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Game Development · head to head

DragonBones vs libGDX

D

DragonBones

Game Development

Free 2D skeletal animation solution

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
libGDX logo

libGDX

Game Development

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
  • They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, libGDX covers Java language support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DragonBones and libGDX actually diverge.

Attributes where DragonBones and libGDX differ
AttributeDragonBoneslibGDX
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsEgret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos CreatorWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web
Founded20142010

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 DragonBones

  • Skeletal animation
  • Mesh deformation
  • IK system
  • Texture atlas
  • Animation blending
  • Bone constraints
  • FFD
  • Multi-resolution

Only in libGDX

  • Java language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Input handling
  • Physics integration (Box2D)
  • Particle effects
  • Animation system
  • 2D and 3D rendering

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

DragonBones

  • 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot libGDX
  • Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot libGDX
  • Animation creation with LoongBones editornot libGDX

libGDX

  • Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot DragonBones
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not DragonBones
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot DragonBones

Where each one falls short

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

DragonBones

  • JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)

libGDX

  • libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
  • Publishing targets are limited to Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS and HTML5
  • libGDX is a community-maintained Apache 2.0 project with no vendor and no paid support tier
  • libGDX ships as a framework rather than an editor, so there is no visual scene editor included

Pricing, plan by plan

DragonBones

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.

libGDX

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Java support
    • Cross-platform

Which should you pick?

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.
DragonBones review

Choose libGDX if

  • You need java language support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
libGDX review

Questions people ask

Is DragonBones or libGDX better?
Neither clearly leads. DragonBones starts at Free and libGDX at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, DragonBones or libGDX?
DragonBones starts at Free and libGDX at Free.
Does DragonBones or libGDX run on more platforms?
DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
Can I use DragonBones for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DragonBones best used for?
DragonBones is most often used for 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines, cross-engine animation library for indie game development, animation creation with loongbones editor. Of those, 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines and cross-engine animation library for indie game development are not what libGDX is typically brought in for.
What can DragonBones do that libGDX cannot?
DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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