Game engine
MonoGame
MonoGame is a C# game framework in the XNA shape. It is MIT. It is not an editor.
Developer: MonoGame contributors
C# games without an editorXNA-style codebasesCross-platform 2D
Overview
You create a game class, load content, and draw. The content pipeline builds textures, audio, and fonts into a form the runtime loads.
Desktop is the straightforward start. Mobile and consoles need the platform SDKs and, for consoles, the vendor programs.
Technical specifications
Specs checked 2026-10-05. Version lines move; the download link is the source of truth.
- Developer
- MonoGame contributors
- Version line
- Current release
- License
- MIT
- Business model
- MonoGame is MIT. There is no seat license or engine royalty.
- Releases
- Releases are tagged on GitHub. Templates track those versions.
- Editor platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Export targets
- Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Consoles
- Languages
- C#
- 2D / 3D
- 2D/3D
- VR
- No first-party VR framework.
- AR
- No.
- Visual scripting
- No. You write C#.
- Beginners
- No. It fits people who already want C# and a game loop, not a first editor.
- Learning curve
- Moderate if you know C#. You own content, scenes, and tools.
- Graphics
- 2D sprites and 3D drawing through a graphics device. Fidelity depends on the renderer you build.
- Team size
- Programmers. Artists need a pipeline you set up.
- GitHub stars
- 14,486 · MonoGame/MonoGame
- Documentation
- https://docs.monogame.net
- Community
- https://community.monogame.net
- Assets and examples
- https://docs.monogame.net
- Download
- https://monogame.net
Where it fits
- MIT C# with a stable XNA-style API.
- Desktop, mobile, and console targets from one framework.
- No editor means the project is ordinary C# in source control.
Where it does not
- No scene editor, visual animator, or built-in level tool.
- 3D means writing or bringing a renderer, not opening a viewport and placing lights.
- Console access is still a vendor relationship, not a checkbox.
Matching source
No sample projects are listed for this engine yet.
How does it compare?
C# with a 3D editor, also MIT.
C# plus an editor, asset store, and a commercial license.
Questions
Is MonoGame the same as Unity?
No. Both use C#. MonoGame is a framework. Unity is an editor and a proprietary engine.
Can I sell a MonoGame game?
Yes. The framework is MIT.
Does it include an editor?
No.
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