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Game Development · head to head

AppGameKit vs Raylib

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Game Development

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Raylib logo

Raylib

Game Development

A simple and easy-to-use library 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; Raylib free and open source with no commercial tier, per the vendor site features section
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Raylib covers Graphics rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and Raylib actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and Raylib differ
AttributeAppGameKitRaylib
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web
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
  • Particle effects
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger

Only in Raylib

  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio system
  • Input handling
  • Shapes drawing
  • Sprite management
  • Collision detection
  • Font rendering
  • Text input

Both cover

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

Raylib

  • Simple 2D gamesnot AppGameKit
  • Game prototypingnot AppGameKit
  • Educational gamesnot AppGameKit
  • Learning game developmentnot 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

Raylib

  • Free and open source with no commercial tier, per the vendor site features section

Pricing, plan by plan

AppGameKit

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

Raylib

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • C/C++ support
    • Graphics rendering

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 Raylib if

  • You need graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web.
  • You also want audio system.
Raylib review

Questions people ask

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