{
  "title": "Game engine comparison (Indie Tooling)",
  "description": "Price, royalties, licence, platforms and the latest version of the engines indie developers actually use, side by side. We update a row every time we cover a release.",
  "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines",
  "updated": "2026-11-02",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "licenseName": "CC BY 4.0",
  "citation": "Indie Tooling, \"Game engine comparison\", https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines",
  "count": 17,
  "entries": [
    {
      "id": "benne",
      "name": "BENNE",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Genre engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "Unversioned",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Web",
        "Windows"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "TypeScript (BenneScript)"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Solo devs making small, low-resolution pixel-art point-and-click adventures for itch.io or the web",
      "watchOut": "Young one-developer project: Aseprite art and bitmap fonts only, no macOS, Linux, mobile or console builds",
      "website": "https://benne.games",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "BENNE official site and documentation",
          "outlet": "BENNE",
          "url": "https://benne.games"
        },
        {
          "title": "BENNE: a point-and-click adventure engine built on Phaser 4 and TypeScript",
          "outlet": "Phaser News",
          "url": "https://phaser.io/news/2026/10/benne-phaser-4-point-and-click-engine"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "benne-phaser-point-and-click"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-30",
          "version": "First coverage",
          "note": "First wide airing on Phaser News: rooms, inventory, dialogue, VS Code editor extension",
          "post": "benne-phaser-point-and-click"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#benne"
    },
    {
      "id": "bevy",
      "name": "Bevy",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Code-first framework",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "0.20.1",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-28",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT or Apache 2.0",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Web",
        "iOS",
        "Android"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Rust"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Rust programmers making systems-heavy games such as sims, strategy and factory games",
      "watchOut": "No official editor yet, and every release brings breaking changes that plugins must catch up with",
      "website": "https://bevy.org",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Bevy 0.20 release notes",
          "outlet": "Bevy",
          "url": "https://bevy.org/news/bevy-0-20/"
        },
        {
          "title": "bevy crate versions",
          "outlet": "crates.io",
          "url": "https://crates.io/api/v1/crates/bevy/versions"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "bevy-0-20-stride-4-4",
        "fyrox-vs-bevy-rust-engines"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-28",
          "version": "0.20.1",
          "note": "Patch release on crates.io"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-10-08",
          "version": "0.20",
          "note": "Sprite materials, Solari path tracer on macOS, DLSS-RR 4.5, more Feathers editor widgets",
          "post": "bevy-0-20-stride-4-4"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-08-13",
          "version": "0.19.1",
          "note": "Patch release on crates.io"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-19",
          "version": "0.19",
          "note": "Introduced BSN, the Bevy Scene Notation that will underpin the editor"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#bevy"
    },
    {
      "id": "construct-3",
      "name": "Construct 3",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "2D engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "r506.2",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-15",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Proprietary EULA",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "US$129.99 a year (Personal); limited free edition",
      "priceModel": "subscription",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Web"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Web",
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Event sheets (visual)",
        "JavaScript",
        "TypeScript"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Beginners, educators and web-first 2D devs who want no-code events with JavaScript when needed",
      "watchOut": "Subscription stops editor access if it lapses. 3D is new: lighting arrived in r506, shadows are not here yet",
      "website": "https://www.construct.net",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Construct r506.2 release notes",
          "outlet": "Scirra",
          "url": "https://www.construct.net/en/make-games/releases/stable/r506-2"
        },
        {
          "title": "Construct r495.3 LTS release notes",
          "outlet": "Scirra",
          "url": "https://www.construct.net/en/make-games/releases/lts/r495-3"
        },
        {
          "title": "Construct 3 pricing changes",
          "outlet": "Scirra",
          "url": "https://www.construct.net/en/pricing-changes"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "construct-3-r506-3d-lighting",
        "construct-3-r495-lts"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-15",
          "version": "r506.2",
          "note": "Hotfix for r506 regressions in 3D Model animation and the Arcane Express example"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-10-14",
          "version": "r506",
