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AppGameKit vs LÖVE

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Software

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

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; LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, LÖVE covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and LÖVE actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and LÖVE differ
AttributeAppGameKitLÖVE
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20042008

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
  • Physics engine
  • Sound and music
  • Particle effects
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger

Only in LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Both cover

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

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot AppGameKit
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot AppGameKit
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot 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

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

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

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

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 LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or LÖVE better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit starts at Free and LÖVE at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AppGameKit or LÖVE?
AppGameKit starts at Free and LÖVE at Free.
Does AppGameKit or LÖVE run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. LÖVE 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 LÖVE is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that LÖVE cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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