Things To Consider When Designing Your First Browser Game

Those of us who have been using the internet since its earliest days wild have fond memories of browser games; they were the ultimate tool for procrastination for an entire generation of schoolchildren, yours truly included. We took every opportunity that came our way to sneak away from the usual revision and education websites, and onto one of our favorite online browser game repositories.

Browser games have changed quite considerably since then. The rise of social media provided the impetus for the first dramatic shift and games rapidly moved away from being simple, self-contained affairs designed to be played by an individual in short bursts. When integrated with social media, they began to encourage varying levels of interaction between friends and were designed to be played in a very different way.

When designing a browser game, there are a number of things that you need to consider, but always remember, there are no hard and fast rules as to what a browser game must, or even should, be. As with all forms of gaming, it is those who are the most unique and creative who will reap the most rewards.

What Language Will You Use?

Most people who are considering producing a game will already have a coding language in mind. Some languages will be better suited to certain types of games or tasks than others, but it is really a case of using whatever you feel the most comfortable with. If you are new to coding, then do not despair. There are a variety of tools that those with minimal to no coding experience can use to produce functioning games. Code Academy is an excellent resource for those who are looking to learn.

Who is Your Audience?

There is nothing wrong with making a game for yourself, something that you would want to play as a player, but if you plan on releasing your game online then you need to give some thought as to where online you will put it and what kind of people will visit that site and play your game. Once you have identified your target audience, you will be able to make much more precise and better-considered options during the design and building process.

Look at What Else is Around

You should check out other similar online browser games to the one you are building. Websites such as Big Samo Games are home to extensive and varied collections. Have a look round this and similar sites to see what other browser games are out there, which games work and do well, and which ones don’t. It will also help you to ensure that your project is unique enough to justify itself. If your game is essentially a clone of an existing one, then it might not be received very well and could reflect badly on you as a designer.

Building a browser game is a fun and rewarding experience. It is an excellent opportunity for you to show off your burgeoning skills as a developer and gives you the opportunity to create something that has meaning to you. The only limit ln what you can achieve is your own imagination and willingness to learn.