Games without installation.
WHAT THE WEB PROVIDES
No installation Instant access from a link Easy sharing
WHAT IT COSTS
Performance below native Memory limits Long initial load Limited platform access
WHAT ENGINES EXPORT TO
Compiled code running in the browser, with graphics through the web graphics interface.
WHAT THE CENTRAL PROBLEM IS
Download size, since everything must load before play.
WHAT TO DO
Minimise the build aggressively Load additional content after the game starts Show progress during loading
WHY THAT MATTERS HERE
On metered connections, a large web game is as much a barrier as a download.
WHAT TO BE CAREFUL WITH
Audio, which requires user interaction before playing Memory limits, which vary by browser Mobile browsers, which are far more constrained
WHAT SUITS THE WEB
Small games Demonstrations of larger games Games played in short sessions
WHAT DOES NOT
Large worlds Heavy graphics Anything requiring long sessions
WHAT TO TEST
On a mid-range phone browser, on mobile data.
