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Cocos2d-x
What Cocos2d-x is
Cocos2d-x is a free, open-source C++ framework for building games, apps, and other interactive GUI programs. Developers can target mobile, desktop, web, and console platforms from one codebase, using C++ or the included JavaScript and Lua bindings. The maker lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for rendering, and says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games. It describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized for devices that include low-end Android systems. Cocos2d-x is community-maintained under the MIT license. The download page says version 4.0 uses CMake across 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 higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and standard HTML5 browsers. Developer resources include documentation, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and forums.
Who it suits
It suits developers building cross-platform games or interactive applications who want a C++ framework with Lua and JavaScript bindings.
What it does well
- Targets mobile, desktop, web, and console.
- MIT-licensed and community-maintained.
- Includes Lua and JavaScript bindings.
- Lists Metal and OpenGL ES 2.0 rendering.
- Documentation, tutorials, demos, API reference, and forums are available.
What to know first
- Version 4.0 removes the H5 engine and JSB.
- Listed Windows 3.17 support ends at Windows 10.
- Version 3.17 has specified minimum OS versions.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cocos2d-x | Open-source framework · MIT license | Free |
As cocos2d-x.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://cocos2d-x.org/cocos2dx.
- Install the framework on OS X, Windows, or Linux.
- Choose C++, JavaScript, or Lua for development.
- Use the documentation, tutorials, demos, API reference, and developer forums.
- Build for the mobile, desktop, web, or console targets you need.
Verdict
Cocos2d-x offers multi-platform targets and several language options under an MIT license. Developers should check the version-specific platform support and the v4.0 changes against their project needs.
Questions
Is Cocos2d-x free?
Yes. The Cocos2d-x plan is free.
Is Cocos2d-x open source?
Yes. It is licensed under MIT and maintained by the community.
Which platforms can developers target?
The product page lists mobile, desktop, web, and console targets from one codebase.
Which programming languages does it support?
Cocos2d-x uses C++ and includes JavaScript and Lua bindings.
What changes in version 4.0?
The download page says v4.0 uses CMake for all platforms, supports Metal on iOS and macOS, and removes the H5 engine and JSB.
Who makes Cocos2d-x?
The maker is Xiamen Yaji Software, founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing.
Facts from Cocos2d-x's own pages
- Console export
- Yes · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Developer environments
- The documentation says Cocos2d-x can be installed on OS X, Windows, and Linux for development, with deployment to iOS, Android, OS X, Windows, and game consoles. · docs.cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Language bindings
- The framework includes JavaScript and Lua bindings alongside C++. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- License and maintenance
- Cocos2d-x is licensed under MIT and maintained by the community. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The maker's About page identifies Xiamen Yaji Software and says it was founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing. · cocos.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Mobile export
- Yes · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Performance
- The maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized to run on devices including low-end Android systems. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Platform version limits
- The product page lists v3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and HTML5 standard browsers. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- The maker's privacy policy says product usage statistics can be disabled through command-line settings and describes firewalls and restricted physical access for its database server. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The maker's product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting languages
- C++,Lua,JavaScript · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Script updates
- The product page says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Source code model
- open_source · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Support resources
- The maker provides documents, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and developer forums. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Target platforms
- mobile,desktop,web,console · cocos2d-x.org, 20 Sept 2026
- Targets
- The product page says developers can publish from one codebase to mobile, desktop, web, and console. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Tools and integrations
- The v3.17 release page lists CMake support across platforms and Spine runtime 3.6.39. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- v4.0 changes
- The download page says v4.0 supports Metal on iOS and macOS, uses CMake for all platforms, and removes the H5 engine and JSB. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Cocos2d-x is an open-source C++ game framework for building games, apps, and other cross-platform interactive GUI programs. · cocos2d-x.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Cocos2d-x stands on Freedom251
- Game Engine Software#12 of 92