HTML5 Gaming is Back—But This Time It's Different" | Playgama CEO Reveals Why

GameMakers

Is HTML5 gaming finally ready for prime time? After multiple failed attempts over the past decade, something fundamental has changed.

In this episode, we sit down with Dmitry Kachmar, CEO of Playgama, who recently raised $3M betting that HTML5 gaming is about to explode. Thanks to GPU advances from the AI boom, 5G networks, and platforms desperate to break free from app store monopolies, browser-based games can now rival native mobile experiences.

We dive deep into why Discord, Telegram, and every platform with a web browser are racing to add games, how developers can leverage this distribution revolution, and what it means for the future of mobile gaming. Dmitry shares candid insights on platform-specific design strategies, the challenges of retention without app store lock-in, and why he believes over 50% of new games will be HTML5-based within five years.

Whether you're a game developer, studio executive, or industry observer, this conversation reveals why the next chapter of gaming might not be in app stores—but everywhere else.

Key topics covered:

• The technology convergence enabling AAA-quality browser games
• How to monetize without the 30% app store tax
• Platform-specific strategies for Discord vs Telegram vs web portals
• Why viral mechanics are no longer optional
• The distribution-as-a-service model reshaping game publishing

About the guest: Dmitry Kachmar is CEO of Playgama, former Yandex executive with multiple exits, Harvard grad, and adtech veteran now focused on democratizing game distribution.