Softwr

Game Development · head to head

Defold vs Twitch

Defold logo

Defold

Game Development

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Twitch logo

Twitch

Gaming

Where gaming lives

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; Twitch twitch's own App Store description discloses that the app includes Nielsen's proprietary measurement software contributing to third-party market research (Nielsen TV Ratings), with an opt-out only available via a separate Nielsen privacy policy page.
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, Twitch covers Live streaming.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and Twitch actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and Twitch differ
AttributeDefoldTwitch
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWeb, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch
CategoryGame DevelopmentGaming
Founded20052011

Identical on both: starting price (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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

Only in Twitch

  • Live streaming
  • Chat interaction
  • Video on demand
  • Clips and highlights
  • Channel subscriptions
  • Donations and bits
  • Extensions
  • Mobile streaming

Both cover

  • Ios 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 Twitch
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot Twitch
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot Twitch

Twitch

  • Gaming live streamsnot Defold
  • Content creationnot Defold
  • Community buildingnot Defold
  • Esports viewingnot Defold
  • Creative streamingnot 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

Twitch

  • Twitch's own App Store description discloses that the app includes Nielsen's proprietary measurement software contributing to third-party market research (Nielsen TV Ratings), with an opt-out only available via a separate Nielsen privacy policy page.

Pricing, plan by plan

Defold

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

Twitch

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Watch live streams
    • Chat participation
    • Follow streamers
  • Turbo$8.99/month
    • Ad-free viewing
    • Expanded emoticon set
    • Priority support

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.
Defold review

Choose Twitch if

  • You need live streaming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch.
  • You also want chat interaction.
Twitch review

Questions people ask

Is Defold or Twitch better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold starts at Free and Twitch at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Defold or Twitch?
Defold starts at Free and Twitch at Free.
Does Defold or Twitch run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Twitch runs on Web, Ios, Android, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo-switch.
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 Twitch is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that Twitch cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. Twitch covers Live streaming, Chat interaction, Video on demand, Clips and highlights. Both handle Ios support.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on Defold

More on Twitch

Keep looking

Other head to heads