Free Online Games, No Download: How They Work

A free online game with no download is a game that runs right in your browser: you open a link and start playing, with no app store and no space taken on your phone. Almost all of them are built with HTML5, the same technology behind any web page. At Raptware we're making several of these, so here's how they work under the hood.

What is an HTML5 game?

It's a game built with the web's everyday tools: HTML, JavaScript and a canvas where the game draws itself many times per second. Your browser already knows how to do all of that, so nothing extra is needed.

It wasn't always like this. Browser games used to need Flash, a separate plugin you had to install, which stopped working at the end of 2020. Today an HTML5 game opens the same way in Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge, on Android, iPhone or a computer.

"No download"… but something does download

To be fair: when you open the game, your browser does fetch its files (images, sounds and code), just like with any page. The difference is that you don't install an app:

• It doesn't ask for permissions.
• It doesn't sit in your phone's storage.
• Close the tab and you're done; nothing keeps running.

Many games keep those files in the browser so they open faster next time. One tip: if your data plan is tight, open it on Wi-Fi the first time.

Why play in the browser

• You're playing in seconds. One link is enough; no searching, installing or waiting.
• Works on phone and PC. The same game on whatever screen is closest.
• Doesn't fill up your phone. Great if you're always out of space.
• Always the latest version. There are no updates to download: when we improve it, you get it the next time you visit.

What they don't do as well

Huge games, with giant 3D worlds or hundreds of hours of content, still work better as an app or on a console. That's why Raptware's web games are casual, with short sessions: they're how we bring you new content more often. Our Android games take longer because we polish them more, as we told you in our post about the new web games and the Android updates.

Are they safe?

On a trustworthy site, yes. An HTML5 game runs inside the browser, with the same protections as any web page. Be wary if a "games" site asks you to install a program, download a file or grant odd permissions: that's no longer a browser game.

Where to play our free online games

You can start right now with Animondos' Reversi, the classic board game where the pieces flip. Play Animondos' Reversi in your browser, or learn more on the Animondos' Reversi page.

And two more are on the way, still under wraps: a reflex game where the fastest tapper wins, and an arcade-style space shooter. Both will have a leaderboard: with your Raptware account you'll be able to compete for first place.

What about you: do you prefer playing in the browser or installing the app? Tell us in the comments.