How to Make a 3D Game in HTML | Guide from Game Art Production Agency

Christopher SternJuly 14, 2023

88 8 minutes read

How to Make a 3D Game in HTML

Are you ready to explore the world of 3D game development? With this html game development guide, you can bring your game ideas to life and captivate players.

In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to make a 3d game using HTML, giving you the knowledge and tools to succeed.

Understanding the basic principles

Before jumping into 3D game development, it’s important to understand the basics. We’ll cover the basics of HTML, including its structure and syntax, giving you a solid foundation to build on.

A game developer in practice will tell you how to build a game, so let’s start.

Some basics that you need to know:

What is HTML?

HTML (or Hypertext Markup Language) is the standard language for building web pages. It provides the structure and content of a webpage and is the foundation upon which you can develop your 3D game.
HTML consists of tags that define the elements and structure of a webpage. These tags, such as <html>, <head>, <body>, and <div>, help organize and format the content.

Once you are familiar with HTML, you can begin incorporating 3D elements into your game.

There are several libraries and frameworks that make it easier to create 3D graphics in HTML, such as:

Three js

Three.js is a widely used JavaScript library that provides a simple and efficient way to create and display 3D graphics in the browser. It offers a range of features such as geometry creation, lighting and shading effects, texture mapping, animation support, and interaction handling.

Three.js is known for its flexibility and wide community support.

Babylon js

Babylon.js is a powerful and feature-rich framework for building 3D games and experiences using HTML and JavaScript. It offers a comprehensive set of tools and features, including a physics engine, particle system, material system, audio support, and support for VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality) applications

Babylon.js is known for its performance and ease of use.

A Frame js

A-Frame is an open-source framework built on top of HTML that simplifies the creation of virtual reality (VR) experiences. It provides a declarative syntax for building 3D scenes using HTML-like markup. A-Frame is designed to be accessible and beginner-friendly, allowing developers to quickly prototype and create VR experiences without extensive knowledge of 3D graphics programming.

These libraries provide pre-built functions and tools to render 3D objects, handle animations, and manage user interactions. To develop a 3D game in HTML, you will need to create a html file

Set up your HTML document | How to create a new html file

Begin by creating a new HTML file and setting up the basic structure using the appropriate tags. Link any necessary CSS or JavaScript files to enhance the visual and interactive aspects of your game.

Create a new HTML file: Open a text editor of your choice (e.g., Notepad, Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code) and create a new file. Save it with a “.html” extension (e.g., “index.html”).
Set up the basic structure: Every HTML document starts with a basic structure. Begin by adding the following code:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<html>

<head>

<title>Your Game Title</title>

</head>

<body>

<!– Your game content goes here –>

</body>

</html>

Document Type Declaration: <!DOCTYPE html> is a declaration that tells the browser you’re using HTML5.
HTML Tags: The <html> element wraps the entire HTML document.
Head Section: The <head> element contains metadata and external file references for your game.
Character Encoding: The <meta charset=”UTF-8″> tag specifies the character encoding for the document.
Title: Replace “Your Game Title” with the desired title for your game, which will be displayed in the browser’s title bar.
CSS Link: Use the <link> tag to connect an external CSS file to style your game. Replace “styles.css” with the actual filename of your CSS file. This file should be in the same directory as your HTML file.
JavaScript Link: Use the <script> tag to link an external JavaScript file that will handle interactive aspects of your game. Replace “script.js” with the actual filename of your JavaScript file. This file should also be in the same directory as your HTML file.
Body Section: The <body> element is where you’ll place the content of your game.
Game Content: Within the <body> tags, you can add elements such as <div>, <canvas>, or other HTML elements to structure and display your game.
CSS and JavaScript Files: Create separate CSS and JavaScript files (e.g., “styles.css” and “script.js”) in the same directory as your HTML file. In these files, you can write the necessary CSS styles and JavaScript code to enhance the visual and interactive aspects of your game.

Define your game world

Design the environment in which your game will take place. This could include creating landscapes, buildings, or other objects that make up the game world. Utilize HTML and CSS to style and position these elements.

Build 3D Objects: To represent buildings, objects, or characters in your game world, you can utilize HTML and CSS techniques to create 3D visuals. CSS transforms, such as rotateX, rotateY, and rotateZ, can be used to achieve the illusion of depth and perspective. By combining HTML elements and CSS styles, you can construct and position objects within your game world.
Position Elements: Use CSS positioning properties, such as position: absolute or position: relative, along with the top, bottom, left, and right properties, to place and arrange your game elements within the game world. This allows you to position objects precisely and create the desired layout and composition.
Add Interactivity: To make your game world more engaging and interactive, you can use CSS animations and transitions to add movement and visual effects to your game elements. Additionally, JavaScript can be employed to handle user interactions, enable gameplay mechanics, and create dynamic behaviors within the game world.

Implementing Game Mechanics

Gameplay mechanics are the heart of any game. We’ll guide you through implementing essential features like player controls, collisions, and physics.

