HTML5 Gaming: From Graveyard to Gold Rush
Is HTML5 gaming finally having its moment? After multiple false starts, Playgama CEO Dmitry Kachmar explains why 2025 is different—and why major platforms from Discord to Telegram are racing to add web games.
In this eye-opening conversation, we explore:
Why GPU advances and 5G are game-changers for browser gaming
How HTML5 games are escaping the "app store tax"
The platform gold rush (Discord, Telegram, X, and more)
Why retention strategies must completely change for web games
The $3M bet on HTML5 gaming's future
Key Insights for Game Developers:
Platform-specific design strategies
Monetization without app store restrictions
The viral mechanics imperative
Distribution as a service model
🎮 About Our Guest:
Dmitry Kachmar is CEO of Playgama, a platform helping HTML5 games distribute everywhere. Former executive at Yandex with multiple exits, Harvard grad, and adtech veteran.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Why HTML5 gaming's past failures don't predict its future
00:19 - The technology convergence: 5G, GPUs, and browser evolution
02:03 - Platform explosion: "Any surface with a browser"
04:39 - Wrapping HTML5 for app stores in hours
07:17 - Epic vs Apple: The payment revolution
11:35 - Why investors bet $3M on HTML5 gaming
14:22 - Native vs HTML5: The remaining gaps
17:09 - User acquisition without app stores
20:29 - The hardest challenge: Retention without home screen presence
22:34 - Platform audiences: Telegram vs Discord vs Web portals
27:23 - Why HTML5 games MUST be social
30:00 - Playgama's distribution solution
37:40 - 5-year prediction: 50%+ of games will be HTML5
40:25 - From classifieds disruption to gaming disruption
44:24 - Revenue model and pricing
47:46 - Final thoughts: "Just play games and build games"
🔗 Resources:
Playgama produce info:playgama.com/developers
Playgama Discord: / discord
Dmitry Kachmar: linkedin.com/in/dmitry-kachmar-84392725/
#GameDevelopment #HTML5Gaming #MobileGaming #GameIndustry #IndieGameDev #GameDesign #WebGaming #Playgama #GameDistribution #GamingBusiness