HTML5/JavaScript
Developing browser-based web games using HTML/JavaScript
Browser-based online games written in HTML/JavaScript are a versatile tool for quickly launching into the market and implementing compelling cross-platform projects with simple functionality. They require no installation, are accessible on all devices, and are equally effective for entertaining audiences and solving marketing problems through gamification.
Unity Web browser game development, WebGL development, and JavaScript game programming enable the creation of full-fledged online projects in 2D and 3D—from casual minigames to complex MMORPGs and strategies (in game development, educational, corporate, branded, and advertising products).
A high-quality custom browser game is an investment in effective, flexible audience acquisition and retention with high commercial potential and scalability. Arionis Games has been developing web games for many years. Each game development project is individually implemented, taking into account the specifics of the niche, audience, business goals, and specific product. This ensures effective collaboration and high-quality results.
What are browser web games?
Browser-based online games are interactive applications that run directly in a web browser window, without downloading or installing any software. They are developed using open web technologies: HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Creating browser games in HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS ensures interactivity, high-quality graphics, and animation. This makes online game development projects easy to launch and instantly accessible to a wide audience across devices, often offering virtually the same performance as native client-based titles.
Logic, animation, user interaction, and interactive elements are implemented through game development using JavaScript and its frameworks (Phaser, Three.js, or Pixi.js). Creating HTML5 games in JavaScript using Canvas, WebGL, and SVG provides graphical solutions that can compete with multiplayer games, 3D shooters, strategy games, and RPGs. These technologies also allow for scalability and efficient optimization across various devices.
Benefits of ordering browser games in HTML/JavaScript
Custom browser game development in HTML/JavaScript offers a number of advantages: game development products created using these technologies are widely accessible, work in all browsers, and require no installation. Their strengths also include cross-platform and device compatibility.
- Cross-platform. HTML5 games are available in all modern browsers—they can be played on computers, smartphones, tablets, and even Smart TVs. This means there's no need to develop browser-based online games for phones or PCs separately—they're natively compatible with all platforms and devices.
- Installation-free access. Users don't need to download or install software to launch online browser games—they simply need to click a link. This simplifies audience acquisition and reach.
- Quick launch. Developing web apps in HTML and JavaScript takes less time than creating native solutions for iOS and Android, speeding up and simplifying the time it takes to bring a game development product to market.
- Easy updates. Bug fixes and updates are performed on the server. Users get access to the latest version of the product without having to download anything themselves. These titles are easily scalable, and updates don't require additional approval on the Play Market or App Store, allowing for much faster development.
- Ease of integration. Browser-based online MMORPGs, like online arcades, easily integrate with websites, landing pages, loyalty platforms, and online stores—an effective and simple tool for implementing marketing campaigns.
- Effective monetization and promotion. Web games, like any other game development product, easily integrate advertising, in-game purchases, subscriptions, and referral systems. Online applications can be promoted not only in online stores, but also in messengers, social networks, websites, forums, YouTube, streaming, Discord servers, paid advertising, and platforms for indie and HTML5 games—all you need to do is share a link.
- A wide technology stack. Building a browser game in JavaScript from scratch allows for diversification of functionality, technical, graphical, and animation solutions thanks to additional libraries and frameworks (Three.js, Phaser, Pixi.js, etc.), making the product engaging and unique.
- Convenient analytics and management. Integration with analytics and CRM systems makes it easy to collect feedback, including user behavior data. It also allows you to quickly refine your product and strategy to meet audience needs. A/B testing and gameplay optimization are possible in real time.
Stages of custom browser game development
The creation of a browser-based online game at Arionis web design studio involves six stages:
- Preparation and analysis. Designers gather information about the project (genre, business goals, audience), and refine the concept and format of the future product.
- Game design and UX development. Our HTML5 game developers create level structures, player behavior scenarios and motivations, develop key mechanics, settings, reward systems, and more.
- Prototyping and design. Arionis Games specialists create visual concepts, draw prototypes, and propose graphic solutions tailored to the specifics of the project.
- Game development in JS. HTML5 game programmers implement environment design, level design, and other visual solutions using JavaScript, engines like Phaser, PixiJS, and more, develop logic, and implement animations.
- Testing and product refinement. Developers and testers test the implemented solutions on different devices and browsers, fix bugs, and optimize performance.
- Release (deployment). The finalized title is integrated into the website or app. By agreement, Arionis specialists provide post-release maintenance and support for the game development product, implementing the update.
You can read more about all stages of game development at the Arionis Games web design studio here.
Technologies and tools for developing browser games
Arionis HTML5 game developers utilize a broad technology stack to develop online projects, employing current, proven game web design technologies.
- The main tools are HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Creating games with JS and Canvas allows for high-quality 2D graphics and animation, ensuring lightweight and high-performance applications.
- WebGL is a cross-platform API for rendering 3D graphics in a browser interface.
- Phaser is a JavaScript framework for creating 2D games.
- PixiJS render (WebGL) is a visual engine for creating high-performance graphics via WebGL.
- Three.js is a library for 3D modeling on WebGL and creating visual effects.
- Working with tilesets and animation – Tiled, TexturePacker, Spine.
- Multiplayer and server logic – Node.js (WebGL), WebSocket, Firebase.
- UI/UX design – Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop.
- Version control and deployment – Git, CI/CD.
