Granted, it's a terrible abuse of a CSS, but it's also a perfect example of how I'm supposed to be wowed by a buggy HTML5 demo my PC could render better in every way 15 years ago.
And no one has answered my question yet. What benefit does HTML5 bring me as a gamer? Why are HTML5 games better than native games in my steam library, especially considering DSL is my only option for Internet here?
* The ability to play the game without installing anything
* The ability to play the game on other peoples computers
* Cross-platform accessibility (Windows, OSX, Linux? Doesn't matter.)
Obviously you haven't played any HTML5 games. They all make you wait to download game data. And if the Internet gods have been good to you, it won't be cleared from your localstorage next time you start it up. Steam is far better.
* The ability to play the game on other peoples computers
So can Steam.
* Cross-platform accessibility (Windows, OSX, Linux? Doesn't matter.)
10-20% of the games on Steam have Linux ports, and most of the others run fine under Wine.
So 2/3 are better on Steam and the 3rd is primarily a benefit for the developer.
I don't see HTML5 being used for creating cutting edge games. I do see it being used to create smaller, less graphically intense games that easily hook users.
more people making games and more people playing them. i don't think anyone thinks the browser is the end all be all platform to deliver a game. just like some games run on OS X and some don't, and some games are on Steam and some are not. some games will be in the browser and some won't.
i hear you on the technical concerns. lots of problems. but the vendors recognize this and have a vested interested in fixing it.
ps - how can we start an hn sc2 group
They are, but I very much doubt these guys are using the DOM or CSS. And if they're using asm.js then they're using a very different JavaScript, too.