Cocos2d-x vs Stencyl

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.

Stencyl is game creation software for making mobile, web, and desktop games with visual logic or custom code. Its drag-and-drop designer uses snapping blocks and includes hundreds of ready-to-use blocks. Creators can also make and share blocks, import libraries, extend the engine with code, and write Haxe classes that work with block-based Behaviors. The Scene Designer provides selection, zooming, grid-snapping, and flood fill; the Actor Editor adjusts appearance, behaviors, and physical properties. Stencyl targets iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, and HTML5. The free Starter edition publishes HTML5 games and lets users test games on paid target platforms, but cannot publish desktop, iOS, or Android games and displays Stencyl branding. Indie costs $99 a year and adds web and desktop publishing without watermarks. Studio costs $199 a year and includes publishing to iOS and Android, ads, leaderboards, in-app purchases, and third-party plugins. Publishing iOS games to the App Store requires an active Apple developer license and a Mac. Stencyl says it collects no royalties on games.