Cocos2d-x vs Defold
Cocos2d-x
cocos2d-x.orgDefold
defold.comSide by side
| Figure | Cocos2d-x | Defold |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Engine Software | 8.7 (#18) | 8.9 (#8) |
| Console export | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Maker | The maker's About page identifies Xiamen Yaji Software and says it was founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing. | The Defold Foundation owns the Defold brand and product, and Refold AB is contracted for most day-to-day product work. |
| Mobile export | Yes | Yes |
| Scripting languages | C++,Lua,JavaScript | Lua,Teal,C,C++,C#,Objective-C,Java,JavaScript |
| Source code model | open_source | source_available |
| Target platforms | mobile,desktop,web,console | Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,HTML5,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Nintendo Switch |
Plans
In their own words
Cocos2d-x
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.
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.