Yes, but I think that's the point isn't it? Of course the game runs on a Linux server because it couldn't possibly run in a web page due to performance reasons.

Yes, but I think that's the point isn't it? Of course the game runs on a Linux server because it couldn't possibly run in a web page due to performance reasons. Hence the complaint about lag. You either get lag from the network roundtrip or lag from the crap performance in a browser (or you choose to degrade the experience, e.g., by reducing graphics fidelity), but one way or another you're experiencing lag (or a compromised experience). Ergo the same game implemented as a native app running locally is going to be better[1]. [1] At least technically. It could of course still be a rubbish game.