Game Development · head to head
Defold vs DragonBones
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; DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
- They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, DragonBones covers Skeletal animation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Defold and DragonBones actually diverge.
| Attribute | Defold | DragonBones |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | open-source |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator |
| Founded | 2005 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (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 Defold
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
- Sprite system
- Particle effects
- Sound management
- Collection editor
- Mobile optimization
- Lightweight
Only in DragonBones
- Skeletal animation
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Animation blending
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
Both cover
- Local deployment
- Windows support
- Macos 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 DragonBones
- Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot DragonBones
- Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot DragonBones
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Defold
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Defold
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot 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
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
Pricing, plan by plan
Defold
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
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 physics engine.
Choose DragonBones if
- You need skeletal animation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want mesh deformation.
Questions people ask
- Is Defold or DragonBones better?
- Neither clearly leads. Defold starts at Free and DragonBones at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Defold or DragonBones?
- Defold starts at Free and DragonBones at Free.
- Does Defold or DragonBones run on more platforms?
- Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- 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 DragonBones is typically brought in for.
- What can Defold do that DragonBones cannot?
- Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.