What is a PBBG?

A Persistent Browser-Based Game, or a PBBG, is a type of online game that is played entirely in your web browser and persists your progress over multiple sessions. This means that you should get to continue from where you left off previously each subsequent time you visit the game.

PBBGs allow you to play the game, often without strict time/schedule requirements, over the course of days, weeks, months, and even years without losing any progress.

What makes a game "persistent"?

The key characteristic of persistence in PBBGs is that any progress you're making (and achievements, etc) are all carried forward between sessions. This is in stark contrast to other types of browser games such as puzzles and arcade games where your progress is lost once you leave the game.

It is not strictly necessary that a PBBG allows you to retain your session across different devices and, as such, a small number of single-player PBBGs may track your progress for you current browser only.

Examples of persistent features can range from things like character development (e.g. building stats), accumulating resources (e.g. lumber, gold), or even building an entire virtual world or community.

What devices does it cover?

As long as the game is played through a browser, it doesn't matter what device that browser is running on. The main targets will be Chrome, Firefox, and/or Safari on desktop, tablet, and/or mobile, but there's no reason a PBBG can't also be accessible on your Nintendo Wii's or Xbox 360's web browsers if the game's interface is simple enough.

Examples and types of PBBGs

Given the large scope of what a PBBG can be, they encompass a broad range of genres and play styles covering anything from fantasy RPGs and sci-fi adventures all the way to strategy games, city builders, and motor racing simulators.

Below are some well known examples of PBBGs.

Torn

Torn, originally known as Torn City, is a text-based crime-themed RPG.

It focuses on long-term character building and P2P combat and friction. The ultimate goal of the game is to place as highly on the leaderboards in various categories as you can.

Tribal Wars

Tribal Wars is a strategy game where players get to build and expand upon their empires.

Melvor Idle

Melvor Idle is an idle RPG that features continuing progression for players even when they're not actively in the game.

How do I make a PBBG?

If this has sparked your curiosity, you should check out our article on getting started with PBBG development which includes a list of open-source PBBG projects that you can explore.

First published March 31, 2025

Tags: PBBG