I have noticed that independent game developers are more inclined to develop independent games rather than "HTML5" games. Why is this?

I have noticed that independent game developers are more inclined to develop independent games rather than “HTML5” games. Why is this?

Independent game developers seem to dislike “HTML5” games,
They seem to be more interested in developing independent games “. apk. exe”

It’s OpenFL, so you can have both :grin::+1:

I suspect it probably comes down to three things though:

  • The tools they’re using.
  • Monetisation.
  • Tailoring the end-user experience (greater control in an app).

@Bink

I mean they chose to develop the independent game ‘win exe’,
They don’t like the “HTML5” game

@Bink Look at “Steam”, basically it’s all “app exe apk”

Yes, that’s the sort of thing I was addressing.

I’ve noticed this too, and I think there are a few major contributing factors.

First, I think there is a substantial subset of gamedevs that feel the types of monetization used in web games are predatory (ad-based, microtransactions, and timed perks that rely on exploiting players’ behavioral and impulse patterns), though I have no strong opinions one way or the other on the matter.

Second, I think there is a general sentiment that non-web games are “premium” games or “more respectable” compared to web games, which are sometimes seen as lower effort, more hastily produced, and more rough around the edges. Again, not necessarily opinions I hold. These games also tend to be far shorter, with less focused play sessions, and are often less plot- and theme-driven, thus being seen as less “serious”.

Third, the web games market is highly saturated and extremely competitive. All of gamedev is, but especially web games. Many web game devs report getting ghosted (or extremely delayed communications) by web game publishers, and even if not ghosted, making low amounts of money, sometimes even on games that become quite prolific.

Fourth, I think there are many developers who simply hope to publish to a name brand platform one day, like Steam or a major console, as a life milestone and not necessarily as a way to support themselves. Web games obviously don’t target those platforms as readily as they do browsers. There are some respectable and notable web game platforms like Poki, but they don’t seem to carry the premium “oomf” that brands like Steam and Nintendo and Sony do.

Fifth, I think many indie devs (rightfully, imo) see themselves as artists, and since web gamedev targets the lowest common denominator of features for browsers and devices to maximize audience and exposure, see web games as limiting the creative potential of the medium that they are using to express themselves.

Just my two cents.

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