MonoGame

What MonoGame is

MonoGame is an open-source framework for creating games that run across desktop, mobile, and console platforms. Developers build games in C#, F#, Visual Basic, or other .NET languages, using editors such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, or JetBrains Rider. Its documented targets include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and iPadOS. Console targets include Xbox, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch. The content pipeline prepares textures, sound, music, video, effects, and data for platform-specific use; its builder can automate asset processing, apply custom rules, and connect with other tools and pipelines. MonoGame is free to use, with no subscription, royalty payments, licensing costs, or runtime fees. The code is available on GitHub under the Microsoft Public License, except for a few portions. DesktopGL supports Windows, macOS, and Linux from a shared project, but its current implementation does not include VideoPlayer. Console support code is held in private repositories for authorized console developers and requires vendor approval and an NDA. Android builds require the .NET Android workload, Java 11 JDK, and Android SDK 31; iOS builds require the .NET iOS workload and the latest Xcode version. The MonoGame Foundation, a US-based nonprofit established in September 2023, directs the framework's future and promotes game development education.

Who it suits

MonoGame suits developers building cross-platform games with C# or another .NET language, including projects targeting desktop, mobile, or supported consoles. Its asset pipeline and documentation hub—with a 2D tutorial, API reference, how-to guides, samples, and roadmap—can help developers organize production and find project guidance.

Limits

The framework is free, with no subscription, royalty payments, licensing costs, or runtime fees. Console support code is in private repositories and requires vendor approval and an NDA; Android and iOS builds have specific tool requirements.

Getting started

1. Visit the MonoGame website.
2. Choose a .NET language and an editor such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, or JetBrains Rider.
3. Consult the documentation hub for its 2D tutorial, API reference, how-to guides, and samples.
4. For Android builds, install the .NET Android workload, Java 11 JDK, and Android SDK 31.
5. For iOS builds, install the .NET iOS workload and the latest Xcode version.
6. For console development, obtain vendor approval and meet NDA requirements.

Verdict

Choose MonoGame if you want a free, open-source framework for building games with .NET languages across documented desktop and mobile targets. Console support is available to authorized developers, while Android and iOS builds require their respective development tools and workloads.