If you're interested in browser games using WebGL, HTML5, JavaScript, and other modern tools, please contact us or submit a request. During a preliminary consultation, Arionis Games specialists will analyze your project and select the optimal technology stack for its specific needs and current tasks.
What genres and formats of web games do we implement?
At Arionis Games, we develop browser games that, thanks to technologies like Unity3d and WebGL, boast 3D graphics that rival their heavyweight client-based counterparts. We work across all popular genres, implementing projects of varying complexity—from simple casual titles to educational and branded titles—creating online browser games for a variety of tasks and purposes:
- Casual arcades are simple, attract players with short play sessions, and are often used for promotional campaigns (time management, match-3, clickers, etc.).
- Puzzles – applications for developing thinking and logic (escape room, sudoku, tetris, charades) often include non-standard tasks.
- IO games are minimalist arcade games with PvP elements, where players compete against each other in real time. They load quickly, are lightweight, and are highly engaging, making IO games quite popular.
- Runners and platformers are dynamic games that require quick reactions, control skills, and player attention. They may involve running, jumping, and combat.
- Simulators and farms are interactive applications with a relaxed pace of gameplay, focused on planning and development. Suitable for marketing, corporate training, and gamification.
- Promotional games are branded gaming solutions that add interactivity to companies' digital presence.
- Massively multiplayer online games (MMO/MMORTS) – strategy games, shooters, and more, from PvP arenas to cooperative quiz games. They often include elements of resource and army management. Game sessions are long and require a constant connection.
- Visual novels with interactive elements, focusing on dialogue and a storyline that depends on the player's choices. A perfect solution for promotional projects and training.
- Role-playing games (RPGs) involve character control, quest completion, and skill leveling. They can be story-driven, include a combat system and inventory, and feature any mechanics, including simplified and/or turn-based.
Arionis Games can create a network game in HTML/JavaScript in any of these genres.
Benefits of partnering with Arionis Games web design studio
Developing HRML5 games for browser-based projects is one of our team's core competencies. We've been creating web games with diverse game mechanics, modern graphics, and high performance for many years.
We perform the following tasks from scratch (from concept development to post-release support). We are also ready to join a project at any stage of implementation and perform specific tasks necessary for a successful market launch. We offer comprehensive project-based services, including outsourcing and outstaffing, and we provide dedicated IT team services.
Whether you're interested in full development from concept to release or creating a browser game client, we complete tasks quickly and approach each project individually. We work iteratively, building transparent collaborations with regular reporting.
If you need to develop a browser game, contact us: the experienced specialists at Arionis Studio will offer optimal technical solutions for your needs and provide an estimate of the timeframe and cost of custom game web design for your project.
FAQ
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Can I embed an online browser game on my website?
Of course. Our specialists will provide an iframe or script for easy integration or embed the game into your website themselves – by agreement.
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Do you create multiplayer HTML games?
Yes, Arionis Games offers online game development in HTML/JavaScript with PvP, co-op, and/or asynchronous elements. We implement these solutions via WebSockets or external servers.
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Is it possible to update the game after release?
Of course. We provide post-release maintenance by agreement. We provide technical support, seasonal event launches, and content updates.
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Is HTML game suitable for mobile devices?
Of course. We develop game development products with adaptive interfaces and optimize their performance based on the technical features of smartphones and tablets.
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How does browser game testing work?
Arionis Games specialists conduct UX testing with real users, automated logic testing, and cross-browser debugging. Our specialists will discuss testing options and stages in more detail during a consultation.
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Do you create branded mini-games?
Yes, we often create engaging HTML5 games for brands, styling the product to match the company's concept and tone of voice. We can develop a unique style and gameplay that matches your company's corporate identity.
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How long does it take to develop an HTML5 browser game?
The time it takes to create an online game depends on the scale of the project, the genre, the amount of content to be worked with, and the specific mechanics:
- a simple clicker can be prepared in 2-4 weeks;
- simulator or training module – in 2–4 months;
- a 2D game with multiple levels, progression, UI, and mobile adaptation takes on average 1–2 months;
- The creation of an RPG, strategy, multiplayer and/or PvP title takes on average 3–6 months.
The availability of a ready-made concept, the complexity and scope of technical requirements, the level of graphics and multiplayer also influence the speed of development.
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How are web games different from mobile or console games?
Web games are applications that run directly in the browser and don't require installation on the user's device. They are cross-platform by default, running on any device connected to the internet. This distinguishes web games from mobile and console games, which require downloading apps or special hardware.
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What is the cost of developing web games in HTML/JavaScript, and what determines the price?
The price for HTML/JavaScript web game development services is calculated individually and depends on the project's complexity. The following factors influence the cost:
- type and genre of the game;
- volume of content;
- graphics (2D or 3D, unique art or template solutions);
- technical stack (the feasibility of using frameworks such as Pixi.js, Phaser, Unity WebGL, etc., as well as the availability and scale of the server side);
- functionality (authorization, multiplayer, rating system, in-game purchases, adaptation for mobile browsers).
Our specialists will calculate the exact cost of custom game web design after a detailed review of the project.
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What methods of monetizing web games are there?
Online games can be monetized in the same ways as other game development products: through in-game purchases, integrated advertising, sales of exclusive content, subscriptions, and brand partnerships.
