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Cocos2d-x

cocos2d-x.org

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Visit cocos2d-x.org
Spec score 8.7 #18 of 92 in Game Engine Software

What it is

Cocos2d-x is a free, open-source C++ framework for building games, apps, and other interactive GUI programs. Developers can publish from one codebase to mobile, desktop, web, and console targets, using C++ or JavaScript and Lua bindings. The product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering and says Lua or JavaScript can be used for game hot updates. Its maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized for devices including low-end Android systems. The community maintains the framework under the MIT license. The download page says version 4.0 uses CMake for all platforms, supports Metal on iOS and macOS, and removes the H5 engine and JSB. The product page lists version 3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and later, Android 3.0 and later, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and later, and standard HTML5 browsers. Developer resources include documentation, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and forums.

Spec sheet

What it does
Cocos2d-x is an open-source C++ game framework for building games, apps, and other cross-platform interactive GUI programs.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Maker
The maker's About page identifies Xiamen Yaji Software and says it was founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos.com
Console export
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Developer environments
The documentation says Cocos2d-x can be installed on OS X, Windows, and Linux for development, with deployment to iOS, Android, OS X, Windows, and game consoles.Read 11 Oct 2026 · docs.cocos2d-x.org
Language bindings
The framework includes JavaScript and Lua bindings alongside C++.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
License and maintenance
Cocos2d-x is licensed under MIT and maintained by the community.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Mobile export
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Performance
The maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized to run on devices including low-end Android systems.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Platform version limits
The product page lists v3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and HTML5 standard browsers.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Privacy and security
The maker's privacy policy says product usage statistics can be disabled through command-line settings and describes firewalls and restricted physical access for its database server.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Rendering
The maker's product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Script updates
The product page says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Scripting languages
C++,Lua,JavaScriptRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Source code model
open_sourceRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Support resources
The maker provides documents, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and developer forums.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Target platforms
mobile,desktop,web,consoleRead 20 Sep 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Targets
The product page says developers can publish from one codebase to mobile, desktop, web, and console.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
Tools and integrations
The v3.17 release page lists CMake support across platforms and Spine runtime 3.6.39.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
v4.0 changes
The download page says v4.0 supports Metal on iOS and macOS, uses CMake for all platforms, and removes the H5 engine and JSB.Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org

Plans and prices

Cocos2d-x Free Open-source framework · MIT license Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org

Every Cocos2d-x plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Targets mobile, desktop, web, and console
  • Includes C++, JavaScript, and Lua support
  • Licensed under MIT and community-maintained
  • Documentation, demos, and developer forums are listed

Limits

  • Version 3.17 lists minimum operating-system versions
  • Version 4.0 removes the H5 engine and JSB
  • Maintenance is community-based

Who it suits

It suits developers building cross-platform games, apps, or interactive GUI programs with C++, Lua, or JavaScript. Its community maintenance and MIT license may appeal to teams seeking an open-source framework.

Verdict

Cocos2d-x offers a free framework with multiple language bindings and a broad target-platform list. Check the version-specific platform details and changes when deciding whether it fits a project.

Where Specifiction places it

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