          "note": "3D lights, PBR materials, FBX and OBJ import, animation blending; Normalized Z scale removed",
          "post": "construct-3-r506-3d-lighting"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-10-13",
          "version": "r495.3 LTS",
          "note": "New long-term support release, supported to the end of 2027; r449 LTS ends 2026",
          "post": "construct-3-r495-lts"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-07",
          "version": "r495",
          "note": "3D rotation, Billboard behaviour, 3D mesh editing, direct folder export"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#construct-3"
    },
    {
      "id": "defold",
      "name": "Defold",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "2D engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "1.14.0",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-12",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Defold License (derived from Apache 2.0)",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Web",
        "Nintendo Switch",
        "PlayStation 4 and 5",
        "Xbox"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Lua",
        "C++ (native extensions)"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Small 2D games that need tiny web and mobile builds, and the cheapest route to all three consoles",
      "watchOut": "Small community next to Godot or Unity. Console access needs platform approval and no Xbox game has shipped yet",
      "website": "https://defold.com",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Defold 1.14.0 release notes",
          "outlet": "Defold",
          "url": "https://defold.com/2026/10/12/Defold-1-14-0/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Defold adds support for Microsoft Xbox",
          "outlet": "Defold",
          "url": "https://defold.com/2026/10/12/Defold-adds-support-for-Microsoft-Xbox/"
        },
        {
          "title": "The Defold License",
          "outlet": "Defold",
          "url": "https://www.defold.com/license"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "defold-1-14-xbox-support"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-12",
          "version": "1.14.0",
          "note": "Xbox support for approved developers, cubemap render targets, text shaping, Metal by default on macOS",
          "post": "defold-1-14-xbox-support"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-09-29",
          "version": "1.13.2",
          "note": "Rich text for labels and GUI, new Bullet3D API, 3D collision meshes"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-08-17",
          "version": "1.13.1",
          "note": "Light components, more editor scripting APIs, wider gamepad support"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-22",
          "version": "1.13.0",
          "note": "Morph targets, expanded Box2D APIs, Vulkan by default on Android"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#defold"
    },
    {
      "id": "flax",
      "name": "Flax Engine",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "3D",
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "1.13",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-21",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Flax EULA (source available)",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "royalty",
      "royalty": "4% of gross revenue above US$250k per product per calendar quarter",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux",
        "macOS"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux",
        "macOS",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Web",
        "Consoles (registered developers)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C#",
        "C++",
        "Visual scripting"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "C# or C++ devs who want a modern 3D renderer with full source and a gentler royalty than Unreal",
      "watchOut": "Small team and community, and you may not publish the engine source or your changes to it",
      "website": "https://flaxengine.com",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Flax 1.13 released",
          "outlet": "Flax Engine",
          "url": "https://flaxengine.com/blog/flax-1-13-released/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Flax FAQ: licensing",
          "outlet": "Flax Engine",
          "url": "https://flaxengine.com/faq/"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-21",
          "version": "1.13",
          "note": "DDGI updates, PCSS soft shadows, occlusion culling, split-screen, move to .NET 10 and C# 14"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-04",
          "version": "1.12",
          "note": "Feature and stability release, over 1,481 commits"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-10",
          "version": "1.11",
          "note": "Graphics, editor tooling and stability release"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#flax"
    },
    {
      "id": "fyrox",
      "name": "Fyrox",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "1.0.1",
      "releaseDate": "2026-03",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Web",
        "Android",
        "iOS"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Rust"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Rust teams who want a Unity-style visual editor and a stable 1.x API",
      "watchOut": "Very small team with little funding, no global illumination yet, and no commercial games listed",
      "website": "https://fyrox.rs",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Fyrox Game Engine 1.0.0",
          "outlet": "Fyrox",
          "url": "https://fyrox.rs/blog/post/fyrox-game-engine-1-0-0/"
        },
        {
          "title": "fyrox 1.0.1 builds",
          "outlet": "docs.rs",
          "url": "https://docs.rs/crate/fyrox/1.0.1/builds"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "fyrox-vs-bevy-rust-engines"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-03",
