How to Design HTML5 Games

By juegoadmin | HTML5 Game Development | August 17th, 2022

How to Design HTML5 Games

Though Flash games have bowed out, HTML5 has given birth to a new brand of browser-based and cross-platform games. The incredible advancement of technology has fuelled the HTML5 game development, layered with 3D graphics, and multiplayer experiences.

For game developers who are fresh to the process, HTML5 game designing could be as exciting as it is complex. There would be numerous questions as to kick-start the game development process, the bottlenecks, and even monetizing and distributing the games. Here’s a route map to get you started:

Steps to Guide How to Design HTML5 Games:

  • Play, play and play!

Any good web designer can be a game designer if he has a passion for gaming. And the first step to designing a great HTML5 game would be to play as many games as possible. This will give an idea about the game design and key areas like the storyline, character building, or the feel of the game.

Once you start identifying and recognizing the patterns in various genres like FPS/TPS, role-playing, action-adventure or RTS, you will get an idea of which one to pursue, for your game development.

  • Test your language expertise:

The very basic building block of HTML5 games are languages like HTML and CSS. To develop HTML 5 games, developers should know not only HTML but also Java and CSS which help to create multimedia aspects in the game.

Only then they would be able to build an efficient and user-friendly game. Java helps to create more advanced games rather than connecting the dots. CSS3, the progressive version of CSS, is also used to make more complex games.

If you want to make 3D games, you have WebGL, which is a Javascript API to render 2D and 3D games in a web browser. With Canvas, you can create shapes and change them into 3D images. Such images can be stored directly in the library for ready use.

  • Start drawing

Like how you sketch the foundation for building a house, draw the plans for your game. Draw your favorite characters that fascinated or inspired you from the games that you have played. Draw interfaces, various angles, or maps. When you start sketching, you will find the blueprint for your game evolving eventually.

  • Create patterns and flow chart

After drawing sketches, the next step is a flow diagram. The flowchart will demonstrate the progress of the game, much like a script of a movie. The chart will mark the key points of the game.

During this stage, the designer should think about different types of platforms where the game can be launched.  You have to develop the environment, character, and much more.

  • Create your Game design document

By now, you are halfway through designing your game. Once you are through with your flow diagram, it’s time to get into GDD or game design document. The GDD gives the gist of your game, and what your game is all about.

For example, Your character has lost her/his way in the forest, and you have to show the way out. The game design document shows how the character can be navigated out of the jungle.

  • Think “Cross-platform”.

This is where you think about the different types of platforms where you are planning to launch the games. The main specialty of HTML games is their hybrid mode. If you are an individual game designer, you need to find a way for making your game user-friendly over a variety of platforms including Mac books, iPhones and iPads, Google Nexus, Tablets, and notebooks, etc.

How do you get around doing that?

First, you need to fix your game orientation. Stick to either a portrait mode or landscape. Second, do a bit of research and find what game resolution works for most platforms. Find the aspect ratio and scale it to align with the resolution of the respective devices. While an aspect ratio of 4:3 works for landscape modes, a 3:4 ratio is common for portraits. Also, remember to draw a high-resolution gaming experience. Keep a minimum 2048px baseline so it won’t get messed up while scaling up. Similarly, keep in mind not to go for heavy gaming. Try the lighter, casual games to begin with. Even simple games are a lot of fun with great game designing.

  • Submit proposal:

The next important step is to make your dream into reality. For that, you need a budget. After completing the GDD, submit your proposal to game development companies. Open up about your vision, mission, and budget. Do not be disheartened if your proposals are rejected. Keep developing and innovating, leaning on your discussions and the clients’ requirements. You will come up with better designs!

  • Start building the game:

If you have received the fund or are funding yourself, the next step would be to actually start making the game. Find a good game developer who is able to resonate well with your ideas, concepts, and budget. Accordingly, start developing the game. It will take time. Don’t lose hope, be stable to see the result.

  • Launch the game in the market: 

It is a great experience to run the miles and hit the finishing track! When your game is ready, launch it. Introduce it to the masses. Don’t forget to collect the feedback. Polishing up the game is an after-thought that you can implement later. Doing proper analytics is also a vital step. 

Server-side

HTML5 games with their immense versatility and features are always a great lure for gaming companies. However, one significant aspect is saving game data, and if you are thinking on that line,  you are going to need a server for it.

If you want the games to serve remotely you need a server-side. You can develop the backend using server-side languages

  • Java Script
  • PHP
  • Java,
  • Python
  • Ruby
  • You can also third-party server-, side languages. But they will charge you after the trial period ends and may be tricky.

Some of the tools that can be used to build HTML5 games as software applications are:

  • js: – Can target Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux.
  • Electron: Another way of building Windows, Mac OSX, or Linux applications.
  • Apache Cordova: Build HTML5 games as mobile apps for iOS and Android.

 Takeaway

The gaming industry has been flooded with revolutionary breakthroughs in the past decade. As the world is waking up to a virtual world, HTML5 gaming is creating a buzz among gaming enthusiasts across the world. How far you would succeed in developing a game that goes beyond the norms and entertains the audience with an outstanding immersive experience, depends on the expertise of the team that develops your concept. Choose the best HTML5 game development company to create a stunning game and leave your mark in the ever-evolving gaming scenario.

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