Game Development · head to head
Armory3D vs libGDX
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; libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
- They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, libGDX covers Java language support.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Armory3D and libGDX actually diverge.
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
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Haxe scripting
- Skeletal animation
- Material system
- Blender
Only in libGDX
- Java language support
- Graphics rendering
- Audio engine
- Input handling
- Physics integration (Box2D)
- Animation system
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Java
Both cover
- Particle effects
- Open-source
- Local deployment
- Web deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Armory3D
- 3D game developmentnot libGDX
- Blender-based gamesnot libGDX
- Web gamesnot libGDX
libGDX
- Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot Armory3D
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Armory3D
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot 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
libGDX
- libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
- Publishing targets are limited to Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS and HTML5
- libGDX is a community-maintained Apache 2.0 project with no vendor and no paid support tier
- libGDX ships as a framework rather than an editor, so there is no visual scene editor included
Pricing, plan by plan
Armory3D
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
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.
Choose libGDX if
- You need java language support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want graphics rendering.
Questions people ask
- Is Armory3D or libGDX better?
- Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and libGDX at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Armory3D or libGDX?
- Armory3D starts at Free and libGDX at Free.
- Does Armory3D or libGDX run on more platforms?
- Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. libGDX 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 libGDX is typically brought in for.
- What can Armory3D do that libGDX cannot?
- Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Both handle Particle effects, Open-source, Local deployment, Web deployment.