Side by side
BYOND vs TADS
Both stand on game engine software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWebWindows
BYOND combines a free multiplayer-focused engine with a community for creating and playing games. Its platform reach and Linux client limitations matter if you need mobile output or native graphical Linux use.
Visit BYOND Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
TADS offers a free authoring system with a substantial game library, multimedia support, and portable output. Its graphical Workbench is Windows-only, and support is community-based.
Visit TADSThe facts
| BYOND | TADS | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | byond.com | tads.org |
| On game engine software | #56 of 92 | #52 of 92 |
BYOND: what it does well
- Free developer tools and multiplayer support
- DM language targets multiplayer interactions
- Supports Windows, Linux, and modern browsers
- Guest access works for most games
- Includes SQLite and MySQL connectivity options
What to know first
- Closed-source software
- No mobile export
- No native graphical Linux client
- Graphical Linux use requires WINE or a virtual machine
TADS: what it does well
- Free authoring system with no game-creation restrictions.
- Portable byte code runs with a TADS interpreter.
- Multimedia interpreters support sound, graphics, and animation.
- Authors may distribute or sell their games.
- Command-line tools are available across platforms.
What to know first
- Graphical Workbench is available only on Windows.
- No dedicated technical support department.
- Web play requires games to be specially built for it.