Game Development · head to head
libGDX vs Gamesparks
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; Gamesparks aWS states "Starting October 1, 2022, access to the GameSparks console will no longer be available" and that all existing games and data needed to be migrated off the platform before that date
- They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, Gamesparks covers Real-time features.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and Gamesparks actually diverge.
| Attribute | libGDX | Gamesparks |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | usage-based |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web | Cross-platform |
| Founded | 2010 | 2006 |
Identical on both: starting price (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
- Animation system
- 2D and 3D rendering
Only in Gamesparks
- Real-time features
- Multiplayer support
- User authentication
- Data storage
- Matchmaking
- WebSocket support
- Cloud integration
- Analytics
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 Gamesparks
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not Gamesparks
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot Gamesparks
Gamesparks
- Multiplayer gamesnot libGDX
- Real-time gamesnot libGDX
- Cloud gamingnot libGDX
- Game analyticsnot 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
Gamesparks
- AWS states "Starting October 1, 2022, access to the GameSparks console will no longer be available" and that all existing games and data needed to be migrated off the platform before that date
Pricing, plan by plan
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
Gamesparks
Free- Free TierFree
- 1M API requests
- 1M CloudWatch logs
- Free for first year
- Pay-as-you-go$0.01/request
- Unlimited API requests
- Real-time multiplayer
- CloudWatch 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 Gamesparks if
- You need real-time features.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Cross-platform.
- You also want multiplayer support.
Questions people ask
- Is libGDX or Gamesparks better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX starts at Free and Gamesparks at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, libGDX or Gamesparks?
- libGDX starts at Free and Gamesparks at Free.
- Does libGDX or Gamesparks run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Gamesparks runs on Cross-platform.
- 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 Gamesparks is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that Gamesparks cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. Gamesparks covers Real-time features, Multiplayer support, User authentication, Data storage.