To run a .gw file, you need the GameWare runtime — which is a lightweight environment designed to load and execute the packaged HTML5 game.
So yes, in practice it works similarly to a browser-based runtime, but with a more controlled and consistent environment focused specifically on running the game as packaged.
Compatibility and distribution are exactly the areas I’m exploring. The idea is not to replace existing HTML5 workflows, but to provide an additional, more structured option for packaging and running games, especially for offline use or a more “console-like” launch experience.
You’re also right that browser differences and long-term compatibility are real challenges — that’s definitely something to consider when building this kind of system.
Thanks for your detailed thoughts and feedback, I really appreciate it.