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Defold

Paid

Create console-quality 3D and engaging 2D indie games with built-in physics, AI, and networking.

3.0
Type
Saas
Founded
2020
Company
Defold Foundation

About Defold

Defold is an open-source game engine that enables developers to create high-quality, interactive gaming experiences for a variety of platforms. With its intuitive editor, robust toolset and powerful scripting API, Defold makes it easy for developers of all skill levels to create amazing games. From modern, console-quality 3D titles to casual, 2D indie games, Defold gives developers the tools they need to create engaging experiences that will captivate players. With built-in support for physics, AI, and networking, Defold is the perfect choice for developers looking to bring their dreams to life. Plus, it’s free to use, so you can get started creating games quickly and easily. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, Defold has the power to help you make the games of your dreams.

Key Features

Create console-quality 3D games.
Design engaging 2D indie games.
Utilize built-in physics, AI, and networking.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Completely free with no hidden costs or royalties.
  • Open-source with source on GitHub for customization and transparency.
  • Very small engine size, enabling fast downloads and updates.
  • No setup required: just download and start creating.
  • Single codebase for all major platforms, reducing development time.
  • Active community and regular updates, backed by the Defold Foundation.
  • Extensive learning resources: tutorials, manuals, courses, and forums.
Cons
  • Primarily uses Lua scripting, which may be less familiar to some developers compared to C# or C++.
  • 3D capabilities are limited to lightweight 3D; not suitable for high-end console-quality 3D.
  • Smaller ecosystem of third-party plugins and assets compared to larger engines.

Best For

Create console-quality 3D games.Design engaging 2D indie games.Utilize built-in physics, AI, and networking.

Alternatives to Defold

FAQ

Is Defold free to use?
Yes, Defold is completely free forever. There are no upfront costs, licensing fees, royalties, or runtime fees.
What platforms does Defold support?
Defold supports PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Steam, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, HTML5, Poki, Facebook, and Xbox (coming soon).
Do I need to register or set up anything to start?
No, Defold comes fully featured out of the box with no registration or setup required. Just download and start creating.
What programming language does Defold use?
Game logic is written in Lua. You can also extend the engine with native code (C, C++, etc.) via the native extension system.
Is the Defold source code available?
Yes, the source code is available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license, allowing inspection, customization, and extension.