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Software · head to head

libGDX vs Construct 3

libGDX logo

libGDX

Software

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Software

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Construct 3 covers Visual event system.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which libGDX and Construct 3 actually diverge.

Attributes where libGDX and Construct 3 differ
AttributelibGDXConstruct 3
Pricing modelfreefreemium
Founded20102007

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web), 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)
  • Animation system
  • 2D and 3D rendering
  • 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
  • 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 Construct 3
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Construct 3
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Construct 3

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot libGDX
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot 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

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

libGDX

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

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 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 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.
Construct 3 review

Questions people ask

Is libGDX or Construct 3 better?
Neither clearly leads. libGDX 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, libGDX or Construct 3?
libGDX starts at Free and Construct 3 at Free.
Does libGDX or Construct 3 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?
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 Construct 3 is typically brought in for.
What can libGDX do that Construct 3 cannot?
libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Web deployment.
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