Most Popular Engines for HTML5 Games

The HTML5 games market continued to expand at a rapid pace in the first half of 2025. According to data published by Playgama, more than 15,000 new HTML5 games were released between January and June. This figure represents a 2.7-fold increase compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting a significant acceleration in the production of browser-compatible games. The accessibility of HTML5 technology, which allows titles to be played across devices without requiring additional installations, has contributed to this surge in output.

Unity Maintains Market Leadership

Unity has reinforced its position as the leading engine for HTML5 game development. In the first half of 2025, 55 percent of all newly released HTML5 games were developed using Unity, making it the dominant engine by a considerable margin. The platform’s popularity is largely attributed to its versatility, extensive toolset, and support for cross-platform development. These qualities have enabled developers to create games that are adaptable across both desktop and mobile devices, while also maintaining performance and quality.

Most Popular Engines for HTML5 Games

Construct Secures Second Position

Construct remained the second most widely used engine for HTML5 games, accounting for 16.4 percent of the market. Although it trails significantly behind Unity, Construct has carved out a distinct role within the development landscape. The engine is favored by developers seeking a simplified workflow and a user-friendly interface, which reduces the technical barriers often associated with game creation. This has made Construct particularly popular among smaller studios and independent developers focusing on fast development cycles.

Emerging Engines Gain Market Share

While Unity and Construct occupy the top two positions, a group of emerging engines is steadily gaining visibility and expanding its share of the market. Together, these engines account for 25.3 percent of HTML5 game releases in the first half of 2025. Within this segment, Cocos, Phaser, and LayaAir stand out as the most prominent competitors. Cocos reached an 8.1 percent market share, recording a 47 percent year-over-year increase.

The engine has grown in popularity due to its open-source framework and flexibility, making it appealing to developers who value customization and control. Phaser followed with a 7.1 percent share, achieving a 68 percent increase compared to the first half of 2024. Its growth is particularly noteworthy as it reflects rising interest in lightweight and efficient frameworks for 2D game development. LayaAir accounted for 5.2 percent of the market, posting a 12 percent year-over-year increase, indicating steady but more moderate growth compared to its peers.

Most Popular Engines for HTML5 Games

Outlook for HTML5 Game Engines

The findings from Playgama illustrate a market that is both expanding and diversifying. While Unity continues to lead by a wide margin, the consistent growth of other engines demonstrates that developers are exploring a broader range of tools to suit specific project needs. Engines such as Cocos and Phaser are gaining momentum due to their specialized features, while Construct remains a reliable option for quick and accessible development.

The rise in HTML5 game production reflects broader trends in the gaming industry, where demand for accessible, cross-platform experiences is driving innovation. As the ecosystem continues to evolve, competition among engines is expected to intensify, with Unity likely to maintain leadership but with challengers gradually strengthening their influence.

This trend suggests that the HTML5 game development landscape in 2025 will remain dynamic, with established engines consolidating their positions while new and growing platforms continue to attract developers seeking alternatives to dominant market leaders.