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Game Development · head to head

Bevy vs libGDX

Bevy logo

Bevy

Game Development

A refreshingly simple data-driven game engine built in Rust

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
libGDX logo

libGDX

Game Development

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Bevy rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use; libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
  • They diverge on capability: Bevy covers Entity Component System, libGDX covers Java language support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bevy and libGDX actually diverge.

Attributes where Bevy and libGDX differ
AttributeBevylibGDX
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, WebglWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20202010

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 Bevy

  • Entity Component System
  • 2D/3D rendering
  • Audio system
  • Asset pipeline
  • Hot reloading
  • Cross-platform
  • Modular architecture
  • Parallel systems

Only in libGDX

  • Java language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Input handling
  • Physics integration (Box2D)
  • Particle effects
  • Animation system
  • 2D and 3D rendering

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Web deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Bevy

  • 2D and 3D game development in Rustnot libGDX
  • Data-driven design using an entity component systemnot libGDX
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS, Linux, web, iOS and Android from one codebasenot libGDX
  • Projects wanting a permissive licence with no royalties or feesnot libGDX

libGDX

  • Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot Bevy
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Bevy
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Bevy

Where each one falls short

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

Bevy

  • Rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use
  • No visual editor of the kind Unity or Godot provide, so scenes and logic are written in code
  • Built around ECS, which is a different mental model from the scene-graph engines most developers come from

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

Bevy

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full engine access
    • ECS architecture
    • Hot reloading

libGDX

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Java support
    • Cross-platform

Which should you pick?

Choose Bevy if

  • You need entity component system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
  • You also want 2d/3d rendering.
Bevy review

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.
libGDX review

Questions people ask

Is Bevy or libGDX better?
Neither clearly leads. Bevy 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, Bevy or libGDX?
Bevy starts at Free and libGDX at Free.
Does Bevy or libGDX run on more platforms?
Bevy runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl. libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Bevy for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Bevy best used for?
Bevy is most often used for 2d and 3d game development in rust, data-driven design using an entity component system, shipping to windows, macos, linux, web, ios and android from one codebase, projects wanting a permissive licence with no royalties or fees. Of those, 2d and 3d game development in rust and data-driven design using an entity component system are not what libGDX is typically brought in for.
What can Bevy do that libGDX cannot?
Bevy covers Entity Component System, 2D/3D rendering, Audio system, Asset pipeline. libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Both handle Local deployment, Web deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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