Side by side
GB Studio vs Solar2D
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 LinuxMacWeb+1
Choose GB Studio if you want to create Game Boy games with visual scripting, build them for emulators, web pages, or Game Boy hardware, and use an integrated music editor. Its plugins also provide an engine-editing route for experienced developers. Consider another tool if your project is not a Game Boy game.
Visit GB Studio Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Choose Solar2D if you want a free, open-source Lua engine with mobile export, multiplayer tools and a wide range of listed targets. Look elsewhere if your project depends on a scripting language other than Lua.
Visit Solar2DThe facts
| GB Studio | Solar2D | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Solar2D |
| Website | gbstudio.dev | solar2d.com |
| On game engine software | #25 of 92 | #21 of 92 |
GB Studio: what it does well
- Visual scripting is designed for little or no programming experience.
- Builds ROM files, web pages, and games for real Game Boy hardware.
- Debugger exposes game state, variables, breakpoints, and build warnings.
- Music editor supports MIDI input and four configurable instrument channels.
- MIT-licensed and free to use.
What to know first
- Engine modification is recommended only for developers familiar with GBDK.
- The game creator is focused on making Game Boy games.
Solar2D: what it does well
- Open-source code model.
- Free plan costs nothing.
- No engine fees or royalties.
- Lua is the scripting language.
- Targets include mobile, desktop, TV and HTML5 platforms.
What to know first
- Projects must use Lua as the listed scripting language.
- The listed platforms do not include HTML5, although it is a target platform.
Alternatives to GB Studio Alternatives to Solar2D The whole list