Build a web game with an independent developer
A web game runs in the browser, so players start with a single link and nothing to download. To build one, pick the right tool for your game type, prove the core idea in a prototype and then add content in milestones. ErdiBuilds is an open marketplace where clients post app, SaaS, website and game projects, see which independent developers from the EU fit best based on what they have already built, and pay per milestone.
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Why choose the browser for a game
The browser removes the biggest hurdle: installing. Players can try your game from a shared link, a social post or an embed on your own site. You publish updates yourself without waiting for a store review.
Typical web games include quick puzzle and word games, card and strategy games, idle games, trivia, branded games for campaigns and small multiplayer games played with friends. If you want the game in the app stores as well, see mobile games.
Typical technologies
The right tool depends on the game. Simple games with a lot of menus are close to normal web development. Games with fast animation need a game focused library. Find My Stack suggests a stack from your answers.
- HTML5 Canvas and WebGL are the base for visual games.
- Libraries such as Phaser and Three.js save time on common tasks.
- React and TypeScript work well for turn based and card games.
- Unity and Godot can export to the web, though files are bigger than hand written games.
- WebSockets power live multiplayer, with a Node.js server behind it.
An example plan in milestones
A web game can reach players early, which gives you feedback before you spend on content. Each milestone is funded before work starts and runs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. Milestones are from 50 to 2,000 each in your project currency.
| Topic | Example timing | What happens | What you can check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prototype | For example, weeks 1 to 2 | Core mechanic with simple shapes, keyboard, mouse and touch input | A link you can send to friends |
| Playable version | For example, weeks 3 to 5 | Art, sound, menus, levels or rounds, save in the browser | A full session from start to game over |
| Online features | For example, weeks 6 to 7 | Accounts or nicknames, leaderboard, sharing, analytics | Scores that stay after reloading |
| Release | For example, week 8 | Loading speed, device tests, your own domain or portal listing | A public launch link |
Prototype
- Example timing
- For example, weeks 1 to 2
- What happens
- Core mechanic with simple shapes, keyboard, mouse and touch input
- What you can check
- A link you can send to friends
Playable version
- Example timing
- For example, weeks 3 to 5
- What happens
- Art, sound, menus, levels or rounds, save in the browser
- What you can check
- A full session from start to game over
Online features
- Example timing
- For example, weeks 6 to 7
- What happens
- Accounts or nicknames, leaderboard, sharing, analytics
- What you can check
- Scores that stay after reloading
Release
- Example timing
- For example, week 8
- What happens
- Loading speed, device tests, your own domain or portal listing
- What you can check
- A public launch link
The weeks are for illustration. Developers set the length of each milestone in their proposal, and each real milestone runs 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. Multiplayer adds work in every phase, so plan extra time for it.
What belongs in the project description
- The core loop in two sentences and a list of similar games.
- Controls: mouse, keyboard, touch or all three.
- Single player or multiplayer, and how many players.
- Where the game is hosted: your site, a game portal or an embed in another page.
- How you earn money, such as ads, sponsorship or paid access.
- Who makes the art and sound, and the style you want.
- Browsers and devices that must work.
How to recognise a suitable developer
Open their past games on your phone and your laptop. Does the game start fast, stay smooth and respond well to touch? Ask how they keep download size small and how they test on weaker devices.
Each proposal shows a match score. At least 40 is needed to apply, and 80 or more earns a Top match badge. Developers are independent professionals, not our employees. If you are unsure about the process, read how to hire a developer safely.
Frequently asked questions
Will the game work on phones?
Yes, if touch controls and small screens are part of the plan. Say so in the brief, because it changes the design of menus and controls.
Link to this answerHow can a web game make money?
Common ways are ads, sponsorship, paid access and selling extras. Each needs its own setup, so decide early which one you want.
Link to this answerCan I put it in the app stores later?
Often yes, by wrapping the game or rebuilding it in an engine. The more of the game logic is clean and separate from the screen code, the easier that is.
Link to this answerCan players see my code?
Browser games send their code to the player, so it can be read. Your developer can make it harder to copy but cannot hide it completely. Keep secrets such as scoring checks on a server.
Link to this answerWho owns the game?
Unless both sides agree otherwise in writing on the platform, the rights to the result of a milestone pass to the client once that milestone is paid in full. Ask your developer to name any libraries or assets with special licenses.
Link to this answerRelated pages
- Build a mobile game with a developerPlan a phone game: engines like Unity and Godot, a milestone plan from prototype to store release, what the brief needs and how to judge a developer.
- Hire a Godot developer for your gameGodot is a free, open source game engine for 2D and lighter 3D games. See what to ask a Godot developer and how a game project is planned.
- Hire a Unity developer for your gameUnity builds 2D and 3D games for phones and the web. What a Unity developer does, what to ask, example milestones and how matching works.
- Hire a Node.js developer for your serverNode.js runs the server side of apps and APIs. Learn what a Node.js developer builds, what to ask and how milestones and matching work.
- What Is an MVP? A Plain Guide for FoundersAn MVP is the smallest version of a product that real users can try. Learn what it includes, what it leaves out and how to plan one.
- Hire a Developer to Build Something NewTurn an idea into a working product. See how to prepare, how milestones structure the work and what to ask developers before you start.