Defold vs GameSalad
Defold
defold.comGameSalad
gamesalad.comSide by side
| Figure | Defold | GameSalad |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $2.42/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Game Engine Software | 8.9 (#8) | 8.5 (#29) |
| Spec score · Game Development Software | 8.7 (#8) | 8.3 (#22) |
| Founded | 2009 | 2010 |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Mobile export | Yes | Yes |
| Product | Defold is an all-in-one game engine for building cross-platform 2D and 3D games. | GameSalad Creator lets users make video games with a visual programming interface. |
| Source code model | source_available | closed_source |
| Support | Defold offers community help through its forum and says technical support contracts are available if needed. | The education instructor guide lists support by email at [email protected] and by phone at 1-844-837-8387. |
| Target platforms | Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,HTML5,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Nintendo Switch | web,iOS,Android,HTML5,desktop |
Plans
GameSalad
- GameSalad Basic$19 a month
- GameSalad Home EduPrice not published
- GameSalad Pro$29 a month
- GameSalad Learn@Home$19 a month
- K-12 Bundle$29 a year
- Higher Ed Bundle$57 a year
- Developer EDU Discount$149 a year
- Site/Building$1,495 a year
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.
GameSalad
GameSalad Creator is a visual programming tool for making mobile and web games. GameSalad describes its approach as no-code, and says creators and learners ages 12 and beyond can use it. Creator downloads are available for macOS and Windows; iOS and Android Viewer apps support native-device previews. Publishing depends on the plan: Basic subscribers can use Creator’s behaviors and functions, preview with Viewer, and publish to GameSalad Arcade. Pro subscribers get access to all publishing platforms, including iOS App Store, Android App Store and HTML5 publishing, as well as priority technical support. Plans include GameSalad Basic at $19 a month and GameSalad Pro at $29 a month. Education options include lesson plans, tutorials, classroom management and student progress views through a teacher dashboard. App store publishing requires separate store processes, credentials and fees, which are not included in the education license. GameSalad is based in Austin, Texas, and launched in 2010.