Cocos2D-X vs Phaser

Overview

Cocos2D-X

Stacks63

Followers86

Votes0

Phaser

Stacks134

Followers173

Votes4

Cocos2D-X vs Phaser: What are the differences?

Introduction:

Cocos2D-X and Phaser are both popular game development frameworks used for creating cross-platform games. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two that set them apart.

1. Compatibility: Cocos2D-X is primarily used for developing games for mobile platforms like iOS and Android, whereas Phaser is designed to work on web browsers. Cocos2D-X provides a more native experience for mobile devices, while Phaser offers easy integration with web technologies.

2. Programming Language: Cocos2D-X is primarily written in C++, making it a popular choice for developers who prefer lower-level programming. Phaser, on the other hand, is built using JavaScript and is more accessible to web developers with experience in front-end development.

3. Community and Resources: Cocos2D-X has a larger and more established community due to its longer history, providing developers with a wealth of resources, tutorials, and support. Phaser, while having a smaller community, has a constantly growing user base and a strong developer community focused on web-based games.

4. Features and Functionality: Cocos2D-X offers more advanced features and functionality out of the box, including support for 3D graphics and physics engines. Phaser, on the other hand, focuses more on 2D game development and provides a simpler and lightweight framework.

5. Deployment and Distribution: Cocos2D-X allows for easy deployment to multiple platforms without significant modifications, making it suitable for developing games for multiple devices. Phaser is primarily designed for web deployment and may require additional steps for distribution on different platforms.

6. Learning Curve: Cocos2D-X has a steeper learning curve due to its lower-level programming language and complex setup process. Phaser, being built on JavaScript, has a shallower learning curve and provides a more beginner-friendly environment for web developers.

In Summary, Cocos2D-X is more focused on mobile development with advanced features and a steeper learning curve, while Phaser is geared towards web-based games with a simpler framework, JavaScript language, and easier distribution.

Share your Stack

Help developers discover the tools you use. Get visibility for your team's tech choices and contribute to the community's knowledge.

View Docs

CLI (Node.js)

Manual

Detailed Comparison

Cocos2D-X	Phaser
Cocos2d-x is an open-source and cross-platform open source free 2D game engine for mobile game development known for its speed, stability, and ease of use	It is a free open source HTML5 game framework. It uses Pixi.js for WebGL and Canvas rendering across desktop and mobile web browsers. Games can be compiled to iOS and Android apps via 3rd party tools.
Statistics
Stacks 63	Stacks 134
Followers 86	Followers 173
Votes 0	Votes 4
Pros & Cons
Cons 2 Popular only in Asia 2 Based on Chinese 1 No GUI 1 Very poor system 1 Not Popular in itch.io and in Steam	Pros 1 Compile to iOS, Android and native apps 1 Open Source 1 WebGL and Canvas rendering 1 JavaScript or TypeScript Cons 4 No GUI
Integrations
C++	No integrations available

What are some alternatives to Cocos2D-X, Phaser?

Unity

Unity is the ultimate game development platform. Use Unity to build high-quality 3D and 2D games, deploy them across mobile, desktop, VR/AR, consoles or the Web, and connect with loyal and enthusiastic players and customers.

Godot

It is an advanced, feature-packed, multi-platform 2D and 3D open source game engine. It is developed by hundreds of contributors from all around the world.

Unreal Engine

It is a game engine that helps you make games. It is made up of several components that work together to drive the game. Its massive system of tools and editors allows you to organize your assets and manipulate them to create the gameplay for your game.

Gamemaker Studio 2

It has everything you need to take your idea from concept to finished game. With no barriers to entry and powerful functionality.

Panda3D

It is a game engine that includes graphics, audio, I/O, collision detection, and other abilities relevant to the creation of 3D games.

pygame

It is a cross-platform set of Python modules designed for writing video games. It includes computer graphics and sound libraries designed to be used with the Python programming language.

Corona SDK

It is a cross-platform framework ideal for rapidly creating apps and games for mobile devices and desktop systems. It builds rich mobile apps for iOS, Android, Kindle and Nook. Build high quality mobile apps in a fraction of the time.

Buildbox

It is the easiest drag and drop game maker software.Make your own games without coding and export them to iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, PC and Microconsoles.

Amazon Lumberyard

It is a game engine with no royalties or seat fees, frictionless integration with Twitch and AWS, plus much more on the horizon.

AppGameKit

It is an easy to learn game development engine, ideal for Beginners, Hobbyists & Indie developers. It solves many problems caused by mobile device fragmentation. With it you can code your game once and then deploy your game to multiple platforms. Different resolutions and input systems are all easily handled by it.