libGDX vs Solar2D
libGDX
libgdx.comSolar2D
solar2d.comSide by side
| Figure | libGDX | Solar2D |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | 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 | 0 | 2 |
| Spec score · Mobile App Development Platforms | 7.8 (#10) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Spec score · Game Engine Software | 8.1 (#54) | 8.6 (#25) |
| Documentation | Documentation is available through the community-driven wiki and Javadocs hosted on javadoc.io. | The documentation site provides getting-started material, guides, tutorials, an API reference, and plugin documentation. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| License | libGDX is licensed under Apache 2.0 and maintained by the community. | The source code and resources are available under the MIT license. |
| Mobile export | Yes | Yes |
| Multiplayer tools | Yes | Yes |
| Product | libGDX is a cross-platform Java game development framework based on OpenGL (ES). | Solar2D is a Lua-based 2D game engine focused on ease of iteration and use. |
| Scripting languages | Java,Groovy,Kotlin,Scala | Lua |
| Source code model | open_source | open_source |
| Target platforms | Windows,Linux,macOS,Android,iOS,Web | iOS,tvOS,Android,Android TV,macOS,Windows,Linux,HTML5 |
Plans
In their own words
Solar2D
Solar2D is a free, open-source 2D game engine that uses Lua. It is intended for making games and apps for mobile, desktop, and connected TV devices from one codebase. Listed targets include iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5. Its Simulator displays code changes immediately, and deployed apps can receive code and asset updates over a local network. Plugins from a free directory and third-party stores can add capabilities such as advertising, analytics, and media. Solar2D Native can call libraries or APIs written in C, C++, Objective-C, and Java. The project’s source and resources use the MIT license, and the maker says there are no engine fees, charges, or royalties. The maker also says Solar2D does not track app users or collect anonymized data; games make only the network requests their developers specify. Documentation includes guides, tutorials, an API reference, and plugin material. Community support and discussion are available through forums and Discord. Solar2D is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and web as well as its other targets.