Hacker News Reader

Rocket Engine doesn't use Canvas. I know the guys behind it and and I think their insight that canvas isn't needed for this was really the cool part of the engine.

http://rocketpack.fi/engine/

Yes it seems like they will be:

Hardware accelerated 3D

Coming with WebGL support

source: http://rocketpack.fi/engine/

IE9 doesn't support WebGL, but it does support 2D canvas (and it's accelerated, unlike e.g. Chrome, which only accelerates WebGL). 2D canvas is going to be around for a while.

Plus, WebGL is not easy to use. The 2D canvas is simple to get started with, and developer ergonomics is an important part of the uptake of any technology.

I disagree, a lot of popular casual games work best in 2D (angry birds / flight control).

You can use WebGL in "2D". You can have 3D on canvas too.