About HTML5

What are HTML5 games?

HTML5games.com is a big directory of online games created using HTML5- the new markup language revision that’s in the process of being adopted around the world.  The HTML5 specification introduces cool new features for making games, such as the Canvas, Video, and Audio elements.  When HTML5 is combined with the other exciting web technologies that make up the Open Web Platform, plugin-free gaming can be taken to a whole new level.   In their most basic form, HTML5 games consist of javascript with the new HTML5 Canvas element.  More complex and powerful HTML5 games make extensive use of the open web platform, tapping into GPU powered HTML5 Canvas and WebGL for full 3D experiences, WebSockets for multiplayer capability, and offline storage for the ability to play even when not connected to the internet.  At the most abstract level, HTML5 is being used to describe the entire Open Web Platform, often in the context of games and apps that can be made and played without the Flash plugin- leading many experts to label HTML5 as the ultimate Flash replacement.

HTML5 is also set to become the foundation of the upcoming mobile gaming era.  Although still in development, HTML5 has been progressing much faster than previously anticipated.  The HTML5 specification itself isn’t supposed to be “officially” ratified for another 10 years, but millions of developers and web companies have already made the switch and many more are doing so every day.  The benefits of HTML5 are as clear as day, and with the support of the largest internet companies it will undoubtedly change online gaming for the better.

So what’s the big deal- why HTML5 ?

HTML5 has become the face of the Open Web Platform.  It represents a single standard that can be applied across all computers and mobile devices. With HTML5, there is no need to download proprietary plugins such as Flash, which is constantly criticized for its bugs, errors, and security vulnerabilities. Instead of being forced to learn a separate programming language in order to create applications and games for a particular device, you can instead use a browser and HTML5. The end result is a larger pool of high quality games that can be played anywhere.

Do all browsers treat HTML5 equally ?

While playing these games right now, you may notice that some games work perfectly in one browser but may barely load in another.  The HTML5 specification is new and constantly being updated.  Since there are multiple browsers, each of which is created by a different group, it’s inevitable that some browsers will be updated with the newest HTML5 features before others.  This temporarily chaotic state is unavoidable and is a necessary means to achieve the ultimate goal of a truly open web experience.  As the standard become more concrete, games created developed using HTML5 will become playable in any browser.

Can I play any of these games on my phone or mobile device ?

Yes! Many of these games can be played on your phone or mobile device. The “Mobile” category contains games that are specifically optimized for a mobile device.  However, even games that are not specifically designed for mobile use may still be playable in your phone’s browser.  There are so many different phones and mobile browsers that we can’t test them out for you at the moment.  But we receive feedback everyday from excited users who say that they were able to play a particular game on their phone- so test them out if you’d like.

Where can I learn more about HTML5 ?

Visit our HTML5 Resources page for a list of websites that contain useful information about HTML5

If you’re a game developer that has created an HTML5 game, submit it through: http://html5games.com/submit-a-game/. We would love to show your game to the world.   Note: We do not host the game on our own server (without your permission), so users will be re-directed from HTML5games.com to your website.