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Armory3D vs Defold

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Software

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch; Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and Defold differ
AttributeArmory3DDefold
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20162005

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 Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Haxe scripting
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system
  • Blender

Only in Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Visual Studio Code

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Local deployment
  • Web 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.

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot Defold
  • Blender-based gamesnot Defold
  • Web gamesnot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Armory3D
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Armory3D
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Armory3D

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Armory3D

  • Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

Which should you pick?

Choose Armory3D if

  • You need blender integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
  • You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Armory3D review

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is Armory3D or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Armory3D or Defold?
Armory3D starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does Armory3D or Defold run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Armory3D for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Armory3D best used for?
Armory3D is most often used for 3d game development, blender-based games, web games. Of those, 3d game development and blender-based games are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that Defold cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Web deployment, Mobile deployment.
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