Side by side

Construct 3 vs Ren'Py

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.

Construct 3

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3

Construct 3 provides a visual route into 2D game development while allowing code in JavaScript or TypeScript. Review the Free Edition’s event and publishing limits, and note that the listed Educational Plan requires at least three seats.

Visit Construct 3

Ren'Py

Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+4

Ren'Py offers a free engine with its own story-focused scripting and Python support, plus broad desktop and mobile targets. Check the beta web status and iOS requirements if those are key platforms.

Visit Ren'Py

The facts

	Construct 3	Ren'Py
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Yes
Runs on	Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows	Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows
Lowest paid plan	See the plans	Free or on request
Plans published	6	1
Maker	Construct 3	Ren'Py
Website	construct.net	renpy.org
On game engine software	#5 of 92	#1 of 92

Construct 3: what it does well

Visual events use conditions and actions
Exports to web, mobile, and desktop
Browser trial requires no registration
Supports JavaScript and TypeScript

What to know first

Free Edition has a 50-event limit with verified email
Free Edition publishing is limited to web or Construct Arcade
Subscribers must reconnect every seven days

Ren'Py: what it does well

Free for commercial and non-commercial use.
Python scripting supports complex game logic.
Launcher builds desktop games from Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Supports many languages, including Arabic and Japanese.

What to know first

Web support is beta and lacks networking and multithreading.
iOS builds require a Mac and Xcode.
Some components require distributors to comply with LGPL terms.
Mobile functionality may need modification.

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