JavaScript-based games

With the development of Document Object Model Level 2 technologies in the late 1990s, it became possible to produce games that would run within a browser without the need of third-party plugins. These games were written using a combination of CSS, JavaScript and the Document Object Model, collectively termed as dynamic HTML (DHTML). Normally used for drop down menus and simple image rollovers, DHTML can be used to produce the animation effects required for sprite-based action games. Ajax programming techniques can also be used to further advance these types of games.
[edit] Plugin-based games
Plugin-based browser games require a form of web browser plugin to function. Some of these may include Java, Shockwave, Flash Player, Silverlight and Unity. Most modern browsers provide a method of installing such plugins if they are not installed.
[edit] Server-side games
A growing number of games are being created using server-side scripting, in a language such as PHP, ASP, Ruby, Perl, Python and Java. Games such as this typically only send the user's browser HTML code for interpretation. Some include Ajax to allow the user to see immediate responses to their online actions and make the games more visually appealing.
[edit] See also
List of browser games
List of multiplayer browser games
Multiplayer game
Massively multiplayer online game (MMOG)
Online game
Online skill-based game
Online word game