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libGDX vs DragonBones

libGDX logo

libGDX

Software

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
D

DragonBones

Software

Free 2D skeletal animation solution

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; DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
  • They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, DragonBones covers Skeletal animation.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which libGDX and DragonBones actually diverge.

Attributes where libGDX and DragonBones differ
AttributelibGDXDragonBones
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebEgret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator
Founded20102014

Identical on both: starting price (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 DragonBones

  • Skeletal animation
  • Mesh deformation
  • IK system
  • Texture atlas
  • Animation blending
  • Bone constraints
  • FFD
  • Multi-resolution

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos 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 DragonBones
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not DragonBones
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot DragonBones

DragonBones

  • 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot libGDX
  • Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot libGDX
  • Animation creation with LoongBones editornot 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

DragonBones

  • JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)

Pricing, plan by plan

libGDX

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

DragonBones

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.

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 DragonBones if

  • You need skeletal animation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
  • You also want mesh deformation.
DragonBones review

Questions people ask

Is libGDX or DragonBones better?
Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and DragonBones at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, libGDX or DragonBones?
libGDX starts at Free and DragonBones at Free.
Does libGDX or DragonBones run on more platforms?
libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
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 DragonBones is typically brought in for.
What can libGDX do that DragonBones cannot?
libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.
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