If you're already got some experience with Java, then applets may be the way to go.
Despite what people say, Java plugin penetration is still very high and games like Runescape show what you can do. The ability to run cross-platform OpenGL in the browser is a huge advantage.
The problem is Java Applets are limited to 64MB of memory unless you have the user go through a horribly unusable process to change that. This include Xith3d, jMonkeyEngine, etc.
The best 3d web engine is Unity3D. Best game engine tool is Flash, even for some small 3D.
You can always have a downloadable client but if you want good web based browser games Unity3D and Flash (AS3 since it is on AVM2 and much faster) are the only way to go.
If you want a pretty sweet Python 3D engine check out Panda 3D.
By the way I am not discounting Java as a viable platform. It works in many cases, Runescape proves that being the #2 North American MMO. But it doesn't do that with graphical quality. It does it with gameplay and the progression etc. As of right now the best looking platforms and easiest to develop for are Unity3D and Flash for the web, if we are talking developing games for the browser.
EDIT: btw those numbers are old, these are newer: http://kaioa.com/node/40 But still 1.6 is about 70% penetration.
Unfortunately, as a closed-source propriety platform that doesn't have any support (nor plans any support) for Linux, I had to discount Unity3D almost immediately.
Flash loses out largely for the lack of good accelerated 3D. I've played with papervision but it's just too slow for a anything decent, that I can guarantee will run on even moderately equipped machines.
While I am with you on open source. Unity uses lots of it to build on such as mono.net (C#, boo, javascript), OGG formats, some collada support and FBX support (autodesk), opengl (also directx), Cg formats for HLSL and GLSL shaders etc. I am betting you haven't tried it, if you do I am sure your opinion will change the pipeline and ability to create quality stuff with it is almost immediate. There is not just another product like it currently in terms of pipeline improvements, apis, ide, size of plugin, shader support etc for the web.
Yeh I actively promote Unity3D after working with it and many other engines like Director, Virttools, jMonkeyEngine etc. I also run a blog called drawlogic where I have mentioned your company flashbang. I work over at Handcranked game at CME working on Flash and Unity. I have been making games for a long time and Unity3D is a great thing when it comes to their pipeline. Keep up the good work.
Comments
If you're already got some experience with Java, then applets may be the way to go.
Despite what people say, Java plugin penetration is still very high and games like Runescape show what you can do. The ability to run cross-platform OpenGL in the browser is a huge advantage.
The problem is Java Applets are limited to 64MB of memory unless you have the user go through a horribly unusable process to change that. This include Xith3d, jMonkeyEngine, etc.
The best 3d web engine is Unity3D. Best game engine tool is Flash, even for some small 3D.
You can always have a downloadable client but if you want good web based browser games Unity3D and Flash (AS3 since it is on AVM2 and much faster) are the only way to go.
If you want a pretty sweet Python 3D engine check out Panda 3D.
With the new Java plugin (6u10), applets can request their own memory limits way beyond that.
Yes but 1.6 is not very penetrated. Currently Flash has the best, Unity for gaming sites is getting there. Everyone has java but not the latest.
http://www.realchat.com/blog/java-vs-flash/
By the way I am not discounting Java as a viable platform. It works in many cases, Runescape proves that being the #2 North American MMO. But it doesn't do that with graphical quality. It does it with gameplay and the progression etc. As of right now the best looking platforms and easiest to develop for are Unity3D and Flash for the web, if we are talking developing games for the browser.
EDIT: btw those numbers are old, these are newer: http://kaioa.com/node/40 But still 1.6 is about 70% penetration.
Unfortunately, as a closed-source propriety platform that doesn't have any support (nor plans any support) for Linux, I had to discount Unity3D almost immediately.
Flash loses out largely for the lack of good accelerated 3D. I've played with papervision but it's just too slow for a anything decent, that I can guarantee will run on even moderately equipped machines.
While I am with you on open source. Unity uses lots of it to build on such as mono.net (C#, boo, javascript), OGG formats, some collada support and FBX support (autodesk), opengl (also directx), Cg formats for HLSL and GLSL shaders etc. I am betting you haven't tried it, if you do I am sure your opinion will change the pipeline and ability to create quality stuff with it is almost immediate. There is not just another product like it currently in terms of pipeline improvements, apis, ide, size of plugin, shader support etc for the web.
We have a bunch of Unity-made made games at Blurst.com -- we've been really happy with the engine.
Yeh I actively promote Unity3D after working with it and many other engines like Director, Virttools, jMonkeyEngine etc. I also run a blog called drawlogic where I have mentioned your company flashbang. I work over at Handcranked game at CME working on Flash and Unity. I have been making games for a long time and Unity3D is a great thing when it comes to their pipeline. Keep up the good work.
And you can check out http://lwjgl.org/ too.