          "version": "1.0.1",
          "note": "Patch release after 1.0.0"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-03-24",
          "version": "1.0.0",
          "note": "First stable release with FyroxEd and a CLI exporter for PC, web and Android",
          "post": "fyrox-vs-bevy-rust-engines"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-02-09",
          "version": "1.0 RC 2",
          "note": "Second release candidate"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-10-21",
          "version": "1.0 RC 1",
          "note": "First release candidate; native assets moved to a text format"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#fyrox"
    },
    {
      "id": "gamemaker",
      "name": "GameMaker",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "2D engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "LTS 2026.0",
      "releaseDate": "2026-05-21",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Proprietary EULA",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "Free for non-commercial use; US$99.99 one-off Professional to sell games",
      "priceModel": "one-off",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux (Ubuntu)"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Web",
        "GX.games",
        "Consoles (Enterprise licence)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "GML Code",
        "GML Visual"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "2D devs who want a mature, focused editor with a proven track record on Steam and consoles",
      "watchOut": "Free GMRT commercial use only starts 1 January 2027 and GMRT is still in beta. Console export needs Enterprise",
      "website": "https://gamemaker.io",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "GameMaker LTS 2026.0: New Features, GMRT and Much More",
          "outlet": "GameMaker",
          "url": "https://gamemaker.io/blog/lts-2026-release"
        },
        {
          "title": "GMRT Update: Free for Commercial Use and Source Access",
          "outlet": "GameMaker",
          "url": "https://gamemaker.io/en/blog/gmrt-update"
        },
        {
          "title": "Get GameMaker: pricing tiers",
          "outlet": "GameMaker",
          "url": "https://gamemaker.io/get"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "gamemaker-gmrt-free-commercial"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-23",
          "version": "Licensing",
          "note": "GMRT games free to sell on desktop, mobile and web from 1 January 2027; GMRT source for all tiers",
          "post": "gamemaker-gmrt-free-commercial"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-05-21",
          "version": "LTS 2026.0",
          "note": "New primary version: UI Layers, Particle Editor, Prefab Library, Switch 2 target, GMRT beta support"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-04-30",
          "version": "Roadmap",
          "note": "LTS26 plan announced; GMS2 runtime declared feature complete, new features go to GMRT"
        },
        {
          "date": "2023-11",
          "version": "Pricing",
          "note": "Free for non-commercial use; commercial licence became a one-off payment"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#gamemaker"
    },
    {
      "id": "gdevelop",
      "name": "GDevelop",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "2D engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "5.6.285",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free; optional Silver, Gold and Pro subscriptions",
      "priceModel": "free-tier",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Web"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Web",
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Event sheets (visual)",
        "JavaScript"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Beginners and hobbyists who want a free, no-code editor that runs in the browser and publishes to the web fast",
      "watchOut": "One-click builds are capped per day on the free plan, and companies over US$50k revenue are told to use a paid plan",
      "website": "https://gdevelop.io",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "GDevelop pricing",
          "outlet": "GDevelop",
          "url": "https://gdevelop.io/pricing"
        },
        {
          "title": "GDevelop v5.6.285 release",
          "outlet": "NewReleases (GitHub mirror)",
          "url": "https://newreleases.io/project/github/4ian/GDevelop/release/v5.6.285"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10",
          "version": "5.6.285",
          "note": "3D physics body type action, invoices in profile, fix for a cloud session cookie leak"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-12-29",
          "version": "5.6.271",
          "note": "Release noted on the GDevelop forum"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#gdevelop"
    },
    {
      "id": "godot",
      "name": "Godot Engine",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "4.7.2",
      "releaseDate": "2026-08-18",
      "preview": {
        "version": "4.8 beta 2",
        "date": "2026-10-29"
      },
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "Web"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Web",
        "Consoles (via porting partners)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "GDScript",
        "C#",
        "C++"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Solo devs and small teams who want a free, light editor for 2D or mid-scale 3D with no licence strings",
      "watchOut": "No official console export because console SDKs are under NDA, so you use a porting partner. C# in 4.8 needs .NET 10",
      "website": "https://godotengine.org",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Godot blog: release posts",
          "outlet": "Godot Engine",
          "url": "https://godotengine.org/blog/index.html"
        },
        {
