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Cocos2d-x vs Defold

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Software

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

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: Cocos2d-x cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.; 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: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and Defold differ
AttributeCocos2d-xDefold
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20102005

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 Cocos2d-x

  • 2D rendering
  • Physics engine (Chipmunk)
  • Animation system
  • Audio engine
  • Touch input handling
  • Tilemap support
  • Sprite batching
  • Visual Studio

Only in Defold

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

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support
  • Android support

What people use each for

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Mobile game developmentnot Defold
  • 2D gamesnot Defold
  • Lightweight gamesnot Defold
  • Cross-platform gamesnot Defold

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot Cocos2d-x
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Cocos2d-x
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Cocos2d-x

Where each one falls short

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.

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

Cocos2d-x

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine source
    • MIT License
    • Community support

Defold

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Cocos2d-x if

  • You need 2d rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Cocos2d-x 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 Cocos2d-x or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x 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, Cocos2d-x or Defold?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or Defold run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use Cocos2d-x for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Cocos2d-x best used for?
Cocos2d-x is most often used for mobile game development, 2d games, lightweight games, cross-platform games. Of those, mobile game development and 2d games are not what Defold is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that Defold cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Animation system, Audio engine. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. Both handle Particle effects, GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment.
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