Cocos2d-x
Cocos2d-x is a free, open-source C++ framework for making games, apps, and other interactive GUI programs.
What Cocos2d-x is
Cocos2d-x is a free, open-source C++ framework for making games, apps, and other interactive GUI programs. Developers can target mobile, desktop, web, and console platforms from one codebase, using C++ or its JavaScript and Lua bindings. The product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering, and describes Lua or JavaScript hot updates for games. Its maker characterizes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized for devices that include low-end Android systems. The framework is maintained by the community under the MIT license. The download page says version 4.0 uses CMake across platforms, supports Metal on iOS and macOS, and removes the H5 engine and JSB. The product page lists version 3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and standard HTML5 browsers. Documentation, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and developer forums are available as support resources.
Good
- Free and MIT-licensed.
- Targets mobile, desktop, web, and console.
- Includes C++, JavaScript, and Lua options.
- Documentation, tutorials, demos, API reference, and forums are listed.
Watch out
- Version 4.0 removes the H5 engine and JSB.
- Version 3.17's listed platform support has minimum OS versions.
Who it suits
Cocos2d-x suits developers building cross-platform games or interactive apps who want to work in C++, Lua, or JavaScript. Its listed mobile, desktop, web, and console targets offer options for projects intended for several platform types.
Verdict
Cocos2d-x combines cross-platform targets with C++ and JavaScript or Lua bindings. Developers should check the version-specific platform notes, particularly the changes described for version 4.0.
Plans and prices
From Cocos2d-x's own pricing page, checked 11 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Cocos2d-x | Free | Open-source framework · MIT license |
The facts
Each one read from Cocos2d-x's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Console export
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Developer environments
- The documentation says Cocos2d-x can be installed on OS X, Windows, and Linux for development, with deployment to iOS, Android, OS X, Windows, and game consoles.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Language bindings
- The framework includes JavaScript and Lua bindings alongside C++.checked 11 Oct 2026
- License and maintenance
- Cocos2d-x is licensed under MIT and maintained by the community.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Mobile export
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
- Performance
- The maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized to run on devices including low-end Android systems.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- The maker's privacy policy says product usage statistics can be disabled through command-line settings and describes firewalls and restricted physical access for its database server.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The maker's product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting languages
- C++,Lua,JavaScriptchecked 20 Sep 2026
- Script updates
- The product page says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Source code model
- open_sourcechecked 20 Sep 2026
- Support resources
- The maker provides documents, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and developer forums.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Targets
- The product page says developers can publish from one codebase to mobile, desktop, web, and console.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Tools and integrations
- The v3.17 release page lists CMake support across platforms and Spine runtime 3.6.39.checked 11 Oct 2026
- v4.0 changes
- The download page says v4.0 supports Metal on iOS and macOS, uses CMake for all platforms, and removes the H5 engine and JSB.checked 11 Oct 2026
- What it does
- Cocos2d-x is an open-source C++ game framework for building games, apps, and other cross-platform interactive GUI programs.checked 11 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 20 Sep 2026
The company
- Maker
- The maker's About page identifies Xiamen Yaji Software and says it was founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing.checked 11 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Platform version limits
- The product page lists v3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and HTML5 standard browsers.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Target platforms
- mobile,desktop,web,consolechecked 20 Sep 2026
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