Unity 3D vs HTML5 – Which is best for Mobile Game Development?

Unity is a mobile game development tech stack while HTML5 is a web-based game tech stack. Apart from this key difference, Unity vs. HTML would be a great way to understand the other differences between the two. Thus, it would be easier to make a choice between the two, and ultimately, a game development partner as well. 

If you find yourself at a crossroads, Artoon Solutions can help share the importance of HTML and Unity Game Development. 

What is Unity 3D?

The Unity game engine powers many games used on multiple platforms. Using this technology, you can develop 2D, 3D, AR, and VR games, which are quite an assortment for a single technology. 

Although only launched in 2005, the Unity web game development platform has grown to cater to over 20 platforms. This has contributed to why Unity 3D has already become the game development platform of choice for several game developers!

Its compatibility ranges from Android and iOS devices to the latest PlayStation and modern offerings like Windows Mixed Reality and Smart Televisions. 

There are multiple plans for using Unity, with a free version for personal use. However, it is possible to develop and publish a game with the personal version as long as the developer fulfills the requirements of using that particular plan. 

Unity is so popular that a high number of top titles of the top 1000 are made using it. A few famous games made by Unity are Pokemon GO, Among Us, Super Mario Run, and Genshin Impact. As you can see, this is quite a variety of games and genres made using Unity.  

Facts About Unity 3D

1. More than adequate tools for developing 2D and 3D games. 
2. Reduces development time by reusing components from the Asset Store. 
3. Unity 3D is best for developing complex games. 

What is HTML5? 

Hypertext Markup Language, or simply HTML5, is a technology used to write and share content on the internet. However, it has recently become a prominent web game engine for game development. The most appealing reason for HTML5 being used as a game development engine is that it can develop cross-platform and cross-browser games. 

People are interested in making games using HTML5 as it offers a cost-efficient way to develop games and provides a comprehensive platform for these games to reach across platforms and browsers. 

HTML is the most widely used technology applied in web game development. Unlike Unity, it offers a greater opportunity to target a larger audience as it does not bear the same compatibility restrictions. 

Facts About HTML5

1. HTML facilitates the distinguishing and identification of web pages.  
2. 5th version of the HTML language. 
3. Supports social content sharing. 

Unity 3D vs HTML5: Which is Better 

For anyone who isn’t quite familiar with either one of these names, there would naturally be a doubt regarding which one is better. But, just a definition isn’t adequate to fairly compare these two platforms. 

Read More: The Top 10 Unity Game Development Companies in India

1. Setting Up

The first stage focuses on how easy it is to download the software and find your bearings. 

Unity 3D Pros

• One-click solutions with minimal setup.
• Because most of the tools are present, Unity game development is fast. 
• Unity supports most audio, video, text, and image formats. 
• Furthermore, the import process is generally easygoing. 

Cons

• Not an open-source technology, it is managed by the company Unity Technologies. 
• Any bugs encountered will have to be solved by the company, and you will have to wait till then. 

HTML5 Pros

• Easiest setup with minimal actions required. 
• Offers greater distribution for games. 
• The HMTL 5 game engine provides a cost-efficient way to develop games. 
• Open-sourced technology meaning it is also royalty-free. 
• Simple, easy-to-learn syntax. 

Cons

• Setting up HTML5 can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the technology. 
• Does not support very old browsers. 
• Developing an HTML5 game requires a local server to be set up first. 

2. Game Development 

The game development phase is equally important as it usually provides details as to what tools are present or can be integrated into the platform. It will also dictate how fast or slow game development will be when using that particular software. 

Unity 3D Pros

• It contains everything required for complete game development. 
• A variety of games can be developed using Unity 3D. 
• Multiple library support by Unity 3D makes development easier.

HTML5 Cons

• An extensive library for game development is absent, and tool integration could be better.  
• HTML5 cannot be used for the development of complex games. 

3. Game Publishing 

After developing the game, you will have to make sure that the game is suitable to be published somewhere. Because if not, you would not be able to deliver your game to your target audience.  

Unity 3D Pros

• Unity games can run on mobiles, regardless of the operating system.
• Unity-developed games can be published using a single click! 
• Games made from Unity adapt well and perform seamlessly on most devices regardless of your device’s hardware. 

Cons

• Unfortunately, games have to be published separately on each platform, making it quite expensive to cater to all platforms, especially all at once. 
• A slight compatibility gap exists for certain mobile and web browsers 
• When accessing the games through a web browser, a plugin is required 

HTML5 Pros

• As a web-based technology, publishing HTML5 3D games onto the internet is relatively straightforward.  
• Unlike Unity, no plugins are necessary for optimal functionality.  

Cons

• Publishing is more complicated and does not rely on a one-click solution. 

Also Read: 2D vs. 3D Games: Prices, Platforms, and Pros & Cons

Take Note of Use Case

Unity isn’t ideal for projects all the time, and the same can be said about HTML5. It is their unique differences that are their strengths and points which guide their use. 

• If cost is a major concern, HTML is the more cost-efficient technology. 
• Wanting to engage the largest audience requires you also to use HTML.
• But, if you aim to develop complex games with excellent graphics, Unity 3D is the best. 
• Another driving factor is the knowledge possessed by the person using the technology; Unity 3D is easier to grasp. 
• Whether you plan to cater exclusively to mobile platforms or web browsers will also affect your decision.  

Conclusion 

You can’t draw out a direct winner when pitting two Game Development Platforms against each other, especially when it’s HTML vs. Unity. Instead, which one serves as the better replacement usually depends on what kind of game you are looking to develop.  

The developer will require a platform with certain functions or features based on these requirements. If you need a game developer you can trust, Contact us at Artoon Solutions to get expert advice and development services.

Also Read: Top Reasons to Choose Unity 3D for Game Development

Written By :

Artoon Solutions

Artoon Solutions is a technology company that specializes in providing a wide range of IT services, including web and mobile app development, game development, and web application development. They offer custom software solutions to clients across various industries and are known for their expertise in technologies such as React.js, Angular, Node.js, and others. The company focuses on delivering high-quality, innovative solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of their clients.