Cocos Creator vs Defold

Cocos Creator is an open-source, cross-platform graphics engine and real-time 3D content creation platform for 2D and 3D games and other interactive content. Its all-in-one editor includes an animation editor and plugin system, and supports TypeScript scripting. Developers can also use JavaScript or visual scripting. Projects can be published to iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, mobile and desktop web, and several mini-game platforms. Cocos Creator uses a C++ core on native platforms and a TypeScript core for web and mini-game platforms. Its Extension Store lets users browse, download, and install official or third-party plugins, code, and resources; developers can package and share extensions or upload them to the Cocos Store. The full editor and runtime are available at no charge, and the free plan has no royalty fees. Cocos describes use cases including games, automotive, XR, education, and real-time 3D content creation. It also offers VIP and SVIP support, with one-to-one consultation, quick response, and real-machine debugging.

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.