# 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. Canonical: https://erdibuilds.app/build/web-game Last updated: 2026-11-06 (November 6, 2026) ## 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](https://erdibuilds.app/build/mobile-game). ## 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](https://findmystack.app/?project_type=web-game) suggests a stack from your answers. - HTML5 Canvas (A browser feature that lets code draw shapes and images frame by frame.) and WebGL (A browser technology for fast 2D and 3D graphics that uses the graphics card.) are the base for visual games. - Libraries such as Phaser (An open source JavaScript framework for 2D browser games.) and Three.js (A JavaScript library for 3D graphics in the browser.) save time on common tasks. - React (A JavaScript library for building interactive user interfaces from components.) and TypeScript (JavaScript with types, which catches many mistakes before the code runs.) work well for turn based and card games. - Unity (A widely used game engine that builds games for phones, computers and consoles, mostly with C#.) and Godot (A free open source game engine with a light editor and good support for 2D games.) can export to the web, though files are bigger than hand written games. - WebSockets (A connection that stays open so a server and a browser can send each other messages instantly.) 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. **Example phases for a browser game** | | 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 | 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 (A number from 0 to 100 that shows how well a developer fits your project, with plain reasons such as shared technologies, similar past work, budget fit and availability.). 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](https://erdibuilds.app/guides/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. ### How 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. ### Can 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. ### Can 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. ### Who 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. ## Related - [Build a mobile game with a developer](https://erdibuilds.app/build/mobile-game): Plan 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 game](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/godot): Godot 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 game](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/unity): Unity 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 server](https://erdibuilds.app/hire/nodejs): Node.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 Founders](https://erdibuilds.app/guides/what-is-an-mvp): An 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 New](https://erdibuilds.app/help/build-new): Turn an idea into a working product. See how to prepare, how milestones structure the work and what to ask developers before you start.