# libGDX

> Apache-2.0 cross-platform Java game framework

**Category:** Libraries  
**Pricing:** open-source  
**URL:** https://libgdx.com  
**GitHub:** https://github.com/libgdx/libgdx  
**Added:** 2026-10-18

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## The Hook

libGDX is a cross-platform Java game development framework built on OpenGL (ES) that targets Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, browsers and iOS from one codebase.

## What's Good

Apache-2.0 (libgdx/libgdx), release 1.14.2 (2026-06-05), around since 2012. It does not force an architecture on you and comes with 2D and 3D rendering, input, audio, physics bindings (Box2D, Bullet), UI widgets, asset management and a project generator. A large third-party ecosystem and many shipped commercial games. Works with Kotlin too. ★~25.5k.

## The Catch

It is a framework, not an editor-driven engine like Godot, so you build your own tooling. Web export relies on GWT or newer third-party backends, which adds friction. Releases are a few a year, and iOS support depends on RoboVM forks.

## Verdict

Still the go-to for Java and Kotlin game developers who like code over editors.