Software · head to head
Raylib vs AppGameKit
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Raylib free and open source with no commercial tier, per the vendor site features section; AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
- They diverge on capability: Raylib covers Graphics rendering, AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Raylib and AppGameKit actually diverge.
| Attribute | Raylib | AppGameKit |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos |
| Founded | 2013 | 2004 |
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 Raylib
- Graphics rendering
- Audio system
- Input handling
- Shapes drawing
- Sprite management
- Collision detection
- Font rendering
- Text input
Only in AppGameKit
- BASIC-like scripting
- Visual sprite editor
- Physics engine
- Sound and music
- Particle effects
- Tile support
- Multi-platform export
- Built-in debugger
Both cover
- Local deployment
- Mobile deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
- Linux support
- Android support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Raylib
- Simple 2D gamesnot AppGameKit
- Game prototypingnot AppGameKit
- Educational gamesnot AppGameKit
- Learning game developmentnot AppGameKit
AppGameKit
- 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot Raylib
- Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot Raylib
- Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot Raylib
- Prototyping small games quicklynot Raylib
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Raylib
- Free and open source with no commercial tier, per the vendor site features section
AppGameKit
- Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
- The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
- The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
- appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site
Pricing, plan by plan
Raylib
Free- FreeFree
- Full library
- C/C++ support
- Graphics rendering
AppGameKit
Free- FreeFree
- Full editor
- Multi-platform export
- Built-in IDE
Which should you pick?
Choose Raylib if
- You need graphics rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web.
- You also want audio system.
Choose AppGameKit if
- You need basic-like scripting.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
- You also want visual sprite editor.
Questions people ask
- Is Raylib or AppGameKit better?
- Neither clearly leads. Raylib starts at Free and AppGameKit at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Raylib or AppGameKit?
- Raylib starts at Free and AppGameKit at Free.
- Does Raylib or AppGameKit run on more platforms?
- Raylib runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Android, Web. AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
- Can I use Raylib for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Raylib best used for?
- Raylib is most often used for simple 2d games, game prototyping, educational games, learning game development. Of those, simple 2d games and game prototyping are not what AppGameKit is typically brought in for.
- What can Raylib do that AppGameKit cannot?
- Raylib covers Graphics rendering, Audio system, Input handling, Shapes drawing. AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Physics engine, Sound and music. Both handle Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support, Macos support.