Player Controls

Use JavaScript to handle player input and control movements. Capture keyboard, mouse, or touch events and map them to specific actions in the game.
Implement functions to move the player character in response to input, such as changing the position, rotation, or velocity of the character.
Consider adding different control schemes or options to accommodate various devices or player preferences.

Collisions

Detect collisions between game objects using JavaScript. Define collision boundaries and check for overlaps or intersections between objects.
Implement collision response logic to handle what happens when objects collide. This can include changes in position, health, score, or triggering specific actions.

Physics

Simulate basic physics principles in your game using JavaScript. Apply forces, gravity, or friction to objects to create realistic movements and interactions.
Use libraries like Matter.js or Cannon.js to incorporate more advanced physics simulations if needed. These libraries provide pre-built physics engines that can handle complex interactions.

Challenging Levels

Design levels with increasing difficulty to provide a sense of progression and challenge for players.
Introduce obstacles, puzzles, enemies, or time constraints to make levels more engaging.
Use HTML and CSS to visually represent different levels and provide clear goals or objectives for each level.

Exciting Missions

Define missions or objectives that players need to accomplish within the game.
Create specific tasks, quests, or targets that players must complete to progress.
Implement mission tracking and feedback to provide players with a sense of accomplishment and guidance.

Rewarding Gameplay

Design gameplay elements that reward players for their achievements and progress.
Incorporate scoring systems, power-ups, collectibles, or unlockable content to incentivize players.
Balance the difficulty and rewards to ensure a satisfying and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Playtesting and Iteration:

Regularly playtest your game to identify and address any issues with game mechanics, controls, or level design.
Collect feedback from players and iterate on your game based on their suggestions and experiences.
Continuously refine and balance your game mechanics to ensure enjoyable and rewarding gameplay.

Optimize and test your game

As you develop your 3D game, it’s important to optimize performance and test for any issues or bugs. Optimize your code, manage resources efficiently, and ensure smooth gameplay across different devices and browsers.

Remember, developing a 3D game in HTML requires practice and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to explore different techniques, seek inspiration from existing games, and continuously improve your skills.

With HTML and the right tools, you have the potential to create engaging 3D games that can be played on various platforms.

Designing 3D Character Models in an HTML Game

Creating compelling character models is a crucial aspect of designing a 3D game in HTML. You can also use outsourcing services for creating a character 3d model of your dream. That definitely will simplify the whole process of creating a game in HTML.

Here’re a few steps that you need to follow:

Choose a Modeling Tool: Select a 3D modeling software that suits your needs and skill level. Popular options include Blender, Autodesk Maya, or 3ds Max. These tools provide a variety of modeling and sculpting features to bring your character to life.
Create the Character’s Base Mesh: Start by sculpting or modeling the basic shape of your character using polygons. Focus on the overall proportions and anatomy, ensuring it aligns with your concept. Refine the model to achieve a balanced and visually appealing design.
Exporting for HTML: Once your character is complete, export it as a compatible file format for your HTML game engine. Popular formats include OBJ, FBX, or GLTF. Consult the documentation of your game engine to determine the best format and import process.
Implementing in Your Game: Integrate your character into your HTML game using JavaScript or a game engine like Three.js or Babylon.js which we mentioned above. Follow the documentation and tutorials specific to your chosen framework to load and animate your character in the game environment.

Some examples of games made in HTML:

“Cut the Rope”

Cut the Rope is a popular physics-based puzzle game where players need to cut ropes in the right order to feed candy to a cute little monster named Om Nom.
Features: Challenging levels, cute graphics, intuitive touch controls, and creative gameplay mechanics.
Platform: Web browsers (HTML5).

“2048”

2048 is a minimalist puzzle game where players slide numbered tiles on a grid to combine them and reach the elusive 2048 tile.
Features: Simple yet addictive gameplay, strategic thinking, and a minimalist design aesthetic.
Platform: Web browsers (HTML5).

“Agar.io”

Agar.io is an online multiplayer game where players control a cell and aim to grow by consuming smaller cells while avoiding being eaten by larger ones.
Features: Competitive multiplayer, smooth controls, strategic gameplay, and a large player base.
Platform: Web browsers (HTML5).

Publishing Your Game

The final touches make a difference.

As you begin your journey in 3D game development, remember that practice and experimentation are very important. Don’t be afraid to be creative and try new ideas. With determination and the right resources, you can create a 3D game that will WOW players around the world.

Pavel Konstantinov, CEO of RetroStyle Games, says: “At game art production agency we are committed to helping aspiring game developers like you bring their ideas to life. Our experienced professionals are here to support you throughout your game development journey with expert guidance and high-quality resources.”

Choose a Hosting Platform

Select a hosting platform that supports HTML files and lets you publish web content.
Popular options include GitHub Pages, Netlify, and itch.io.
Consider the platform’s features, such as custom domain support, scalability, analytics, and community integration.