Finnish game developer Fingersoft announced Monday that it has launched a browser version of its well-known physics-based racing franchise on the gaming platform Poki, making the title playable instantly without downloads.
The company said the game is now accessible on any device with an internet connection, opening it up to Poki’s audience of more than 100 million monthly players worldwide.
A Mobile Franchise With Billions of Installs
First released on mobile in 2012, the Hill Climb Racing series has grown into one of the most recognizable physics racing franchises in the industry. Fingersoft said the series has now surpassed 2.5 billion installs across platforms.
The Oulu-based developer also reported that the franchise has generated more than €220 million in revenue across iOS, Android, and Amazon.
Players can now access the browser version, titled Hill Climb Racing Lite, directly through Poki.
New Features Designed for Browser Play
Fingersoft said the browser version includes the classic infinite driving mode, along with a new World Tour mode. Unlike the endless format, World Tour introduces more structured progression, finish lines, and a set selection of vehicles.
The release also introduces Cartapult, a system designed to help action-focused players resume from crash points without restarting entirely.
“We wanted to bring the Hill Climb Racing experience to Poki.com, where generations of players, from longtime fans to newcomers, can enjoy timeless games in their browser,” said Daniel Rantala.
Poki Partnership and Mobile-to-Web Strategy
Poki has been expanding its library by bringing more recognizable mobile hits to browser audiences. The company previously secured browser versions of other titles, including an exclusive partnership with Subway Surfers.
Joep van Duinen, Head of Game Developer Partnerships at Poki, said the new launch reflects the platform’s wider strategy of offering easy access to popular games.
“Hill Climb Racing is a mobile gaming institution, and we’re proud to bring it to the web on Poki,” van Duinen said. “Its lightweight, web-optimized version is a perfect example of our promise to deliver easy, instant access to great games for Poki’s 100M monthly players around the world.”
Why Browser Gaming Keeps Growing
Browser gaming has expanded significantly in recent years due to improved cross-platform compatibility and advances in web technology. With modern HTML5 and WebGL tools, developers can now deliver browser experiences that feel closer to native apps, without requiring downloads or installations.
At the same time, the industry has also been shaped by innovation in related areas such as advances in game AI, which continues to influence how games are designed and how players experience single-player and casual titles.
Developers like Pelican Party Studios have shown that web-first gaming can be viable through titles such as Narrow One and Stack City. Meanwhile, established mobile studios have increasingly explored browser versions as a complementary distribution channel.
Easier Access for Players
Browser-based games eliminate many of the friction points still common in mobile gaming, including storage limits, lengthy downloads, frequent update requirements, and device-specific compatibility issues. Instead of committing space on a phone or waiting for installs to complete, players can jump straight into a game within seconds.
For players, the appeal is simple: instant access. A browser version also makes it easier to switch between devices, whether someone is playing on a laptop at home, a tablet on the go, or even a shared computer where downloading apps is not an option.
For developers, browser platforms provide a way to reach new audiences beyond app stores while still maintaining their existing mobile operations. It also allows well-established titles to remain discoverable for new generations of players who may prefer quick web-based sessions over traditional app downloads.
Fingersoft’s latest release reflects the wider shift toward multi-platform availability, where browser gaming is increasingly seen as a meaningful part of the overall ecosystem rather than a niche alternative. As more major mobile franchises experiment with browser distribution, players can expect more familiar titles to become accessible through lightweight web versions in the coming years.
This article was written in cooperation with Fingersoft and Poki