Unity vs three.js

Overview

Unity

Stacks1.8K

Followers1.4K

Votes78

three.js

Stacks824

Followers530

Votes0

GitHub Stars109.2K

Forks36.1K

Unity vs three.js: What are the differences?

Introduction

Unity and three.js are both popular frameworks used in game development. However, they have significant differences that set them apart. In this comparison, we will explore six key differences between Unity and three.js.

Platform and Compatibility: Unity is a powerful game engine that allows developers to create games for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and many others. On the other hand, three.js is a JavaScript library that runs on web browsers, making it compatible with different operating systems and devices.
Development Environment: Unity provides a comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with a visual editor, scripting, and debugging tools, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. In contrast, three.js primarily relies on coding within a text editor, requiring developers to have a strong understanding of JavaScript and WebGL.
3D Capabilities: Unity is known for its advanced 3D capabilities, offering features like real-time rendering, physics simulations, and animation tools. In comparison, while three.js also supports 3D graphics, it is more focused on utilizing the power of WebGL to create interactive 3D experiences within web browsers.
Community and Resources: Unity has a large and active community of developers, providing extensive documentation, tutorials, forums, and asset stores filled with ready-made game assets. In contrast, three.js also has a dedicated community, but it is relatively smaller compared to Unity, resulting in fewer resources and support options.
Ease of Use: Unity provides a visual editor, drag-and-drop functionality, and a wide range of built-in tools, making it easier for non-programmers to create games. On the other hand, three.js requires a deeper understanding of JavaScript, WebGL, and 3D concepts, making it more suitable for experienced developers.
Cost: Unity offers a free version that allows developers to get started without any upfront cost. However, certain advanced features and platform deployment may require purchasing a license. In contrast, three.js is an open-source library, completely free to use, modify, and distribute.

In summary, Unity is a versatile game engine with multi-platform support, powerful 3D capabilities, and an extensive set of resources. On the other hand, three.js is a JavaScript library focused on creating interactive 3D experiences within web browsers, requiring a solid understanding of JavaScript and WebGL.

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Advice on Unity, three.js

Alexey

Software Engineer / Game Developer at Norlin Games

Jun 11, 2020

Decided

When I started to learn game development, I've tried to use Unity multiple times because it's the most popular option. But never get it worked because of the clunky UI which is very hard to understand for a new user. After some time, I've decided to try UE4 despite there was a lot of rumors that it's "heavy" or requires an AAA team. And suddenly it clicked, everything works as I expecting, UI is clear and much more powerfull, no need to build custom tools to work on the game itself. Blueprints are very helpful for beginners, C++ has a lot of "syntax-sugar" - macroses, a lot of convenient in-engine types for everything. Later while working with Unreal, I've realized it has very consistent roadmap with constant improvements and adding new features. At the same time, each major version update is painless so you can upgrade your project during development to get new features. UE4 is free to use with the full list of features and you only have to pay royalty after getting your first $1 million from the project (and that's just the default case, you can always discuss custom license with an upfront fee, if you want to).

92.3k views92.3k

Comments

Arthur

Software Engineer at Value Industry

Mar 1, 2020

Decided

I chose Unity over Unreal Engine because Unity has a more user friendly UI for beginners looking to learn game development. Additionally, as someone who uses a lot of online resources to learn new languages and tools, I found a lot of tutorials covering game development with Unity as the core engine. This doesn't mean Unreal is not a great choice for game development, I just personally found learning game development much smoother with the amount of resources available with Unity.

89.8k views89.8k

Comments

Detailed Comparison

Unity	three.js
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.	It is a cross-browser JavaScript library and Application Programming Interface used to create and display animated 3D computer graphics in a web browser.
Statistics
GitHub Stars -	GitHub Stars 109.2K
GitHub Forks -	GitHub Forks 36.1K
Stacks 1.8K	Stacks 824
Followers 1.4K	Followers 530
Votes 78	Votes 0
Pros & Cons
Pros 17 Because it's a powerful engine, you can build anything 15 C# language 12 Very Popular 8 Easy to Use 7 Cross Platform Cons 4 Clunky UI 4 Closed source 4 Hard to get started with 3 No consistency with updates 3 Requires to build a lot of tools	No community feedback yet

What are some alternatives to Unity, three.js?

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.

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.

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.

Phaser

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.

Related Comparisons

Unity vs three.js: What are the differences?

Introduction

Platform and Compatibility: Unity is a powerful game engine that allows developers to create games for multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and many others. On the other hand, three.js is a JavaScript library that runs on web browsers, making it compatible with different operating systems and devices.
Development Environment: Unity provides a comprehensive Integrated Development Environment (IDE) with a visual editor, scripting, and debugging tools, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced developers. In contrast, three.js primarily relies on coding within a text editor, requiring developers to have a strong understanding of JavaScript and WebGL.
3D Capabilities: Unity is known for its advanced 3D capabilities, offering features like real-time rendering, physics simulations, and animation tools. In comparison, while three.js also supports 3D graphics, it is more focused on utilizing the power of WebGL to create interactive 3D experiences within web browsers.
Community and Resources: Unity has a large and active community of developers, providing extensive documentation, tutorials, forums, and asset stores filled with ready-made game assets. In contrast, three.js also has a dedicated community, but it is relatively smaller compared to Unity, resulting in fewer resources and support options.
Ease of Use: Unity provides a visual editor, drag-and-drop functionality, and a wide range of built-in tools, making it easier for non-programmers to create games. On the other hand, three.js requires a deeper understanding of JavaScript, WebGL, and 3D concepts, making it more suitable for experienced developers.
Cost: Unity offers a free version that allows developers to get started without any upfront cost. However, certain advanced features and platform deployment may require purchasing a license. In contrast, three.js is an open-source library, completely free to use, modify, and distribute.

Unity vs three.js

Overview

Unity vs three.js: What are the differences?