          "title": "Maintenance release: Godot 4.7.1",
          "outlet": "Godot Engine",
          "url": "https://godotengine.org/article/maintenance-release-godot-4-7-1/"
        },
        {
          "title": "4.7-stable release",
          "outlet": "GitHub",
          "url": "https://github.com/godotengine/godot/releases/tag/4.7-stable"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "godot-4-8-beta-1",
        "godot-scenes-are-text"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-29",
          "version": "4.8 beta 2",
          "note": "Second 4.8 beta, regression fixes after the feature freeze"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-10-15",
          "version": "4.8 beta 1",
          "note": "Feature freeze: texture streaming, Trail3D, contact shadows; C# now needs .NET 10",
          "post": "godot-4-8-beta-1"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-08-18",
          "version": "4.7.2",
          "note": "Second 4.7 maintenance release with crash and regression fixes"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-18",
          "version": "4.7",
          "note": "Feature release: AreaLight3D, HDR output and a reworked asset store"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#godot"
    },
    {
      "id": "love2d",
      "name": "LÖVE (Love2D)",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Code-first framework",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "11.5",
      "releaseDate": "2023-12-03",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "zlib",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Lua"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Programmers and jam devs who want a tiny, fast Lua framework for 2D games",
      "watchOut": "No editor and no official web export. Stable 11.5 is nearly three years old while 12.0 stays unreleased",
      "website": "https://love2d.org",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "12.0",
          "outlet": "LÖVE wiki",
          "url": "https://www.love2d.org/wiki/12.0"
        },
        {
          "title": "Löve (game framework)",
          "outlet": "Wikipedia",
          "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%C3%B6ve_(game_framework)"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2023-12-03",
          "version": "11.5",
          "note": "Current stable release"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#love2d"
    },
    {
      "id": "monogame",
      "name": "MonoGame",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Code-first framework",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "3.8.5.1",
      "releaseDate": "2026-08-14",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Microsoft Public License (Ms-PL)",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Consoles (registered developers)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C#"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "C# programmers who want a lean XNA-style framework and full control, with a proven console path",
      "watchOut": "No scene editor, so you build your own tools. Console access needs approval from each platform holder",
      "website": "https://monogame.net",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "3.8.5.1 Release",
          "outlet": "MonoGame Foundation",
          "url": "https://monogame.net/blog/2026-08-14-3.8.5.1-release-2026/"
        },
        {
          "title": "MonoGame 3.8.5 Released",
          "outlet": "GameFromScratch",
          "url": "https://gamefromscratch.com/monogame-3-8-5-released/"
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      ],
      "posts": [],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-08-14",
          "version": "3.8.5.1",
          "note": "Bug-fix release for DX12, Vulkan, audio and SpriteFont; team now working on 3.8.6"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-07-15",
          "version": "3.8.5",
          "note": "New DesktopVK and WindowsDX12 targets, native backend, Content Builder, ARM64 packages"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#monogame"
    },
    {
      "id": "o3de",
      "name": "O3DE (Open 3D Engine)",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "26.05.0",
      "releaseDate": "2026-05-27",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Apache 2.0 or MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux",
        "macOS (experimental)"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "macOS (experimental)",
        "iOS (experimental)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C++",
        "Lua",
        "Python",
        "Script Canvas (visual)"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Engine programmers and studios who want a modular, AAA-style open 3D engine they can fully own",
      "watchOut": "Steep learning curve, heavy builds and a thin indie tutorial base. macOS and iOS support is still experimental",
      "website": "https://o3de.org",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "O3DE 26.05.0 release notes",
          "outlet": "O3DE",
          "url": "https://docs.o3de.org/docs/release-notes/2605-0-release-notes/"
        },
        {
          "title": "O3DE release notes index",
          "outlet": "O3DE",
          "url": "https://www.docs.o3de.org/docs/release-notes/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Open 3D Engine",
          "outlet": "Wikipedia",
          "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_3D_Engine"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-05-27",
          "version": "26.05.0",
          "note": "New native particle system and engine improvements"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-10",
          "version": "25.10",
          "note": "Visual and Vulkan performance upgrades, smoother workflows"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#o3de"
    },
    {
      "id": "phaser",
