Game engine
libGDX
libGDX is a Java game framework. One codebase can target desktop, Android, and the web. You do not get an editor.
Developer: libGDX contributors
Java and Kotlin gamesAndroid2D without an editor
Overview
A generated project splits core gameplay from platform launchers. Desktop is where you iterate. Android is the usual shipping target people pick it for.
HTML5 goes through a web backend and is slower to debug than desktop. Treat it as a port, not the first run.
Technical specifications
Specs checked 2026-10-05. Version lines move; the download link is the source of truth.
- Developer
- libGDX contributors
- Version line
- Current release
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Business model
- libGDX is Apache-2.0. Commercial games do not pay a royalty.
- Releases
- Releases are tagged on GitHub. The setup tool tracks a current version.
- Editor platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Export targets
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Web
- Languages
- Java
- 2D / 3D
- 2D/3D
- VR
- No first-party VR toolkit.
- AR
- No.
- Visual scripting
- No. You write Java or Kotlin.
- Beginners
- No. It assumes you can build a Java project.
- Learning curve
- Moderate for Java developers. Scene tools are libraries you choose, not a default editor.
- Graphics
- 2D is the common path. 3D APIs exist and expect you to assemble the scene.
- Team size
- Programmers, often with an Android target.
- GitHub stars
- 25,421 · libgdx/libgdx
- Documentation
- https://libgdx.com/wiki/
- Community
- https://libgdx.com/community/
- Assets and examples
- https://libgdx.com/wiki/
- Download
- https://libgdx.com
Where it fits
- Apache-2.0 and a long-lived Java API.
- Desktop and Android share gameplay code.
- 2D tools for sprites, tilemaps, and UI are in the box.
Where it does not
- No scene editor.
- iOS is a backend with extra native setup, not the happy path.
- 3D is possible and not the reason most teams arrive.
Matching source
No sample projects are listed for this engine yet.
How does it compare?
The same shape of framework, in C#.
An editor when the Java framework is too bare.
Questions
Is libGDX free for commercial games?
Yes. The license is Apache-2.0.
Do I need Android Studio?
For an Android build, yes. Desktop development can stay on a normal Java toolchain.
Is there an editor?
No.
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