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Game Development · head to head

libGDX vs Clickteam Fusion

libGDX logo

libGDX

Game Development

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
C

Clickteam Fusion

Game Development

Professional visual game development software

From
$99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only libGDX has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain; Clickteam Fusion listed on Steam, the vendor's own storefront, at $99.99 for a perpetual licence of Clickteam Fusion 2.5, published directly by Clickteam
  • They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Clickteam Fusion covers Visual event system.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which libGDX and Clickteam Fusion actually diverge.

Attributes where libGDX and Clickteam Fusion differ
AttributelibGDXClickteam Fusion
Starting priceFree$99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20101996

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web), 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 libGDX

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

Only in Clickteam Fusion

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Physics engine
  • Sound and music
  • Sprite animation
  • Extensions support
  • Multi-core support
  • Fast compiler

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Mobile 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 Clickteam Fusion
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Clickteam Fusion
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Clickteam Fusion

Clickteam Fusion

  • 2D game developmentnot libGDX
  • Professional gamesnot libGDX
  • Cross-platform developmentnot 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

Clickteam Fusion

  • Listed on Steam, the vendor's own storefront, at $99.99 for a perpetual licence of Clickteam Fusion 2.5, published directly by Clickteam

Pricing, plan by plan

libGDX

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

Clickteam Fusion

$99/one-time
  • Standard$99/one-time
    • Visual event editor
    • Desktop export
    • HTML5 export
  • Premium$199/one-time
    • All Standard features
    • Android export
    • iOS export

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.
libGDX review

Choose Clickteam Fusion if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Clickteam Fusion review

Questions people ask

Is libGDX or Clickteam Fusion better?
Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Clickteam Fusion at $99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, libGDX or Clickteam Fusion?
libGDX has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for libGDX and $99/one-time for Clickteam Fusion.
Does libGDX or Clickteam Fusion run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use libGDX for free?
Yes. libGDX has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Clickteam Fusion starts at $99/one-time.
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 Clickteam Fusion is typically brought in for.
What can libGDX do that Clickteam Fusion cannot?
libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Clickteam Fusion covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sound and music. Both handle Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Web deployment, Windows support.
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