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AppGameKit vs MonoGame

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MonoGame logo

MonoGame

Software

Create games using C# and MonoGame

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; MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, MonoGame covers C# language support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and MonoGame actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and MonoGame differ
AttributeAppGameKitMonoGame
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox
Founded20042009

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 MonoGame

  • C# language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Physics integration
  • Content pipeline
  • Input handling
  • Sprite system
  • 2D and 3D support

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios 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 MonoGame
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot MonoGame
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot MonoGame
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot MonoGame

MonoGame

  • Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot AppGameKit
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot AppGameKit
  • Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot AppGameKit
  • Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot 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

MonoGame

  • Console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • A code-first framework in C# with no bundled editor or visual scene tooling

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

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

MonoGame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • C# support
    • Cross-platform

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 MonoGame if

  • You need c# language support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
MonoGame review

Questions people ask

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