Side by side
Gideros vs libGDX
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 AndroidiPhoneLinux+3
Gideros provides a free, open-source route for creating Lua-based games across a wide set of targets. Its quick device testing, built-in tools, scaling, and plugin support make it suitable for developers who want one technology for multiple platforms.
Visit Gideros Free plan AndroidExtensioniPhone+4
libGDX combines cross-platform game targets with graphics, audio, input, physics, and networking APIs. Its open-source model and project generator make it a focused option for code-based game development, but console export and visual scripting are absent.
Visit libGDXThe facts
| Gideros | libGDX | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows | Android, Extension, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Not published |
| Plans published | 1 | None |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | gideros.rocks | libgdx.com |
| On game engine software | #36 of 92 | #32 of 92 |
Gideros: what it does well
- Free plan with no development or publishing limitations
- Open-source Lua and Luau game technology
- Exports to many mobile, desktop, web, and console targets
- Real-device Wi-Fi testing in about one second
- Includes IDE, players, texture packer, and font creator
What to know first
- Development systems require at least 1 GB RAM
- Android export requires configuration before APK or AAB output
- Some integrations depend on available plugins
libGDX: what it does well
- Free and open source under Apache 2.0
- One API targets six listed platforms and web
- Supports 2D and 3D game development
- Includes Box2D and Bullet physics wrappers
- Offers TCP, HTTP, and WebSocket networking
What to know first
- No console export
- iOS builds require Xcode on macOS
- No visual scripting
Alternatives to Gideros Alternatives to libGDX The whole list