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Game Development · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs LÖVE

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Game Development

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

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.; LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, LÖVE covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and LÖVE differ
AttributeCocos2d-xLÖVE
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20102008

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 Cocos2d-x

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

Only in LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support

Both cover

  • 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 LÖVE
  • 2D gamesnot LÖVE
  • Lightweight gamesnot LÖVE
  • Cross-platform gamesnot LÖVE

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot Cocos2d-x
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot Cocos2d-x
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot 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.

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

Pricing, plan by plan

Cocos2d-x

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

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

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 LÖVE if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
LÖVE review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or LÖVE better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x starts at Free and LÖVE at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cocos2d-x or LÖVE?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and LÖVE at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or LÖVE run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. LÖVE 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 LÖVE is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that LÖVE cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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