Defold

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Score9.5

Rank#4 of 91

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, Browser extension, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows

Summary

Defold is a game engine for creating cross-platform 2D and 3D games. Its toolchain combines an editor, runtime, scripting workflow, build pipeline, and deployment flow. Game logic uses Lua, while native extensions can be written in C, C++, Objective-C, Java, or JavaScript. Built-in tools include visual editors, a debugger, profiler, particle effects, animation, and 2D and 3D physics. Defold supports deployment to Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch. Integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, Nakama, and PlayFab. Its Asset Portal provides reusable components and extensions. Live Update can deliver additional game content after the initial download, with customizable content verification. The engine, editor, and build tools have source code available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license derived from Apache 2. Defold is free forever, with no licensing, royalty, or runtime fees. Community help is available through its forum, and technical support contracts are available if needed.

Who it is for

Defold suits indie creators, students, and studios making commercial games across its supported platforms. Its editor requirements include macOS 11 Big Sur or newer, Windows Vista or newer, or Ubuntu 18.04 64-bit or newer.

What is good

Supports 2D and 3D game development.
Exports to desktop, mobile, web, and listed consoles.
Includes debugger, profiler, animation, and physics.
Source code is available on GitHub.
No licensing, royalty, or runtime fees.

What to know first

Visual scripting is not available.
Editor requires a listed minimum operating system.

Verdict

Defold brings editing, scripting, building, and deployment into one free engine. Its Lua-based workflow and broad export targets may suit creators comfortable with scripting.

Defold plans and pricing

All plans

Defold Free Free forever No licensing fees · No royalties · No runtime fees defold.com · 2 Oct 2026

Compared on game engine software

Free plan: Yesdefold.com
Visual scripting: Nodefold.com
Multiplayer tools: Yesdefold.com

Facts

Source code model: source_availabledefold.com · 24 Sept 2026
Mobile export: Yesdefold.com · 24 Sept 2026
Console export: Yesdefold.com · 24 Sept 2026
Target platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switchdefold.com · 24 Sept 2026
Scripting languages: Lua, Teal, C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Java, JavaScriptdefold.com · 24 Sept 2026
Product: Defold is an all-in-one game engine for building cross-platform 2D and 3D games.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Workflow: The toolchain combines an editor, runtime, scripting workflow, build pipeline, and deployment flow.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Languages: Game logic is written in Lua, and native extensions can be written in C, C++, Objective-C, Java, or JavaScript.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Features: The engine includes visual editors, a debugger, profiler, particle effects, animation, and integrated 2D and 3D physics.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Platforms: Games can be deployed to desktop, mobile, web, and consoles; the editor runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Integrations: Officially supported integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, and game backends such as Nakama and PlayFab.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Extensions: The Asset Portal offers reusable components and extensions, including integrations for third-party SDKs and services.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Live Update: Live Update can deliver additional game content after the initial download and includes customizable content verification.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Source: The engine, editor, and build tools have source code available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license derived from Apache 2.0.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Support: Defold offers community help through its forum and says technical support contracts are available if needed.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Audience: Defold describes itself as suitable for indie creators, students, and studios shipping commercial games.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Desktop requirements: The editor requires macOS 11 Big Sur or newer, Windows Vista or newer, or Ubuntu 18.04 64-bit or newer.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026
Maker: The Defold Foundation owns the Defold brand and product, and Refold AB is contracted for most day-to-day product work.defold.com · 2 Oct 2026