Tips To Get Started With HTML5 Game Development |A Beginner’s Guide
HTML5 has emerged as the sole foundation of most online games. So, when considering developing an online game, you can either seek the HTML5 game developers or learn it yourself. The Internet is itself a universe where getting lost amid so many resources is quite apparent. You may find it difficult to find a course that will be the right fit for you.
Take no worries, as we have thoroughly researched and prepared this article to help you with the best tips and ways to get started with HTML5 game development. But before being part of the HTML5 game developers community, you must know the basics. So, let’s start with what HTML5 games are.
HTML5 Games: What Are They?
HTML5 games are engaging free-to-play games that one can access and play on their PC or mobile browser. This is one of the reasons why these games are referred to as browser games. You can find a guide-ranging array of HTML5 games on the internet as they are playable, easily accessible, free, efficient, and visually appealing.
Moreover, these games have the edge over Flash games, and one can easily develop an HTML5 game, which isn’t the case with Flash games. So, it’s safe to say that any online game you find online is an HTML5 game. Now that you know what HTML5 games are, let’s check their building block and server side.
HTML5 Game Development: All About Building Blocks
The most fundamental building blocks of any HTML5 game on the web include JavaScript, CSS, and HTML. Just like the situation with HTML5, when it comes to CSS3, individuals typically refer to the latest aspects that are introduced alongside its new features. However, analogically speaking, CSS3 is nothing but the latest version of CSS.
If you avoid the pragmatics of these definitions and consider the hyped and upgraded versions of these terms, you’ll also need HTML5 (JavaScript APIs) and CSS3 for HTML5 game development. Using both HTML5 and CSS3, you can easily make incredible online games that can smoothly function on any latest web browser that is optimized for desktop and mobile.
However, if you want to enrich your game with more features, you’ll need additional building blocks for the purpose. For example, you may wish to develop a 3D game. In that case, you can use WebGL – a popular JavaScript API that provides 3D as well as 2D graphics and visuals on the browser by leveraging the GPU for enhanced, smooth performance.
HTML5 Game Development: All About The Server Side
Do you want to develop games that can save data remotely? If so, you’ll need to develop the games server-side. You can leverage any server-side language to create your very own backend. To do so, you’ll need a server like:
- PHP
- Python
- JavaScript (NodeJS)
- Ruby
- Java
On the other hand, you leverage the services of a third-party backend service provider like Firebase. Other such providers can ensure free versions and later charge you when you exceed the free usage
limit. Many of these backend providers are explicitly focused on games, while others solely focus on mobile apps.
All Set For HTML5 Game Development? Keep These Tips In Mind
Select The Ideal Game Engine
Things can get monotonous and hectic when it comes to game development. However, you can reduce your workload with the help of a Game Engine. Simply put, a Game Engine saves you the hassle of developing games from scratch.
An ideal Game Engine will look after tasks like input, audio, animation, physics, asset loading, and sprite maps. There are plenty of Game Engines available for developing an HTML5 game.
While some of these engines are basic elements, others come with debug tools and a 2D-level editor. Thus, it becomes crucial to determine whether you want to use a game engine or develop a game from scratch. People can prefer game engines & develop their game with the help of gaming studios like unity3d game development company etc.. Some of the ideal HTML5 game engines now are:
- Cocos2d
- Unity
- Phaser
- Construct 2
- Buildbox
- Yoyo games
Begin With A Small Project First
There’s no harm in thinking big, but it’s always best to start small and go big progressively. It’s imperative to know that even small NES clone games take weeks to develop.
Even after that, the end product will be full of bugs and may not meet the users’ expectations. Thus, it’s advisable to begin with small things and avoid fantasizing about the top-notch HTML5 game developers who are in fame right now.
Leverage Transitions & Animations
Don’t you get bored when you play amateur games? Of course, game development decides the level of engagement of the game, but aesthetics plays a much more important role in this.
Incorporating transitions and animations in your HTML5 games with a top-notch engaging story will spice things up for the players. It boosts your game’s engagement and fun level, and that’s why you need them in the development process with 3d animation studio.
Sounds & Graphics Are Important
Creating sounds and graphics is one of the most challenging parts for any beginner HTML5 developer. These two are an integral part of any HTML5 game. But there’s nothing to worry about as the market is full of tools that can create sounds and graphics.
For instance, you can use the tool Bfxr – a simple-to-use tool that creates sound effects for online games. Likewise, you can create graphics using tools like OpenGameArt. Also, creating sprites becomes convenient when you have photoshop skills.
Test The Game
Have you completed developing the game? Well, your work is not done yet. Now comes the testing part. You may have heard the “test to see if it’s best” phrase, right? That’s exactly what you will have to do here. Test your game by asking your friends and family to play it.
Never trust their words, but their actions and expressions. Catch their expressions while playing the game by being physically present in front of them at that moment. For instance, if they fail to surpass a certain level (say level 10) and get annoyed after constantly failing, you can understand that by seeing their face.
Done With The Basics? Now It’s Time To Learn The Advanced Tools
After you’re well-acquainted with the basics and fundamentals of HTML5 game development, prepare yourself for the next-level learning. You’ll have to upgrade your skills to learn other aspects of HTML5 gaming.
For instance, you’ll need knowledge and expertise on tools needed for in-game payment, user accounts, and more. You can do such things by using these tools:
- Stats.js: If you want to display the users’ performance in the game, you’ll need this JavaScript performance monitor tool.
- Io & Scoreoid: To take your game to the next level, you must use these tools. They will help you develop distribution and analytics of the game, in-game payments, high scores, achievements, user accounts, and more.
- Pixi.js: If you want a tool to render and support WebGL and canvas, use Pixi.js.
Learn From Online Communities
If you always want to stay updated about HTML5 game development and learn new stuff daily, you can join one of the many online communities. Some of the communities where you can join are:
- Phaser Forum
- Three Js Disclosure
- JS.
- Babylonjs Forum
Conclusion: Seek The Experts Help If Needed
If you’re determined to be an HTML5 developer, this guide will greatly help. However, if learning HTML5 game development seems too much of a hassle or if it’s just an arena where your company wants to spread its horizon, it will be best to outsource such projects to professionals.
To get the best-in-class HTML5 game development services, you can connect with Juego Studios. Their team of HTML5 game developers will address your concerns, conduct thorough testing, and deliver the best end product. So, start making your game today!