      "name": "Phaser",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Code-first framework",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "4.2.1",
      "releaseDate": "2026-07-09",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Web"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Web",
        "Desktop and mobile (via wrappers)"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "JavaScript",
        "TypeScript"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Web developers making 2D browser, playable ad or itch.io games in JavaScript or TypeScript",
      "watchOut": "No built-in editor (Phaser Editor is separate) and desktop or mobile builds rely on third-party wrappers",
      "website": "https://phaser.io",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Phaser 4 downloads and release history",
          "outlet": "Phaser",
          "url": "https://phaser.io/download/phaser4"
        },
        {
          "title": "Phaser licence",
          "outlet": "Phaser",
          "url": "https://phaser.io/download/license"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "benne-phaser-point-and-click"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-07-09",
          "version": "4.2.1",
          "note": "Patch release in the Giedi line"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-19",
          "version": "4.2.0",
          "note": "Giedi feature release"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-04-30",
          "version": "4.1.0",
          "note": "Salusa feature release"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-04-10",
          "version": "4.0.0",
          "note": "Phaser 4 stable, with a rebuilt renderer"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#phaser"
    },
    {
      "id": "rpg-maker",
      "name": "RPG Maker MZ",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "Genre engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "MZ 1.10.0",
      "releaseDate": "2026-02-02",
      "preview": {
        "version": "RPG Maker U2U P2D Map Editor demo",
        "date": "2026-10-20"
      },
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Proprietary EULA",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "US$79.99 one-off",
      "priceModel": "one-off",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Web"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "Event commands (visual)",
        "JavaScript (plugins)"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Writers and solo devs making classic 2D JRPGs without coding, with a huge plugin and asset ecosystem",
      "watchOut": "U2U is next but has no price or date, and MZ projects and JavaScript plugins will not convert to it",
      "website": "https://www.rpgmakerweb.com",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "RPG Maker MZ version 1.10.0",
          "outlet": "RPG Maker official guild",
          "url": "https://guild.rpgmakerofficial.com/t/topic/1136"
        },
        {
          "title": "RPG Maker MZ on Steam",
          "outlet": "Steam",
          "url": "https://store.steampowered.com/app/1096900"
        },
        {
          "title": "RPG Maker MZ help: deployment",
          "outlet": "Gotcha Gotcha Games",
          "url": "https://rpgmakerofficial.com/product/MZ_help-en/01_11_03.html"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "rpg-maker-u2u-p2d-demo"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-20",
          "version": "U2U demo",
          "note": "Free P2D Map Editor demo on Steam until 16 November; maps only, no game creation",
          "post": "rpg-maker-u2u-p2d-demo"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-08-27",
          "version": "U2U",
          "note": "U2U Steam page and wishlists opened"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-05-21",
          "version": "U2U",
          "note": "U2U announced: HD-2D style P2D maps, Luau plugins, no project conversion from MV or MZ"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-02-02",
          "version": "MZ 1.10.0",
          "note": "New project templates, passability display, eraser tool, 189 sample maps"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#rpg-maker"
    },
    {
      "id": "stride",
      "name": "Stride",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "3D",
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "4.4.0",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-09",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "MIT",
      "openSource": true,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "free",
      "royalty": "None",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux (via Wine or Proton)"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "Linux",
        "macOS",
        "Android",
        "iOS"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C#"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "C# developers, especially Unity leavers, making 3D PC or VR games who want full source and no fees",
      "watchOut": "Editor is Windows-only until the Avalonia port lands. Small community, no web or console targets",
      "website": "https://www.stride3d.net",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Stride 4.4.0 release",
          "outlet": "GitHub",
          "url": "https://github.com/stride3d/stride/releases/tag/releases%2F4.4.0"
        },
        {
          "title": "Announcing Stride 4.4",
          "outlet": "Stride",
          "url": "https://www.stride3d.net/blog/announcing-stride-4-4/"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "stride-4-4-who-should-try-it",
        "bevy-0-20-stride-4-4"
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      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-09",
          "version": "4.4.0",
          "note": "SPIR-V shader compiler, rebuilt Vulkan 1.3 and D3D12, stride CLI, Linux and macOS builds; OpenGL dropped",
          "post": "stride-4-4-who-should-try-it"
        },
        {
