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AppGameKit vs Gamesparks

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Gamesparks logo

Gamesparks

Software

Backend as a service for game development

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; Gamesparks aWS states "Starting October 1, 2022, access to the GameSparks console will no longer be available" and that all existing games and data needed to be migrated off the platform before that date
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Gamesparks covers Real-time features.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and Gamesparks actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and Gamesparks differ
AttributeAppGameKitGamesparks
Pricing modelfreeusage-based
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosCross-platform
Founded20042006

Identical on both: starting price (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
  • Physics engine
  • Sound and music
  • Particle effects
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger

Only in Gamesparks

  • Real-time features
  • Multiplayer support
  • User authentication
  • Data storage
  • Matchmaking
  • WebSocket support
  • Cloud integration
  • Analytics

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 Gamesparks
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Gamesparks
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Gamesparks
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot Gamesparks

Gamesparks

  • Multiplayer gamesnot AppGameKit
  • Real-time gamesnot AppGameKit
  • Cloud gamingnot AppGameKit
  • Game analyticsnot 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

Gamesparks

  • AWS states "Starting October 1, 2022, access to the GameSparks console will no longer be available" and that all existing games and data needed to be migrated off the platform before that date

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

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

Gamesparks

Free
  • Free TierFree
    • 1M API requests
    • 1M CloudWatch logs
    • Free for first year
  • Pay-as-you-go$0.01/request
    • Unlimited API requests
    • Real-time multiplayer
    • CloudWatch integration

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 Gamesparks if

  • You need real-time features.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Cross-platform.
  • You also want multiplayer support.
Gamesparks review

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or Gamesparks better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit starts at Free and Gamesparks at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AppGameKit or Gamesparks?
AppGameKit starts at Free and Gamesparks at Free.
Does AppGameKit or Gamesparks run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. Gamesparks runs on Cross-platform.
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 Gamesparks is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that Gamesparks cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. Gamesparks covers Real-time features, Multiplayer support, User authentication, Data storage.
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