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libGDX vs Defold

libGDX logo

libGDX

Software

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Defold logo

Defold

Software

The game engine for the creators of King

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; Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Defold covers Lua scripting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which libGDX and Defold actually diverge.

Attributes where libGDX and Defold differ
AttributelibGDXDefold
Founded20102005

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight
  • Visual Studio Code

Both cover

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

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot libGDX
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot libGDX
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on 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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

Pricing, plan by plan

libGDX

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

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 Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold review

Questions people ask

Is libGDX or Defold better?
Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Defold at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, libGDX or Defold?
libGDX starts at Free and Defold at Free.
Does libGDX or Defold 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 Defold is typically brought in for.
What can libGDX do that Defold cannot?
libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Sound management. Both handle Particle effects, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Web deployment.
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