This content element requires the Adobe Flash Player version 9 or above and a browser with Javascript enabled.

You can use the button below to download the Adobe Flash Player for free.

Get Adobe Flash Player

Glossary navigation

Browser Games

What are browser games?

Browser games are online games which can be played in a Web browser without having to download any content. These types of games are divided into two types: client-side and server-side browser games. The number of browser games is huge and growing continually. Browser games are also used in other Internet applications. For example, 3D worlds usually offer imbedded browser games to provide users with a wider range of virtual actions.   

Client-side browser games

With client-side browser games, special plug-ins are required for the game to display in the browser.  The most common plug-ins are Flash, Java and Shockwave. Once the game has been started, it is also possible to play in the browser window without an Internet connection.

Server-side browser games

With server-side browser games, you do not need extra plug-ins but you do need to be connected to the Internet. Because you need a constant Internet connection, the number of players is unlimited. Therefore, it is possible to create a variety of virtual worlds where users can have many different virtual selves. This diversity has led to a large online gaming community that continues to integrate new technology thus keeping browser games thriving.