There are a few ways to write browser games (or applications in Delphi).

1. IntraWeb
2. CGI
3. DWS II

1. IntraWeb

Intraweb is a powerful RAD environemtn for creating web applications in Delphi. (Currently I am busy with a largish application at work using IntraWeb).

Intraweb applications are created just like normal Delphi Applications using a form designer and object pascal. These programs can be created as Stand Alone web servers, ISAPI or Apache DLLs. Also avaialbale in Kylix for Apache if done on windows would require a windows application server (with IIS if created as an ISAPI dll).

2. CGI

CGI programs are called out of web pages. Making a CGI application isn't all that difficult but once again would require a Windows Server. CGI applications do not have state and therefore require additional work to maintain the user state in the game.

CGI programs have the benefit that they are easier to maintain as they are removed from computer memeory when complete (an ISAPI dll remains in memory).

3. Delphi Web Script II

DWS is an ISAPI dll that is installed on a Windows IIS web server. The DWS dll interprets delphi commands allowing web programs to be written in Delphi the same way that an ASP program is written.




The biggest problem with all the options listed above is that they require full access to your web server. Most hosts will not allow you to install your own ISAPI dlls.