Electron.js the Best Choice for Converting a Web-Based Game into a Desktop Application?

Questions
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1

I’ve built my game using modern web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React), and I’m looking to convert it into a desktop application.

Would Electron.js be the best choice, or are there better alternatives such as Tauri, NW.js, Neutralino.js, or even a game engine like Godot or Unity?

I’m particularly interested in understanding the trade-offs between these options in terms of:

  • Performance and memory usage
  • Cross-platform support (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
  • Access to native desktop features
  • Packaging and distribution
  • Automatic updates
  • Ease of development and maintenance
  • Suitability for 2D and WebGL-based games

For those who have already converted a web-based game into a desktop application, which framework did you choose, and would you recommend it? Why or why not?

3

Electron is what most folks use.

NW.js is an interesting alternative.. I found it a tiny bit easier to get going and conceptually simpler.. but Electron is pretty standard for desktop apps.

4

Thanks @manthrax, is there a way to edit the window theme to make it look better or is that something that can’t be done?

5

Yup. I think both electron+nw+tauri let you completely theme the window frame, or remove it entirely. It lets you access a lot more stuff than you can with web builds.. like writing to files.. remapping keys.. hiding the browser bars etc.

6

@manthrax Thanks for this. It was really helpful. :slightly_smiling_face: