BYOND vs Defold
BYOND
byond.comDefold
defold.comSide by side
| Figure | BYOND | Defold |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Engine Software | 7.9 (#62) | 8.9 (#8) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | A BYOND developer library supports MySQL access through a client connector and notes that BYOND has a built-in SQLite database datum. | Officially supported integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, and game backends such as Nakama and PlayFab. |
| Mobile export | No | Yes |
| Multiplayer tools | Yes | Yes |
| Scripting languages | DM | Lua,Teal,C,C++,C#,Objective-C,Java,JavaScript |
| Source code model | closed_source | source_available |
| Support | The official contact page directs software questions to the BYOND Help forum and development questions to the BYOND forums. | Defold offers community help through its forum and says technical support contracts are available if needed. |
| Target platforms | Windows,Linux development/hosting,modern web browsers | Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,HTML5,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Nintendo Switch |
Plans
In their own words
Defold
Defold is a game engine for building cross-platform 2D and 3D games. Its toolchain combines an editor, runtime, scripting workflow, build pipeline, and deployment flow. Game logic is written in Lua; native extensions can use C, C++, Objective-C, Java, or JavaScript. Visual editors, a debugger, profiler, particle effects, animation, and integrated 2D and 3D physics are included. Target platforms listed are Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, Nakama, and PlayFab. The Asset Portal offers reusable components and extensions. Live Update can provide additional game content after the initial download, with customizable content verification. Source code for the engine, editor, and build tools is available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license derived from Apache 2.0. Defold costs nothing, with no licensing fees, royalties, or runtime fees. Community help is available through a forum, and technical support contracts are available if needed.