This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by medgrine
Building browser games with HTML5 has become one of the most accessible ways to enter the world of game development. No downloads, no installations — just pure gameplay on any device with a web browser.
But where do you start?
Here’s a breakdown of the core skills and tools you need to create engaging HTML5 games.
*1. 
Basic HTML & CSS
*HTML provides the game’s structure — buttons, canvas, and layout.
CSS makes things look good — colors, animations, fonts, and visual effects.
These are the foundations every web game sits on.
**2. 
Learn JavaScript (The Game Logic Engine)
**JavaScript powers everything interactive:
- Player movement
- Collision detection
- Score tracking
- Sound, animations, and more
- Focus on learning:
- Variables, functions, and events
- Loops and conditions
- Objects and arrays
- Working with the DOM and Canvas API
*3. 
Master the Canvas API
*
. The element lets you draw anything: characters, enemies, levels…
. Using JavaScript with the Canvas API, you can:
. Draw and move sprites
. Detect collisions
. Control game loops and frame updates
. It’s the heart of most HTML5 games.
**4
Use Game Libraries (Optional, but Helpful)
**Frameworks like:
Phaser.js – Beginner-friendly, powerful for 2D games
PIXI.js – Focused on rendering performance
Three.js – For building 3D browser games
These libraries save time and help you focus on gameplay.
*5. 
Design Your Game Assets
*Use tools like:
Piskel for sprite design
Aseprite for pixel art
Freesound.org for sound effects
Kenney.nl for royalty-free assets
Even simple visuals can shine with good design.
*6. 
**Understand **Core Game Mechanics
*Before building something complex, learn how to:
Create game loops
Handle player input
Add scoring systems and levels
Implement basic physics (jumping, gravity, speed)
*7. 
Publish Your Game Online
*Once your game is ready, share it with the world!
You can host it on:
Your own website
Platforms like Itch.io or Newgrounds
GitHub Pages for free
Final Thoughts
Learning to build HTML5 games gives you full control over what you create and how it plays.
You don’t need a big team — just passion, a bit of JavaScript, and the willingness to learn.
If you’re looking for real-world examples of browser-based HTML5 games, check out some live projects at pezplay.com.
You might get inspired… or maybe even start building your own.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by medgrine