          "date": "2025-11",
          "version": "4.3",
          "note": "Previous major release"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#stride"
    },
    {
      "id": "unity",
      "name": "Unity",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "2D",
        "3D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "6.6",
      "releaseDate": "2026-09-01",
      "preview": {
        "version": "7.0 alpha",
        "date": "2026-10-05"
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      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Proprietary EULA",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "Free under US$200k revenue and funding; Pro US$2,310 a seat a year",
      "priceModel": "free-tier",
      "royalty": "None. The Runtime Fee was cancelled in September 2024; Pro seats are required above US$200k",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Web",
        "Consoles",
        "XR headsets"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C#"
      ],
      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Teams who need the widest platform reach, mobile and XR, plus the biggest asset store and tutorial library",
      "watchOut": "Seat fees once you pass US$200k, and a big Mono to CoreCLR move in Unity 7. Shipping teams should stay on 6.3 LTS",
      "website": "https://unity.com",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Changes to Unity subscription plans and pricing",
          "outlet": "Unity",
          "url": "https://unity.com/runtime-fee"
        },
        {
          "title": "A message to our community: Unity is canceling the Runtime Fee",
          "outlet": "Unity",
          "url": "https://unity.com/blog/unity-is-canceling-the-runtime-fee"
        },
        {
          "title": "Unity Editor product updates",
          "outlet": "Unity Discussions",
          "url": "https://discussions.unity.com/c/unity-editor/product-update/205"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "unity-7-alpha-stay-on-unity-6",
        "unity-spark-game-maker"
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      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-05",
          "version": "7.0 alpha",
          "note": "Public alpha moves the editor from Mono to CoreCLR; C# 9 and .NET Standard 2.1 for now",
          "post": "unity-7-alpha-stay-on-unity-6"
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        {
          "date": "2026-09-01",
          "version": "6.6",
          "note": "Supported release: WebGPU official, Content Directory, Build Analysis window, Fast Enter Play Mode default"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-15",
          "version": "6.5",
          "note": "Supported release, now end of life"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-01-12",
          "version": "Pricing",
          "note": "Pro and Enterprise prices up 5%, Pro now US$2,310 a seat a year"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#unity"
    },
    {
      "id": "unreal-engine",
      "name": "Unreal Engine",
      "kind": "engine",
      "group": "General-purpose engine",
      "dimensions": [
        "3D",
        "2D"
      ],
      "latestVersion": "5.8.4",
      "releaseDate": "2026-10-20",
      "status": "active",
      "licence": "Unreal Engine EULA (source available)",
      "openSource": false,
      "price": "Free",
      "priceModel": "royalty",
      "royalty": "5% of lifetime gross revenue above US$1M per product; Epic Games Store sales are royalty-free",
      "editorPlatforms": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux"
      ],
      "exportTargets": [
        "Windows",
        "macOS",
        "Linux",
        "Android",
        "iOS",
        "Consoles (approved developers)",
        "XR headsets"
      ],
      "languages": [
        "C++",
        "Blueprints (visual)"
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      "worksWith": [],
      "bestFor": "Teams making high-fidelity 3D who can live with a heavy editor and want full engine source",
      "watchOut": "Heavy hardware and build times for small teams, and 5% royalty past US$1M. AI training clause in the EULA is changing",
      "website": "https://www.unrealengine.com",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "5.8.4 Hotfix Released",
          "outlet": "Epic Developer Community Forums",
          "url": "https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/5-8-4-hotfix-released/2842775"
        },
        {
          "title": "Unreal Engine licensing",
          "outlet": "Epic Games",
          "url": "https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/license"
        },
        {
          "title": "Unreal Engine 5.8 Released",
          "outlet": "Epic Developer Community Forums",
          "url": "https://forums.unrealengine.com/t/unreal-engine-5-8-released/2729274"
        }
      ],
      "posts": [
        "unreal-5-8-4-ios-uiscene",
        "unreal-eula-ai-training-ban"
      ],
      "history": [
        {
          "date": "2026-10-27",
          "version": "EULA",
          "note": "Epic says it will drop the clause barring AI training on Unreal and MetaHuman output; no new text yet",
          "post": "unreal-eula-ai-training-ban"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-10-20",
          "version": "5.8.4",
          "note": "Hotfix switches iOS, iPadOS and tvOS builds to Apple's UIScene lifecycle by default",
          "post": "unreal-5-8-4-ios-uiscene"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-09",
          "version": "5.8.3",
          "note": "Hotfix release"
        },
        {
          "date": "2026-06-17",
          "version": "5.8",
          "note": "Terrain and vegetation tools, simpler lighting, faster animation work, built-in MCP plugin"
        }
      ],
      "verified": "2026-11-02",
      "url": "https://indietooling.com/compare/game-engines#unreal-engine"
    }
  ]
}