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Game Development · head to head

LÖVE vs MonoGame

LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Game Development

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MonoGame logo

MonoGame

Game Development

Create games using C# and MonoGame

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline; MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • They diverge on capability: LÖVE covers Lua scripting, MonoGame covers C# language support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LÖVE and MonoGame actually diverge.

Attributes where LÖVE and MonoGame differ
AttributeLÖVEMonoGame
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox
Founded20082009

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 LÖVE

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support
  • Lua
  • Git

Only in MonoGame

  • C# language support
  • Audio engine
  • Physics integration
  • Content pipeline
  • Sprite system
  • 2D and 3D support
  • Visual Studio
  • C#

Both cover

  • Graphics rendering
  • Input handling
  • Open-source
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile 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.

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot MonoGame
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot MonoGame
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot MonoGame

MonoGame

  • Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot LÖVE
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot LÖVE
  • Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot LÖVE
  • Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot LÖVE

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

LÖVE

  • LOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline
  • Games must be written in Lua, with no other supported scripting language
  • Supported platforms are limited to Windows Vista and later, macOS 10.11 and later, Linux, Android and iOS
  • The iOS build is distributed as source and libraries rather than a ready installer
  • There is no commercial support offering; help is through community forums, Discord and a subreddit

MonoGame

  • Console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • A code-first framework in C# with no bundled editor or visual scene tooling

Pricing, plan by plan

LÖVE

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • Lua scripting
    • Cross-platform support

MonoGame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • C# support
    • Cross-platform

Which should you pick?

Choose LÖVE 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 (box2d).
LÖVE review

Choose MonoGame if

  • You need c# language support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want audio engine.
MonoGame review

Questions people ask

Is LÖVE or MonoGame better?
Neither clearly leads. LÖVE starts at Free and MonoGame at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LÖVE or MonoGame?
LÖVE starts at Free and MonoGame at Free.
Does LÖVE or MonoGame run on more platforms?
LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. MonoGame runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
Can I use LÖVE for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is LÖVE best used for?
LÖVE is most often used for making 2d games in lua, rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay, shipping small 2d games to desktop and mobile from one lua codebase. Of those, making 2d games in lua and rapid prototyping of 2d gameplay are not what MonoGame is typically brought in for.
What can LÖVE do that MonoGame cannot?
LÖVE covers Lua scripting, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support, File I/O. MonoGame covers C# language support, Audio engine, Physics integration, Content pipeline. Both handle Graphics rendering, Input handling, Open-source, Local deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

MonoGame: How much does MonoGame cost?

MonoGame is completely free with no subscription model, royalty payments, licensing costs, or runtime fees.

Source
MonoGame: What funding model does MonoGame use?

MonoGame Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by voluntary community donations rather than user fees.

Source
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