HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. It is among the most popular languages for developing web applications. HTML5 game development allows building cross-platform games with ease. Since the games are hosted on the web, there are no platform restrictions, and can be accessed on any platform. HTML5 has been the highlight of the gaming industry since its inception. It rivaled Flash ever since it came out and swiftly sidelined it.
The HTML5 games market was valued at $2.1 billion in 2022. However, if we combine it with related services like virtual item trading and game analytics, the global market is expected to be worth over $7 billion.
The development of stunning, high-quality games for the Web is entirely possible with modern Web technologies and a modern browser. Moreover, we’re not talking about simple card games or online multiplayer social games that used to be played using Flash in the past. Games like RPGs, 3D action shooters, and more can be developed using HTML5 game development services.
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What is HTML5?
HTML5 is more than a programming language. It is the newest version of HTML that facilitates the development of cross-platform games. A large set of technologies work with this new version and enables the development of complex and powerful games and websites. Popular games like 2048 and Angry Birds were created using the HTML5 language. With a wide range of new features and functionalities, HTML5 is one of the most preferred technologies used by game developers to develop cross-platform browser-based applications and games.
Moreover, with recent technological advancements, developers at Wonder Interactive have developed a plugin for Unreal Engine 4 which enables them to export their apps to HTML5 with identical performance and superfast loading time.
HTML5 Game Development Frameworks and Tools
Cross-platform games are built using HTML5 game development frameworks. These games use tools that are packed with built-in features to aid in the game development process. Check out these Top 6 HTML5 Game Frameworks:
1. Phaser
Phaser is an open-source framework for creating WebGL and Canvas-powered browser games that are fast, free, and fun. You can build awesome games for web-based devices as well as for mobile devices with Phaser.
2. Pixi.js
Pixi.js is a fast 2D HTML5 game engine that can be used to create games and mobile apps.
3. Kiwi.js
Open-source Kiwi.js is a fun and friendly HTML5 game engine. Learning Kiwi.js is very simple. When developing a new game, be sure to check it out.
4. CreateJS
With Createjs, you can develop rich interactive web content using libraries and tools. You can also develop games for web and mobile using CreateJS.
5. Quintus
Using Quintus, HTML5 game developers can create engaging and easy-to-use mobile and desktop games. In just 80 lines of code, you can create a simple platform game.
6. CraftyJS
Javascript games can be built using Crafty JS mobile and HTML5 game development frameworks. Crafty JS is compatible with most modern web browsers.
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Several HTML5 game development tools are available to developers to develop interactive and eye-catching games.
Check out the list of the top tools that are widely used for developing games with HTML5:
1. LimeJS
A native HTML5 game can be developed in no time with this system. The LimeJS-based game doesn’t require any extra software or plugin installation to run; all it requires is a modern web browser.
2. WebGL Inspector
In addition to digging deep into the WebGL calls, it also shows you what is happening in real time. This tool has been designed to make the task of developing WebGL apps easier and more straightforward.
3. Mandreel
Mandreel codes can be reused on different mobile podiums, which helps developers. The code you write will be used numerous times across the various podiums. It can even be published online. Using Mandreel, users can also play games online without having to install anything first.
4. GameMaker
For cross-platform and fast HTML5 mobile games, this is one of the most popular and oldest HTML5 game development tools. This is a preferred option for both experts and beginners who wish to develop social or commercial HTML5 web games within a limited time frame in an efficient manner.
5. ImpactJS
Game engines such as this are among the most popular tools for creating games that are both spellbinding and stunning. These engines offer unprecedented flexibility and help developers make their creative visions a reality. You can even publish HTML5 games on the App Store with them.
6. The Render Engine
Using this open-source engine, users can build a game based on HTML5 using all the necessary tools. To offer users an excellent gaming experience, the engine is unique and offers a wide selection of APIs.
Benefits of HTML5 Game Development
HTML5 game development services allow users to develop cross-platform, cross-browser mobile apps and games, in addition to powering most of the sites they visit. Developers of websites and game development companies alike prefer HTML5. The technology has cutting-edge features, such as 2D and 3D graphics, audio APIs, and offline assets storage. It also supports the most popular web browsers. Here we have listed the various benefits of HTML5.
