GDevelop vs Pocket Code

GDevelop is an open-source game engine for creating and publishing games with visual, drag-and-drop tools that do not require code. JavaScript is available for scripting. It supports web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with publishing destinations including Google Play, Steam, desktop, web, iOS, and gd.games. Built-in multiplayer services include lobbies, leaderboards, and player accounts. The Free plan costs nothing and includes multiplayer and online services, thousands of Asset Store assets, and Android and desktop publishing once per day. Paid plans include full access to the mobile app, and the Pro plan supports project sharing with teammates. Support options include community resources, professional Discord channels, commercial troubleshooting, and custom development. Education plans provide anonymous student accounts, project access, and classroom resources. Subscriptions can be billed monthly or yearly, with annual savings of up to 40%, and can be canceled at any time; access ends after the paid period.

Pocket Code is a free Android and iOS app for building programs, games, animations, and stories with visual, Lego-like Catrobat programming bricks. Its blocks include if-else statements, loops, variables, mathematical functions, and access to phone sensors. Users can browse, download, review, and remix community programs in the Explore section and on pocketcode.org. Hardware extensions connect Arduino boards, LEGO Mindstorms robots, Phiro robots, and Raspberry Pi projects. Arduino works over Bluetooth for changing digital and PWM pins and reading analog pins. Mindstorms connects robots over Bluetooth for programming and control, while Raspberry Pi bricks read and set pins for IoT programs. Catrobat presents the app for constructive learning and classroom use, with project-based learning and computer-science topics. A wiki and free English- and German-language MOOC provide learning support. Project hosting is no longer offered as a service, although the media library remains available through the wiki. The nonprofit open-source project is driven by the International Catrobat Association and Graz University of Technology’s Institute of Software Technology.