Software · head to head
libGDX vs Bevy
Bevy
Software
A refreshingly simple data-driven game engine built in Rust
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain; Bevy rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use
- They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Bevy covers Entity Component System.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and Bevy actually diverge.
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 libGDX
- Java language support
- Graphics rendering
- Audio engine
- Input handling
- Physics integration (Box2D)
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- 2D and 3D rendering
Only in Bevy
- Entity Component System
- 2D/3D rendering
- Audio system
- Asset pipeline
- Hot reloading
- Cross-platform
- Modular architecture
- Parallel systems
Both cover
- Local deployment
- Web deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
libGDX
- Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot Bevy
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Bevy
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Bevy
Bevy
- 2D and 3D game development in Rustnot libGDX
- Data-driven design using an entity component systemnot libGDX
- Shipping to Windows, macOS, Linux, web, iOS and Android from one codebasenot libGDX
- Projects wanting a permissive licence with no royalties or feesnot libGDX
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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
Bevy
- Rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use
- No visual editor of the kind Unity or Godot provide, so scenes and logic are written in code
- Built around ECS, which is a different mental model from the scene-graph engines most developers come from
Pricing, plan by plan
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
Bevy
Free- Open SourceFree
- Full engine access
- ECS architecture
- Hot reloading
Which should you pick?
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.
Choose Bevy if
- You need entity component system.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
- You also want 2d/3d rendering.
Questions people ask
- Is libGDX or Bevy better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Bevy at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, libGDX or Bevy?
- libGDX starts at Free and Bevy at Free.
- Does libGDX or Bevy run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Bevy runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
- Can I use libGDX for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is libGDX best used for?
- libGDX is most often used for writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase, publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5, rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwanted. Of those, writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase and publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5 are not what Bevy is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that Bevy cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Bevy covers Entity Component System, 2D/3D rendering, Audio system, Asset pipeline. Both handle Local deployment, Web deployment, Windows support, Macos support.