Game Development · head to head
libGDX vs Fyrox
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; Fyrox licensed under MIT with no commercial or paid tier; the engine is entirely free and open source
- They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Fyrox covers Scene editor.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and Fyrox actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Game Development).
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
- 2D and 3D rendering
- Java
Only in Fyrox
- Scene editor
- 3D/2D rendering
- Physics (Rapier)
- Sound engine
- UI framework
- Navmesh
- Particle systems
- Rapier physics
Both cover
- Animation system
- Local 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 Fyrox
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Fyrox
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Fyrox
Fyrox
- 3D game developmentnot libGDX
- 2D gamesnot libGDX
- Simulationnot libGDX
- Prototypingnot 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
Fyrox
- Licensed under MIT with no commercial or paid tier; the engine is entirely free and open source
Pricing, plan by plan
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
Fyrox
Free- Open SourceFree
- Full engine access
- Scene editor
- Physics integration
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 Fyrox if
- You need scene editor.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
- You also want 3d/2d rendering.
Questions people ask
- Is libGDX or Fyrox better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Fyrox at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, libGDX or Fyrox?
- libGDX starts at Free and Fyrox at Free.
- Does libGDX or Fyrox run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Fyrox runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
- 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 Fyrox is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that Fyrox cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Fyrox covers Scene editor, 3D/2D rendering, Physics (Rapier), Sound engine. Both handle Animation system, Local deployment, Web deployment, Windows support.