1. Cross-Platform Support
Cross-platform compatibility is one of the main reasons why developers are moving towards HTML5 mobile game development. HTML5 games are hosted on the web which means that they can be accessed on any browser, regardless of the platform. One of the most appealing benefits of HTML5 games is the ability to build cross-platform applications without changing the code. It means that you will have to code once and launch the game on your desired platform. These games not only run on Android and iOS but also run flawlessly on browsers like Chrome, Safari, Opera, Mozilla, etc.
2. Accessibility
HTML5 game engines provide ease in the development process. These games are a boon for gamers and developers alike. They are easily accessible across various modern browsers. It also provides ease in the development process as creating games on HTML5 is fairly easier than other platform applications. Unlike Flash, HTML5 doesn’t require any additional plugins to function.
3. App Promotion
Since these games run on multiple platforms with ease, they cater to a wider audience. The promotion of these games is fairly easy as users from different platforms have unrestricted access to HTML5 games. HTML5 developers can also share their games on various HTML5 websites that users visit often to view and play online games.
4. Easy to Update and Maintain
HTML5 games don’t require regular maintenance and regular updates. Since the games are browser-based and hosted on the web, they are remotely updated and users don’t have to go through the hassle of updating them manually. HTML5 browser games cut down the development cost by over 50%. The versatility of HTML5 provides developers with a wide variety of HTML5 game development frameworks they can choose from.
5. Technology Stack
Games developed with HTML5 don’t require an elaborate technology stack. All you require is a framework and a game engine and you can start building HTML5 games. HTML5 uses technologies like WebGL and Canva for game development. There are various frameworks and game engines that support HTML5 for game development. This is one of the main reasons why game developers prefer working with this game engine.
There are various benefits of developing games using HTML5. Check out this blog “WHY HTML5 IS THE FUTURE OF THE ONLINE GAMING BUSINESS?” to know all about the benefits of HTML5.
As an HTML5 Game Development Company, you must deal with the following challenges from the very beginning of conceptualizing the idea to the very end of creating and monetizing the game:
1. Selecting the Right Audience
The web-based HTML5 games cater to every platform. These games are accessible to gamers from every platform. In this case, it becomes quite difficult for HTML5 game developers to choose a specific target audience. Since these games have no platform restrictions, it is important to decide beforehand which type of audience you want to target to ensure maximum ROI.
2. Maintaining User Retention
User retention is another challenge faced by game developers. These web browser games are played as a timepass and stress-busters. Player commitment is very low in HTML5 browser games when compared to native platform applications. Developers must seek out various features that will help catch the user’s attention and ensure that the gamer is engaged for a long time.
3. Preventing the Creep of New Features
Game developers must avoid overloading their games with various features. An overly complex game will not be well-received by the users. The users will be discouraged and uninstall the game before even starting. One of the best ways to avoid this is to launch new features in further updates so that the users have time to get accustomed to the existing features and the gameplay.
4. A Mobile-friendly Design
It is a herculean task to develop a cross-platform mobile game that is optimized for various screens and devices. While Android and iOS are dominating the mobile game market, some of the most popular mobile games have also adopted HTML5 technology as their preferred choice. The flexibility of the HTML5 platform allows optimizing games for various screens and devices easier. HTML5 has truly come a long way to make developers’ lives easier.
5. User Experience at the Center
User experience is the most essential element that drives the game’s success. Nowadays, mobile phones are packed with advanced sensors that open many possibilities. The game developers can use sensors, screens, and gestures to provide an outstanding user experience. You can implement features like shaking, tilting, and flipping the device to perform certain functions which will provide an engaging and interactive user experience.
Most Popular HTML5 Games
In recent years, JavaScript and browsers have become more powerful and feature-rich. Flash was once the only way to build any kind of game. Having said that, HTML5 and WebGL gaming is now ready to take off. Here are some of the popular HTML5 games that run on all modern browsers and are built only with web technologies.
HTML5 game development services are in huge demand. It is a flexible platform that provides game development across multiple platforms. HTML5 is a fairly easy-to-use language that helps developers greatly. The advent of HTML5 was a boon for game developers worldwide. There is a huge potential market for HTML5 games in the future and mobile game development companies are planning to step into the HTML5 games market.
I am Nitin Garg Founder of BR Softech PVT LTD - an Award-winning mobile game development company. We are armed with 180+ geeks & 2753 clients worldwide, I have driven by the spirit of entrepreneurship and dream to build a billion-dollar-company.