HTML5 games have become a cornerstone in terms of creating, interactive and immersive games. The best part of HTM5 games is they can be played on different platforms which are mobile and web browsers. HTML5 is a top priority for almost every developer to build 2D and 3D games.
But do you know there are some basic and crucial steps to be performed while developing a game? If you are a keen observer of HTML5 games then this blog is for you. In this blog, we will explore what are the best practices for developing HTML5 games. But first, let us know what is HTML5.
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Apart from creating 2D or 3D games, HTML5 can create many engaging cross-platform games as it is one of the most preferred technologies by developers. Trending games like Treasure Arena, Bejeweled, HexGL, and Sinuous are built using this markup language.
There are certain things that you should know while developing HTML5 games, let’s get to know what are these and how much importance they play.
Before starting any business planning is the first and most important thing to do. Detailed market research should also be done, like what type of games are in there in the market, which latest technologies are used, and what gaming platforms are in trend. A clear plan helps structure the code efficiently and prevents unnecessary modifications later.
A good game development company is the backbone of every game. Choose a game development company that is proficient in their work. They should have a great and skilled team of developers. If they can customize the game according to your needs, then you should prefer these types of companies first. Check their previous projects and client testimonials which will help you to make an appropriate decision.
HTML5 offers various game development frameworks such as Phaser.js, Three.js, and Babylon.js Choosing the right framework based on your game type (2D or 3D) can save time and optimize performance.
If the performance of the game is not smooth then it is of no use, as every player wants seamless gameplay. You can optimize performance in different ways like using Canvas and WebGL efficiently, minimizing the number of drawn objects to avoid tenderness issues, utilizing sprite sheets instead of multiple image files, and optimizing event listeners to avoid unnecessary computations.
Nowadays almost every game is being played on mobile phones. Rather than heavy laptops, people prefer mobiles as their devices to play and enjoy games. So you must ensure that your game is responsive and touch-friendly. Use scalable UI elements, test on different screen sizes, and avoid memory-intensive operations.
A game is attractive when its animation is smooth. For a seamless experience, ensure that animations run at a consistent frame rate. Use request Animation Frame instead of set interval for smoother animations and implement physics engines like matter.js for realistic movements.
Long loading times can lead to less user engagement. So optimize assets by compressing essential images and audio files. You can preload essential assets to prevent lags during gameplay, by using lazy loading of non-essential elements.
When there is a structured code it becomes easy for the developers to read and reuse. Break it into small and separate parts (modules) that handle different tasks. This makes it easier to debug issues and expand your game later.
If the background music does not match the scene, players are bored and can get distracted from the game. Sound effects enhance gameplay, but excessive use can affect performance. Optimize audio by using the Web Audio API for better control. Preloading and caching sound files. Allowing users to mute or adjust volume levels.
HTML5 games should work seamlessly across various browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Regular testing ensures compatibility and helps fix bugs early. Test your game on different devices and operating systems to detect inconsistencies in rendering, performance, and controls. Use browser developer tools to identify issues related to JavaScript, CSS, and WebGL rendering.
Adding unique features like progress saving and a leaderboard can enhance user engagement. Use localStorage or cloud-based databases to store game progress and scores.
Over time with the advent of technology, a new feature has been added to the games, and that is the monetization strategy. This can help the entrepreneurs earn revenue from the game. You can consider different monetization options like in-game ads, premium features, and microtransactions. Platforms like Google AdSense, in-app purchases, or sponsorship can help you generate income.
Every player wants a game that is secure to play with no or minimal exploits like cheating or hacking. Implement server-side validation for critical data and use HTTPS to secure data transmission. Additionally, encryption techniques should be considered to protect sensitive game data and prevent reverse engineering. Use authentication mechanisms to verify users and prevent unauthorized access.
A well-designed UI/UX enhances players experience. The game’s menu, buttons, and more should be in a proper place that could be accessed by the player easily, and ensure the game runs smoothly. The graphics of the game should be attractive and more appealing.
There are many different games made with HTML5, just have a look at this table to know in detail.
| Game Name | Platforms | Engine/Framework Used |
| 2048 | Web, Mobile (iOS, Android) | Vanilla JavaScript |
| Angry Birds (Web) | Web | WebGL, Phaser.js |
| HexGL | Web | Three.js |
| Cut the Rope (Web) | Web | HTML5 Canvas, JavaScript |
| Treasure Arena | Web, PC | Phaser.js |
| Little Alchemy | Web, Mobile (iOS, Android) | HTML5, JavaScript |
| Tower Building | Web, Mobile | Construct 2 |
| Pixel Race | Web | Impact.js |
| Clumsy Bird | Web | Phaser.js |
| Sketchout | Web | EaselJS |
Developing an HTML5 game can be a tough task to perform if these practices are not followed. It requires strategic planning, performance optimization, and cross-platform compatibility. By following these best practices, you can create high-quality, engaging, and efficient games that attract and retain players, keep experimenting, stay updated with new technologies, and most importantly have fun while developing.
BR Softech is one of the leading game development companies that develop games using HTML5, analyzing the latest trends and using the latest technologies, BR Softech targets the most relevant audience for your game.
Yes, a person with a small investment can create HTML5 games, as it does not require a big size team for this task.
Some of the best HTML5 game engines include Phaser.js (for 2D games), Three.js and Babylon.js (for 3D games), and Construct 2/3 (for drag-and-drop development).
You can optimize performance by using WebGL and Canvas efficiently, reducing the number of drawn objects, compressing assets, implementing lazy loading, and keeping your code modular.
Test your game on different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Use feature detection libraries like Modernizr to handle browser compatibility issues.
