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Game Development · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs jMonkeyEngine

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Game Development

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
jMonkeyEngine logo

jMonkeyEngine

Game Development

Java-based 3D game engine

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.; jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and jMonkeyEngine differ
AttributeCocos2d-xjMonkeyEngine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Android
CategoryUnknownGame Development
Founded20102003

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 jMonkeyEngine

  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Scene editor
  • Material system
  • Lighting and shadows
  • Skeletal animation
  • Java

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • 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.

Cocos2d-x

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

jMonkeyEngine

  • Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Cocos2d-x
  • Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Cocos2d-x
  • Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot 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.

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

Cocos2d-x

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

jMonkeyEngine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Java support
    • 3D graphics

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 jMonkeyEngine if

  • You need 3d graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (bullet).
jMonkeyEngine review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or jMonkeyEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x 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, Cocos2d-x or jMonkeyEngine?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or jMonkeyEngine run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
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 jMonkeyEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that jMonkeyEngine cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Animation system, Audio engine. jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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