> Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution Agreed, however platforms that restrict app distribution also heavily rest

> Mostly independence from the whims of platform owners who control the distribution Agreed, however platforms that restrict app distribution also heavily restrict what you can run via the browser (see Ios). So the benefit is minimal. > a space to try out quirky new ideas This has nothing to do with web. Look at steam's catalog. Plenty of whacky quirky stuff is available. > no lengthy download or installation process for instance Why do you think AAA games will not need downloading assets and logic? > This is much more important for indie devs than AAA devs though I agree, but this is a solved problem with Steam. No need to develop your own over the web.