Game Development · head to head
Armory3D vs jMonkeyEngine
Armory3D
Game Development
Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
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; jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
- They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, jMonkeyEngine covers Scene editor.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Armory3D and jMonkeyEngine actually diverge.
| Attribute | Armory3D | jMonkeyEngine |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android |
| Founded | 2016 | 2003 |
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 Armory3D
- Blender integration
- Haxe scripting
- Blender
- Haxe
- Git
- Web deployment
- Html5 support
Only in jMonkeyEngine
- Scene editor
- Lighting and shadows
- Java
- Bullet Physics
- Maven
- Java language support
Both cover
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Particle effects
- Skeletal animation
- Material system
- Open-source
- 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.
Armory3D
- 3D game developmentnot jMonkeyEngine
- Blender-based gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
- Web gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
jMonkeyEngine
- Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Armory3D
- Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Armory3D
- Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot 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
jMonkeyEngine
- jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
- The optional jMonkeyEngine SDK is a NetBeans-based tool maintained separately from the engine, so it lags the engine release cycle
- Projects must be written in Java and wired up through Gradle, Maven or a hand-rolled build
- Choosing the DIY route means providing your own build, source layout, editor, runtime packaging and workflow
- Support runs through community Discussions and Discord rather than a vendor channel
Pricing, plan by plan
Armory3D
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
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 haxe scripting.
Choose jMonkeyEngine if
- You need scene editor.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
- You also want lighting and shadows.
Questions people ask
- Is Armory3D or jMonkeyEngine better?
- Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Armory3D or jMonkeyEngine?
- Armory3D starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free.
- Does Armory3D or jMonkeyEngine run on more platforms?
- Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
- 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 jMonkeyEngine is typically brought in for.
- What can Armory3D do that jMonkeyEngine cannot?
- Armory3D covers Blender integration, Haxe scripting, Blender, Haxe. jMonkeyEngine covers Scene editor, Lighting and shadows, Java, Bullet Physics. Both handle 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Particle effects.