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AppGameKit vs Defold

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target; Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and Defold differ
AttributeAppGameKitDefold
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20042005

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in AppGameKit

  • BASIC-like scripting
  • Visual sprite editor
  • Sound and music
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger
  • Code compilation
  • Tv deployment

Only in Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Bob build system
  • Code encryption

Both cover

  • Physics engine
  • Particle effects
  • Visual Studio Code
  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AppGameKit

  • 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot Defold
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Defold
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Defold
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot AppGameKit
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot AppGameKit
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot AppGameKit

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AppGameKit

  • Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
  • The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
  • appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Multi-platform export
    • Built-in IDE

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Which should you pick?

Choose AppGameKit if

  • You need basic-like scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
  • You also want visual sprite editor.
AppGameKit review

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want sprite system.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AppGameKit or Defold?
AppGameKit starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does AppGameKit or Defold run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use AppGameKit for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AppGameKit best used for?
AppGameKit is most often used for 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase, cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android, learning game programming in a basic-derived language, prototyping small games quickly. Of those, 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase and cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that Defold cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Sound and music, Tile support. Defold covers Lua scripting, Sprite system, Sound management, Collection editor. Both handle Physics engine, Particle effects, Visual Studio Code, GitHub.
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