Softwr

Game Development · head to head

AppGameKit vs Phaser

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Game Development

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Phaser logo

Phaser

Game Development

Fast, free, and fun open source framework for Canvas and WebGL

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; Phaser the Phaser framework is open source but Phaser Editor is a commercial product at $12 per month
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and Phaser actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and Phaser differ
AttributeAppGameKitPhaser
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWeb, Ios, Android
Founded20042013

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

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
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger
  • Visual Studio Code

Only in Phaser

  • Canvas and WebGL rendering
  • Physics engine (Arcade)
  • Input handling
  • Animation system
  • Audio support
  • Tilemaps
  • Event system
  • JavaScript frameworks

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Mobile deployment
  • 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 Phaser
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Phaser
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Phaser
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot Phaser

Phaser

  • Building 2D HTML5 games that run in the browsernot AppGameKit
  • Rapid browser game prototyping with a code editor, tilemap and atlas toolsnot AppGameKit
  • Publishing web games with one click hostingnot 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

Phaser

  • The Phaser framework is open source but Phaser Editor is a commercial product at $12 per month
  • Phaser Editor stops working when the licence expires
  • No free trial of Phaser Editor is offered
  • AI tools in the free Phaser suite require purchasing credits
  • SSO through Google Workspace, private support and Editor source code availability are Enterprise only, which is custom priced and requires contacting sales
  • No educational discounts are offered
  • Subscription cancellations are not refunded pro rata

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

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

Phaser

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full source code
    • Community support
    • Game examples

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 Phaser if

  • You need canvas and webgl rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (arcade).
Phaser review

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or Phaser better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit starts at Free and Phaser at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AppGameKit or Phaser?
AppGameKit starts at Free and Phaser at Free.
Does AppGameKit or Phaser run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. Phaser runs on Web, Ios, Android.
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 Phaser is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that Phaser cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. Phaser covers Canvas and WebGL rendering, Physics engine (Arcade), Input handling, Animation system. Both handle Particle effects, Mobile deployment, Ios support, Android support.
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