As we all know the video gaming industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Among these, mobile gaming is one of the fastest growing to rise in the upcoming years. With the increase in popularity of gaming video game development companies are receiving unbelievable traction. Entrepreneurs are leveraging the power of Unity game development and HTML5 mobile game development to invest in the lucrative industry to generate maximum revenue.
Game development relies on the latest technologies like game engines that provide a strong foundation on which the games can be constructed. Unity 3D and HTML5 are the most used and popular engines used by game developers all across the world. These two game engines help developers create 2D and 3D games without any hassle.
However, the debate of Unity vs HTML5 is never-ending. Both excel in their respective fields. While HTML5 is the best engine for developing cross-platform browser-based games, Unity 3D development is the undisputed champion of developing high-end immersive mobile gaming experiences.
In this blog, we will highlight the pros and cons of both game engines and also shed some light on which one is the optimum choice for game developers.
Table of Contents
Unity 3D is a game engine that uses the C# programming language to develop Unity 3D is a game engine that uses the C# programming language to develop 2D, 3D, and VR/AR games for mobiles and PC. The first version, known as Unity 1.0 was launched in June 2005. Ever since its inception, Unity has been dominating the game development industry and is now one of the most preferred game engines for Unity mobile game development. Although the game engine is not suitable for amateur developers, there are various manuals and video tutorials on the internet that can help Unity developers get familiar with the engine.
With the rise of mobile gaming, Unity mobile game development reached new heights. Let’s take a look at some statistics and facts about the Unity 3D game development engine.
By now you must have understood the potential of the Unity game engine and why it is one of the most preferred choices for Unity game developers around the world. Catering to big global brands like EA, Ubisoft, and Coca-Cola speaks volumes about the competency of the Unity Game Engine.
HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language and it is a programming language that is used for developing content for the World Wide Web. Compared to the previous versions of HTML, HTML5 is adept at creating browser-based cross-platform games that can be accessed on any device connected to the internet using web browsers. Before HTML5, Flash was the most used technology to create web content. However, it offered limited functionality as it heavily relied on plug-ins to function efficiently.
Today, HTML5 is the primary language for creating web-based content. It doesn’t require any additional plug-ins and you can use HTML5 3D Game Development to create content like animation, music, movies, and even complex browser-based applications.
HTML5 is an open-source software which means that HTML5 developers don’t need to pay any royalties for developing cross-platform browser-based games. Launched in 2014, it is now the most-used programming language for web browsers. When used alongside CSS and WebGL, HTML5 can be used to create interactive complex games that have the potential to rival many AAA mobile games. Let’s take a look at various statistics and facts about HTML5.
HTML5 has become more popular with the rise of cloud gaming. The market size for HTML5 games is currently estimated to be USD 1.03 Billion. Uses a single front-end code that facilitates development across multiple devices and platforms.Supports audio, video, typography, social content, and sharing. Games are updated in real-time and don’t require manual updating from the users’ end.
Both Unity and HTML5 contribute massively to the game development landscape, however, they have their own benefits and drawbacks. Below is the table through which you can identify the differences between Unity and HTML5.
| Aspect | Unity | HTML5 |
| 3D Graphics | Highly optimized for 3D games (e.g., Among Us VR, Genshin Impact). | Limited support for advanced 3D graphics. |
| Cross-Platform | Build once and deploy across multiple platforms (e.g., iOS, Android, PC). | Best for lightweight, browser-based games (e.g., Cut the Rope). |
| Visual Fidelity | Superior rendering capabilities for high-quality visuals. | Best for 2D and simple animations. |
| Performance | Supports GPU acceleration and physics engines. | Ideal for lightweight, mobile-friendly games. |
| Community Support | Extensive community, asset store, and plug-ins are available. | Open web standards make development accessible and cost-effective. |
| Learning Curve | Tools like visual scripting make it beginner-friendly. | Easier for those familiar with JavaScript and web development |
| Integration | Easily integrates with AR/VR tools and APIs. | Compatible with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript ecosystems. |
| Aspect | Unity | HTML5 |
| Complexity | The steeper learning curve for beginners compared to HTML5. | Limited scalability for large, complex games. |
| Resource Usage | Heavier on system resources; requires more powerful devices. | Limited support for high-end 3D gaming experiences. |
| Development Costs | May involve licensing fees for Pro features. | Free to use but requires external frameworks for advanced features. |
| Browser Support | Not inherently browser-friendly without WebGL or third-party tools. | Native to browsers, eliminating the need for installations. |
| Example Games | Monument Valley 2, Cuphead VR | Angry Birds HTML5, 2048 |
When it comes to which is the better option, we will have to compare them across the stages of game app development. This will provide you with a clear view of which technology serves your purpose and fulfills your requirements. The game development process is essentially divided into three parts-
Let’s see which game engine fares well across the 3 stages of the game development process.
Various aspects of game development are determined in this stage. Game planning, type of game, developing a game design document(GDD), and developing a wireframe fall under the pre-production stage.
This is the longest and most important stage of game development. Developing all essential game aspects like the storyline, characters, environment, NPCs, and game levels is completed in the production stage.
After the game is launched, game developers still have to take care of various aspects of the game development process. Providing customer support, working on potential bugs and glitches, and creating downloadable content(DLCs) are required after the game is released.
Every game engine is one of its own kind, each of them has a different performance rate in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphical quality. Below let’s check out these differences.
