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Software · head to head

LÖVE vs Pico-8

LÖVE logo

LÖVE

Software

Framework for making 2D games in Lua

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Pico-8 logo

Pico-8

Software

A fantasy console for making, sharing and playing tiny games

From
$14.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only LÖVE has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: LÖVE lOVE is a 2D-only framework, with no 3D pipeline; Pico-8 extremely limited display resolution of 128x128 pixels with 16-colour palette
  • They diverge on capability: LÖVE covers Graphics rendering, Pico-8 covers Pixel art editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which LÖVE and Pico-8 actually diverge.

Attributes where LÖVE and Pico-8 differ
AttributeLÖVEPico-8
Starting priceFree$14.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreeone-time
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi
Founded20082005

Identical on both: 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 LÖVE

  • Graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Box2D)
  • Audio support
  • Input handling
  • File I/O
  • Vector math
  • Animation support
  • Lua

Only in Pico-8

  • Pixel art editor
  • Music composer
  • Built-in palette
  • Sprite system
  • Map editor
  • Code editor
  • Game cartridges
  • Lexaloffle BBS

Both cover

  • Lua scripting
  • GitHub
  • 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.

LÖVE

  • Making 2D games in Luanot Pico-8
  • Rapid prototyping of 2D gameplaynot Pico-8
  • Shipping small 2D games to desktop and mobile from one Lua codebasenot Pico-8

Pico-8

  • Retro-style indie game developmentnot LÖVE
  • Educational game programmingnot LÖVE
  • Game jam participationnot LÖVE
  • Pixel art game creation with strict creative constraintsnot 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

Pico-8

  • Extremely limited display resolution of 128x128 pixels with 16-colour palette
  • Cart size capped at 32 kilobytes
  • Only 256 sprites of 8x8 pixels available
  • Map limited to 128x32 tiles
  • Monophonic sound synthesis with 4-channel chip synthesis only
  • Lua programming language exclusively; no other language support

Pricing, plan by plan

LÖVE

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

Pico-8

$14.99/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Pico-8 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose LÖVE if

  • You need graphics rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine (box2d).
LÖVE review

Choose Pico-8 if

  • You need pixel art editor.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
  • You also want music composer.
Pico-8 review

Questions people ask

Is LÖVE or Pico-8 better?
Neither clearly leads. LÖVE starts at Free and Pico-8 at $14.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, LÖVE or Pico-8?
LÖVE has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for LÖVE and $14.99/one-time for Pico-8.
Does LÖVE or Pico-8 run on more platforms?
LÖVE runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Pico-8 runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi.
Can I use LÖVE for free?
Yes. LÖVE has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Pico-8 starts at $14.99/one-time.
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 Pico-8 is typically brought in for.
What can LÖVE do that Pico-8 cannot?
LÖVE covers Graphics rendering, Physics engine (Box2D), Audio support, Input handling. Pico-8 covers Pixel art editor, Music composer, Built-in palette, Sprite system. Both handle Lua scripting, GitHub, Local deployment, Web deployment.
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