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libGDX vs Flax Engine

libGDX logo

libGDX

Software

Java-based game development framework

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Flax Engine logo

Flax Engine

Software

Modern 3D game engine with visual editor

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; Flax Engine flax charges a 4% royalty on game earnings above $250,000, assessed per calendar quarter
  • They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Flax Engine covers 3D graphics rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which libGDX and Flax Engine actually diverge.

Attributes where libGDX and Flax Engine differ
AttributelibGDXFlax Engine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox
Founded20102017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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)
  • Animation system
  • 2D and 3D rendering
  • Java

Only in Flax Engine

  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Visual editor
  • C# scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Audio system
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system
  • Lighting system

Both cover

  • Particle effects
  • Open-source
  • Local deployment
  • Windows 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 Flax Engine
  • Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Flax Engine
  • Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Flax Engine

Flax Engine

  • Building 3D games in C# and C++ with full engine source accessnot libGDX
  • Multi-platform deployment from one editornot libGDX
  • Prototyping with the bundled Flax Samples projectsnot 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

Flax Engine

  • Flax charges a 4% royalty on game earnings above $250,000, assessed per calendar quarter
  • Free use is granted for non-commercial or educational usage; commercial releases fall under the royalty
  • Users must accept the Flax Engine End-User License Agreement before using the engine or its tools, so it is not an OSI open source licence despite the source being on GitHub
  • Non-game uses such as in-house tools or SaaS products need a custom licence negotiated with the vendor, and no rate card is published for per-seat or flat-fee options

Pricing, plan by plan

libGDX

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

Flax Engine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Visual editor
    • C# scripting

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 Flax Engine if

  • You need 3d graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want visual editor.
Flax Engine review

Questions people ask

Is libGDX or Flax Engine better?
Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Flax Engine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, libGDX or Flax Engine?
libGDX starts at Free and Flax Engine at Free.
Does libGDX or Flax Engine run on more platforms?
libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Flax Engine runs on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox.
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 Flax Engine is typically brought in for.
What can libGDX do that Flax Engine cannot?
libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Flax Engine covers 3D graphics rendering, Visual editor, C# scripting, Physics engine. Both handle Particle effects, Open-source, Local deployment, Windows support.
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