HTML5
HTML5 games load quickly and are lightweight, which makes them ideal for casual or mobile-friendly games. Since HTML5 is browser-native, it doesn’t require users to install additional software that reduces conflicts for players.
Unity
Unity takes a longer load time as compared to HTML, due to its large file sizes and need to initialize high-performance engines. This is especially true for 3D games with high-resolution textures and advanced rendering techniques.
HTML5
HTML5 game apps are quick to respond on devices that support them because they run directly in web browsers with little extra processing. This makes it easy for games to react to player actions. However, on older devices or browsers, the responsiveness may slow down, especially if the game has complicated animations or uses a lot of JavaScript.
Unity
The hardware that runs in the game is responsible for the unity’s responsiveness. On high-performance systems, Unity’s game offers smooth engagement and low latency. However, on less powerful devices, Unity games can experience frame drops and input lag.
HTML5
HTML5 is perfectly suitable for casual or applications with simple visual elements, as it supports basic 2D graphics and lightweight animations. Different games like Cut the Rope effectively utilize HTML5’s capabilities to provide rich yet uncomplicated visuals.
Unity
Unity is fantastic at creating high-quality visuals and works well for both 2D and 3d games. Unity comprises powerful tools that let developers make stunning games with original lighting, shadows, and textures. Unity also uses advanced technologies like ray tracing and HDR, which make it perfect for engaging games like Genshin Impact.
HTML5
HTML5 game apps are quicker to develop, especially for simple and lightweight games. As it uses standard web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, developers with basic web development skills can start creating games with limited setups.
Unity
Unity game development usually takes more time, especially for high-quality 3D or feature-rich games. Unity’s strong tools, like the visual editor and asset store, simplify certain tasks, but the overall development process is more difficult due to the need for advanced programming.
The competency of the game engine can be easily determined by the final output. It is only logical to look at the top games that were developed using the Unity game development Engine. Let’s take a look.
Let’s take a look at the top browser games created using HTML5 mobile game development.
There are plenty of companies that use Unity and HTML5 for creating their game. Below we have compiled a list of companies and their games in which they use HTML5 and Unity.
There are plenty of companies that use Unity and HTML5 for creating their game. Below we have compiled a list of companies and their games in which they use HTML5 and Unity.
| Platform | Company | Game | Description | Key Achievements |
| Unity | Niantic | Pokémon GO | A location-based AR game where players catch virtual Pokémon in the real world. | Generated over $6 billion in revenue, set new AR gaming standards, and became a cultural phenomenon. |
| Unity | InnerSloth | Among Us | A social deduction game with multiplayer cross-platform play. | Achieved global popularity, won awards, and became a cultural icon during the pandemic. |
| Unity | ustwo Games | Monument Valley | A visually stunning puzzle game with surreal landscapes. | Won multiple awards, including a BAFTA, and sold millions of copies worldwide. |
| Unity | Supercell | Clash Royale | A real-time strategy game that mixes elements of card collecting and tower defense. | Achieved over $2.5 billion in revenue, with a massive player base and competitive esports scene. |
| Unity | Blizzard Entertainment | Hearthstone | A digital collectible card game set in the Warcraft universe. | Became one of the most popular online card games, with millions of active players and major esports tournaments. |
| HTML5 | ZeptoLab | Cut the Rope | A physics-based puzzle game ported to HTML5 for web browsers. | Gained millions of additional players and showcased browser-based gaming potential. |
| HTML5 | Gabriele Cirulli | 2048 | A minimalist and addictive puzzle game. | Went viral globally, becoming a sensation due to its accessibility and simplicity. |
| HTML5 | Rovio | Angry Birds Friends | A browser-based version of the iconic Angry Birds game. | Expanded the franchise’s reach by allowing players to enjoy the game directly in browsers without plugins. |
| HTML5 | King | Candy Crush Saga | A match-3 puzzle game that became a major hit across platforms. | Became one of the most played mobile and browser games, with billions of downloads and a major player base. |
| HTML5 | HTML5 Game Devs | Pac-Man | A modern web-based version of the classic arcade game. | Successfully adapted to HTML5, retaining its nostalgic appeal while reaching new audiences. |
As for the debate of Unity vs HTML5 in terms of game development, the answer is both. It all depends on your preference and project requirements. If you are developing a simple hypercasual game with minimal gameplay, HTML5 is the optimum choice. However, if you want to create a complex and extensive game with high-end graphics, the Unity game development engine would be more fruitful. Both technologies have their own merits and demerits. If you are still doubtful about which game engine to choose for your mobile game development, you can consult BR Softech.
Yes, if you want to hire HTML5 game app developers, you can contact a game development company that provides developers on a contractual basis. However, keep in mind that the cost of these developers differs from region to region.
While HTML5 can be used to develop a variety of games, it is not suitable for developing complex and graphics-intensive games. If you want to develop AAA games, you will have an easier time with the Unity game development engine.
We have provided a list of top Unity games in the blog. Some popular games developed using Unity are Alto’s Adventure, Hearthstone, and Axie Infinity
The cost of creating a game using HTML5 and Unity is dependent on the features we are adding to it. However, if you want to know the exact cost of these games then you can contact us.
HTML5 has many benefits, these benefits are, easy accessibility, cost-effective development, cross-platform compatibility, quick development cycles, and more.
Unity is generally a better choice for mobile game development due to its robust support for 2D and 3D graphics, a wide range of tools, and cross-platform deployment capabilities. HTML5 is suitable for mobile games but is more limited in terms of graphics and performance when compared to Unity.
