Software · head to head
jMonkeyEngine vs Cocos2d-x
The short version
- Each has a real cost: jMonkeyEngine jMonkeyEngine is a code-first Java library with no bundled editor; the engine itself ships no scene editor; Cocos2d-x cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.
- They diverge on capability: jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which jMonkeyEngine and Cocos2d-x actually diverge.
| Attribute | jMonkeyEngine | Cocos2d-x |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android |
| Founded | 2003 | 2010 |
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 jMonkeyEngine
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Scene editor
- Material system
- Lighting and shadows
- Skeletal animation
- Java
Only in Cocos2d-x
- 2D rendering
- Physics engine (Chipmunk)
- Animation system
- Audio engine
- Touch input handling
- Tilemap support
- Sprite batching
- Visual Studio
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.
jMonkeyEngine
- Writing 3D games in Java against a BSD-licensed open source enginenot Cocos2d-x
- Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Cocos2d-x
- Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot Cocos2d-x
Cocos2d-x
- Mobile game developmentnot jMonkeyEngine
- 2D gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
- Lightweight gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
- Cross-platform gamesnot jMonkeyEngine
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Cocos2d-x
- Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.
Pricing, plan by plan
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
Cocos2d-x
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine source
- MIT License
- Community support
Which should you pick?
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).
Choose Cocos2d-x if
- You need 2d rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
- You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Questions people ask
- Is jMonkeyEngine or Cocos2d-x better?
- Neither clearly leads. jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Cocos2d-x at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, jMonkeyEngine or Cocos2d-x?
- jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Cocos2d-x at Free.
- Does jMonkeyEngine or Cocos2d-x run on more platforms?
- jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android. Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
- Can I use jMonkeyEngine for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is jMonkeyEngine best used for?
- jMonkeyEngine is most often used for writing 3d games in java against a bsd-licensed open source engine, using the engine as a plain java library inside an existing gradle or maven build, building desktop 3d applications with lwjgl rendering. Of those, writing 3d games in java against a bsd-licensed open source engine and using the engine as a plain java library inside an existing gradle or maven build are not what Cocos2d-x is typically brought in for.
- What can jMonkeyEngine do that Cocos2d-x cannot?
- jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Animation system, Audio engine. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.