Software · head to head
jMonkeyEngine vs Construct 3
Construct 3
Software
Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
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; Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
- They diverge on capability: jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Construct 3 covers Visual event system.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which jMonkeyEngine and Construct 3 actually diverge.
| Attribute | jMonkeyEngine | Construct 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | freemium |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web |
| Founded | 2003 | 2007 |
Identical on both: starting price (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 Construct 3
- Visual event system
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Physics engine
- Sprite editor
- Sound effects
- Web-based
- HTML5 support
- GitHub
Both cover
- Particle effects
- Local deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux 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 Construct 3
- Using the engine as a plain Java library inside an existing Gradle or Maven buildnot Construct 3
- Building desktop 3D applications with LWJGL renderingnot Construct 3
Construct 3
- Building 2D browser games without writing codenot jMonkeyEngine
- Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot 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
Construct 3
- The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
- Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
- The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
- Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business
Pricing, plan by plan
jMonkeyEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Java support
- 3D graphics
Construct 3
Free- FreeFree
- Web-based editor
- HTML5 export
- Asset library
- Personal$99/year
- All Free features
- Offline editor
- Advanced export
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 Construct 3 if
- You need visual event system.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Questions people ask
- Is jMonkeyEngine or Construct 3 better?
- Neither clearly leads. jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Construct 3 at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, jMonkeyEngine or Construct 3?
- jMonkeyEngine starts at Free and Construct 3 at Free.
- Does jMonkeyEngine or Construct 3 run on more platforms?
- jMonkeyEngine runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android. Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- 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 Construct 3 is typically brought in for.
- What can jMonkeyEngine do that Construct 3 cannot?
- jMonkeyEngine covers 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system, Scene editor. Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.