element is still good for that, as it supports 3D graphics via JavaScript libraries such as Three.js. Thus, such libraries go beyond the mere canvas setup, assisting you in manifesting your game's cyberspace to be more immersive.
Code for HTML5 Game Mechanics and Systems
Developing game mechanics and systems is the most important part of your HTML5 game creation. At this stage, you are writing the logical rules defining how the game performs and how the player interacts with the game world.
Several quality free sources offering help in game development using HTML are available. GitHub is among the top places where you can get open-source code for your HTML5 game projects.
The projects like “HTML5 Game Development” or “HTML5 Game Mechanics” are at your disposal if you want to get the source code of various features of the game, such as player movement, scoring, physics, etc. Platforms such as CodePen and JSFiddle are suitable when you want to try out code snippets for HTML games in real time.
Begin by configuring the main systems: player control, movement mechanics, and game physics. Use the game loop to continuously poll for player input, update the game state, and render changes on the HTML5 canvas. JavaScript can also be used to register inputs from devices like a keyboard, mouse, or touch.
Then, carry out the implementation of collision detection, as it is the main tool for allowing the interactions between objects, for example, the player character and the obstacles. Employ simple bounding box detection if the task is not complicated, or go with pixel-perfect methods otherwise.
If you want to develop your gaming experience further, code systems like AI for non-player characters, level progression, scoring, and game state management (e.g., game over, pause). Make sure these systems cooperate harmoniously to provide smooth transitions and dynamic gameplay.
Add Animations to HTML5 Game
Once you've fully coded your HTML5 game development, the next step is adding animations in the game. Animations play a big role in bringing characters, objects, and environments to life and enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Use JavaScript to create motion and effects to add animations to your HTML5 game. The effective way is updating the position, size, or appearance of objects inside your HTML5 game loop, which redraws the screen many times per second.
If you prefer working with visual tools, Adobe Animate is a tool that allows you to create animations and export them as HTML5 files. This tool is for non-coders who have less coding experience or knowledge but still want to design animations.
Use JavaScript to assign the functions and detect player inputs like keyboard, mouse, and touch controls, enabling functions like moving a character or an object or interacting with the game world.
Trigger actions based on the player's action on the input devices (e.g., walking, pushing, jumping) and enhance them with corresponding sound effects to improve gaming immersion.
And to monetize your HTML5 game and start making income for your gaming business, you can integrate ads, in-game purchases, or licensing options. Additionally, ensure that the monetization strategies you are using are not blocking the user experience or ruining the game experience for players.
Dig Deeper: Games Like Hogwarts Legacy to Play
The key advantage of HTML5 game development is that it doesn’t require high-end technical knowledge. The game can be coded in a text editor and web browser before publishing the game online. However, specialized tools help accelerate the creation of highly advanced web games.
Code Editors
For writing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript codes, you can use enhanced code editor tools like Sublime Text or Visual Studio. These tools offer helpful features like
Web Browsers
Modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge offer built-in developer tools to easily and directly inspect and tweak HTML and JavaScript code structure. This enables testing and debugging games right in the browser during development without any extra things.
Game Engines
Game engines like Phaser, Pixi, and Construct make your coding work more efficient and effective. These tools provide pre-built components for basic functionalities like
These tools help developers stay focused on their game ideas rather than building complex tech from scratch.
Orion InfoSolutions builds amazing HTML5 games that work across every major platform, be it smartphone, desktop, or tablet. We are highly experienced developers who use modern web technologies to build a game that works well in the market and brings in revenue. We have made hundreds of HTML5 games for well-named brands. If you have an amazing HTML5 game idea and want to make it solid enough to become the first choice for gamers but don’t have technical knowledge and coding skills, you can reach out to our professional HTML5 game development company.
Whether you are looking for amazing design, smooth gameplay, and solid performance across different devices, Orion InfoSolutions can bring your game idea to life at a cost-effective price.
I am a programmer & custom casino and sports software developer at Orion InfoSolutions, with a particular focus on creating high-performance, scalable, and compliant gaming software platforms.