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Defold vs AppGameKit

Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Software

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and AppGameKit actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and AppGameKit differ
AttributeDefoldAppGameKit
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos
Founded20052004

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Bob build system
  • Code encryption

Only in AppGameKit

  • BASIC-like scripting
  • Visual sprite editor
  • Sound and music
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger
  • Code compilation
  • Tv deployment

Both cover

  • Physics engine
  • Particle effects
  • Visual Studio Code
  • 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.

Defold

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

AppGameKit

  • 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot Defold
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Defold
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Defold
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot Defold

Where each one falls short

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

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

AppGameKit

  • Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
  • The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
  • appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site

Pricing, plan by plan

Defold

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

AppGameKit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Multi-platform export
    • Built-in IDE

Which should you pick?

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 sprite system.
Defold review

Choose AppGameKit if

  • You need basic-like scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
  • You also want visual sprite editor.
AppGameKit review

Questions people ask

Is Defold or AppGameKit better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold starts at Free and AppGameKit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Defold or AppGameKit?
Defold starts at Free and AppGameKit at Free.
Does Defold or AppGameKit run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
Can I use Defold for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what AppGameKit is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that AppGameKit cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Sprite system, Sound management, Collection editor. AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Sound and music, Tile support. Both handle Physics engine, Particle effects, Visual Studio Code, GitHub.
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