Exploring Alternatives to Unity for Game Development
Unity’s new revenue model has recently caused quite a stir among game developers. Many are now seeking alternatives that offer more flexibility and affordability. Fortunately, many game engines and technologies are available to cater to diverse needs.
In this article, we’ll explore some noteworthy options beyond Unity.
Best Alternate Game Engines
Godot Engine
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Commercial Support: W4 Games
Platforms Supported: Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, HTML5/Web
Godot Engine is an open-source gem that’s gained popularity for its affordability. With no royalties to pay, it’s an excellent choice for indie developers. For those in need of commercial support, W4 Games offers assistance. The Engine supports various platforms, making it versatile for multiple game app development projects.
Defold
Cost: Free with full source code access
License: Custom license
Platforms Supported: Linux, macOS, Windows, PlayStation 4, Switch, iOS, Android
Planned: Xbox (Q1 2024), PlayStation 5 (Q3 2023)
Defold may not be strictly open source, but it provides extensive openness due to its custom license. It’s worth noting that their license prohibits charging for the game engine itself. Developers seeking console support will appreciate Defold’s plans to add Xbox and PlayStation 5 compatibility.
Solar2D
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, HTML5/Web
Solar2D, formerly known as Corona, is a versatile engine that supports a wide range of platforms. Its open-source nature and royalty-free model make it a budget-friendly choice for developers.
Ren’Py (Visual Novel Engine)
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Android, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS
Ren’Py specializes in visual novel game development. With no royalties and open-source availability, it’s a solid option for storytellers and narrative-focused games.
Solarus
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Nintendo Switch
Solarus is an open-source engine suitable for developing 2D action-adventure games. Its royalty-free model makes it an attractive choice for developers aiming to create immersive experiences.
HaxeFlixel
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, HTML5/Web
HaxeFlixel is a powerful 2D game engine that supports various platforms. Its open-source nature and royalty-free model make it a top choice for 2D game enthusiasts.
Unreal Engine
Cost: Free (no royalties until earnings reach $1 million)
License: Not open source, but offers full source code access
Platforms Supported: Windows PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, iOS, Android, ARKit, ARCore, OpenXR, SteamVR, Oculus, Linux, Steam Deck
Unreal Engine is known for its stunning graphics and versatility. While not open source, it provides full source code access and only requires royalties for substantial earnings, offering flexibility to developers.
Castle Game Engine
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Linux, Windows, macOS, FreeBSD, Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Planned: Xbox, WebGL
Castle Game Engine is an open-source engine that supports a variety of platforms. With plans to expand to Xbox and WebGL, it’s worth considering for your game development needs.
GDevelop
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Programming: Event system-based
Platforms Supported: Windows, Linux, macOS, HTML5
GDevelop takes a unique approach with an event system instead of traditional programming. It’s open source, making it accessible for developers seeking a code-free or code-light game creation experience.
Adventure Game Studio
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties (with exceptions)
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux
Editor: Windows only
Adventure Game Studio caters to point-and-click adventure game enthusiasts. While the Engine is open source and royalty-free, there are a few considerations for commercial game developers.
Bevy
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Web, iOS
Planned: Android
Bevy is a Rust-based game engine known for its performance and flexibility. It’s a strong contender for cross-platform game development with plans to support Android.
O3DE
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
O3DE is an open-source engine designed for AAA game development. Its royalty-free model makes it accessible to developers of all scales.
Heaps
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, tvOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, HTML5
Heaps is a versatile engine that supports a wide range of platforms. Whether you’re developing for consoles, mobile devices, or the web, Heaps has you covered.
Frameworks
LÖVE
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS
LÖVE is a lightweight framework for creating 2D games in Lua. Its simplicity and open-source nature make it an excellent choice for hobbyists and small teams.
FNA
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, tvOS, Xbox (One, Series S|X), Nintendo Switch
FNA is a framework designed for porting XNA-based games to various platforms. It’s open source and free, making it a valuable tool for cross-platform development.
MonoGame
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPad, Android, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
MonoGame is a versatile framework that allows you to develop games for multiple platforms. It’s open source and well-suited for those who enjoyed XNA.
LDtk (2D Level Editor)
Cost: Free, open source, no royalties
Platforms Supported: Windows, macOS, Linux
LDtk is a 2D level editor that simplifies the creation of game levels. It’s open source and a valuable addition to your game development toolkit.
Conclusion
Unity may have its place in the game development world, but it’s far from the only option. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting your journey, these alternatives offer various features, licensing models, and platform support to suit your needs. Switching game engines mid-project can be challenging, so choose wisely based on your project’s requirements and your team’s expertise.
Game development is a diverse field; these engines and frameworks open possibilities for creative minds. Explore, experiment, and find the perfect fit for your next gaming masterpiece.
