Game Development · head to head
Defold vs jMonkeyEngine
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; jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor
- They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Defold and jMonkeyEngine actually diverge.
| Attribute | Defold | jMonkeyEngine |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android |
| Founded | 2005 | 2003 |
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 Defold
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
- Sprite system
- Sound management
- Collection editor
- Mobile optimization
- Lightweight
- Visual Studio Code
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.
Defold
- Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot jMonkeyEngine
- Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
- Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
jMonkeyEngine
- Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Defold
- Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Defold
- Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot 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
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
Defold
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor
- Lua scripting
- Physics engine
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
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 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).
Questions people ask
- Is Defold or jMonkeyEngine better?
- Neither clearly leads. Defold 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, Defold or jMonkeyEngine?
- Defold starts at Free and jMonkeyEngine at Free.
- Does Defold or jMonkeyEngine run on more platforms?
- Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android.
- 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 jMonkeyEngine is typically brought in for.
- What can Defold do that jMonkeyEngine cannot?
- Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.