Software · head to head
libGDX vs Cocos2d-x
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; 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: libGDX covers Java language support, Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and Cocos2d-x actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown), founded (2010).
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
- Input handling
- Physics integration (Box2D)
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Java
- Maven
- Gradle
Only in Cocos2d-x
- 2D rendering
- Physics engine (Chipmunk)
- Touch input handling
- Tilemap support
- Sprite batching
- Visual Studio
- Xcode
- Android Studio
Both cover
- Audio engine
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- Local deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
- Ios 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 Cocos2d-x
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Cocos2d-x
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Cocos2d-x
Cocos2d-x
- Mobile game developmentnot libGDX
- 2D gamesnot libGDX
- Lightweight gamesnot libGDX
- Cross-platform gamesnot 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
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
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
Cocos2d-x
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine source
- MIT License
- Community support
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 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 libGDX or Cocos2d-x better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX 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, libGDX or Cocos2d-x?
- libGDX starts at Free and Cocos2d-x at Free.
- Does libGDX or Cocos2d-x run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
- 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 Cocos2d-x is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that Cocos2d-x cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Input handling, Physics integration (Box2D). Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Touch input handling, Tilemap support. Both handle Audio engine, Particle effects, Animation system, Local deployment.
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