Nowadays, users expect games to offer a number of out-of-box functionalities, while being available as free downloads. Hence, developers have to explore ways to curtail game development cost, while making the game run seamlessly on a variety of devices and platforms. Many developer combine open source technologies like HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript to create robust games without increasing project overheads. At the same time, HTML5 enables programmers to create games that run smoothly on various devices and operating systems. There are also a number of reasons behind the rapidly growing popularity of HTML5 game development.
Understanding 10 Major Benefits of HTML5 Game Development
1) Cross Platform
At present, major operating systems and modern web browsers support HTML5. So users can access HTML5 games seamlessly on a variety of devices regardless of the operating system. The HTML5 games further run smoothly on both desktop and mobile operating systems. The programmers can write the game once with HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, and make it available to various platforms without making major changes to the code. However, they still need to customize the games according to screen sizes and input types of various devices.
2) Easy to Maintain and Update
The single code base makes it easier for developers to maintain and update the HTML5 games. They can simply make changes to the game, and make the new features available to each user almost instantaneously. Also, they are not required to resubmit the app to various app stores to enable users to access the latest version of the game. The developers can further easily take the game offline temporarily or permanently as it is not installed on devices of users.
3) Create both 2D and 3D Games
The developers can develop both 2D and 3D games with HTML5. HTML5 makes it easier for developers to build 2D games using audio, visuals, fluid animation and other multimedia elements. Also, 2D games can be embedded seamlessly into the latest version of HTML5. At the same time, the programmers can take advantage of Web Graphics Library (WebGL) to create a variety of 3D games using HTML5. As a robust JavaScript API, WebGL enables developers to render interactive 2D and 3D graphics accessible on any compatible web browser. Also, the programmers can combine WebGL with the canvas element of HTML5 to render high quality graphics. At present, the latest versions of most widely used web browser support WebGL and canvas element.
4) Allow Users to Play the Game Offline
HTML5 enables developers to create applications and game that can be accessed by users without internet connectivity. The programmers can take advantage of the ‘Cache Manifest’ technique to capture relevant information related to users and sessions locally. Also, they have option to store a large amount of, and a variety of user information in the cache without any hassle. Hence, the developers can make the game more popular by allowing players to access the application without internet connectivity.
5) No Need to Use Additional Plug-ins or Extensions
Unlike Flash, HTML5 does not require end users to download and install any plug-in or extension. The users can access and play the HTML5 games directly on any web browser that supports HTML5 specifications. Also, they are not required to download the game from any operating system specific app store, and install it on the devices. Many Enterprises Replace Flash with HTML5, hence, HTML5 enables developers to create games that deliver richer user experience while overcoming device and operating system fragmentation.
6) Use Full Stack Web Technologies
The developers can create robust games by combining HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript. They also have option to use frameworks like Node.js to create both front-end and back-end of the game with JavaScript. Hence, the programmers can use the same technologies and the same code base to create different versions of the game for desktop computers and mobile devices. They can further reuse the same data structure and algorithms on both client-side and server-side to eliminate chances of defects, reduce development time, and simplify maintenance.
7) Create Multi-Player Games
The programmers can create multi-player games with HTML5 by using commonly used web technologies like WebSockets and Node.js. They can use WebSockets to facilitate real-time communication and interaction between the HTML5 game and end users. Likewise, they can use Node.js as a multiplayer game server to control the logic and WebSocket connection to various players. Also, Node.js can authenticate users and store session data to create persistent gameplay over multiple gaming sessions.
8) Use Many HTML5 Game Engines and Frameworks
The developer can further reduce the amount of time and effort required for developing modern games by using a variety of HTML5 game development engines and tools. Based on the requirements of the game, they can choose from a number of game engines including Canvas, Crafty, Construct 2, Div Go, Cocos2D, Impact, melonJS and EnchantJS. Each of these game engines is implemented using HTML5 and JavaScript. At the same time, the developers also have option to use a number of HTML5 game development tools including stat.js and Clay.io. The developers can further keep development costs under control by using several open source HTML5 game engines and frameworks.
9) Get Higher Returns
HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript are both open and open-source web technologies. So the developers can combine these technologies to create games without incurring additional expenses. These technologies further help developers to offer the games as free downloads. But they still have option to get higher returns through monetization options like in-app advertisements. While developing HTML5 games, the programmers have option to display ads around or within the game. Also, they can display ads in the most appropriate way based on the feedback received from users and advertisers.
10) Multiple Distribution Options
Unlike native games, HTML5 games are not required to be installed on users’ devices. The users can access the games through any HTML5-compatible browser and on a device connected to the internet. Hence, the developers can distribute their HTML5 games in a number of ways. They can either distribute the games through various online app stores or distribute them through websites. Also, they can promote the game on various online platforms to seduce more users to enjoy the application without installing it on their devices.
On the whole, HTML5 enables developers to build cross-platform games without increasing development costs. But it is also important for programmers to understand some of the major shortcomings of HTML5. For instance, the HTML5 games cannot take advantage of the native features of individual devices and platforms. Also, the performance of HTML5 games vary from one platform to another as the webview is linked with specific versions of operating systems. Hence, developers have to address several challenges in HTML5 game development to get higher returns over a longer period of time.
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