Piston specializes in game engine development using Rust and follows a Model-View-Controller pattern for application writing. With a focus on modularity, Piston’s core library re-exports core modules and offers features like GenericEvent and Window for event handling. The company is deeply involved in 2D/3D graphics, GUI, AI programming, and more. Collaborations with Gfx-rs and RustAudio showcase Piston’s commitment to industry partnerships and open source activities.
Looking for alternatives to Piston? Consider Unity, Unreal Engine, Godot, Amethyst, Bevy, Raylib, MonoGame, Macroquad, Boundless, Fyrox, Brilliant, and more in the dynamic landscape of game development platforms.
Unity
In the exciting world of 3D and 2D game development, Unity has been a game changer. Launched in 2005, Unity offers robust tools enabling developers to breathe life into their ideas across multiple platforms such as Android, iOS and several others!
Unity Top Features
- Designed to create a broad range of applications, from Augmented Reality to 3D simulations.
- A full suite of features to support high-quality game creation, including rendering technology and a rich store of pre-designed textures.
- Compatibility with numerous coding languages, including BOO script, Javascript and C#.
- Caters to a strong development community
| Compatible with | Android, iOS, and various operating systems |
| Device capabilities | Enables AR/VR game development |
| Community Support | Active developer community contributing to problem-solving and system improvement |
Unity Downsides
- The upcoming pricing structure leaves developers prone to abuse of per-install fees.
- Developers expressing anxiety over potential harm to digital preservation efforts and their financial sustainability.
- Unplanned changes and pricing shifts resulting in a trust deficit between Unity and its users.
Unity Pricing
The pricing model for Unity is set to change from January 1, 2024. Under this, developers will be charged a fee every time a game using the Unity software is installed. There’s free and Pro versions available, with the free version being applicable until a game produces $200,000 in revenue and surpasses 200,000 installations.
Unity Use Cases
Use case 1
Developers seeking to innovate can leverage Unity’s flexible platform to craft Avant-garde AR/VR features into their games.
Use case 2
For those looking to create cross-platform games, Unity with its extensive compatibility, offers a springboard to reach your audience wherever they are.
Use case 3
Unity offers a community of developers ready to assist, making it a perfect choice for indie game developers seeking collaborative problem-solving.
Unreal Engine
Developed by Epic Games, the Unreal Engine (UE) is a powerhouse in the gaming sphere—first introduced in 1998 via the game Unreal. It starts its journey focusing on PC first-person shooters and later diversified its application to various industries including film and television.
Unreal Engine Top Features
- Written in C++, providing strong numerical capabilities and complex object-oriented programming.
- Supports a broad range of platforms such as desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality.
- Includes level editor, UnrealEd, offering real-time constructive solid geometry operations.
- The Unreal Development Kit (UDK) introduced in 2009 supports the creation of iOS games and apps.
- The engine includes features from acquired companies like Quixel.
| First Release | 1998 |
| Latest Version | Unreal Engine 5 |
| Opens for Modders | Unreal Engine 3 |
Unreal Engine Limitations
- High royalty charges. Epic demands 5{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} of revenues exceeding USD 1 million for commercial utilization.
- Learning curve. UE’s programming language is C++, which may be challenging for beginners compared to scripting languages.
Unreal Engine Pricing
Unreal Engine is free for all users, but Epic imposes a 5{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} fee on revenues that surpass $3,000 in a quarter. Also, schools and universities can access Unreal Engine for free.
Unreal Engine Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Development
UE is a versatile platform for developers providing premade templates like a first-person or third-person experience as starting points.
Use Case 2: Film and TV Industry
With powerful real-time 3D creation capabilities, Unreal Engine revolutionizes workflows, bringing stunning visuals to the film and TV industry.
Use Case 3: Educational Purpose
Universities and schools can freely access Unreal Engine’s resources and tools, creating a conducive environment for learning game designing and other 3D integrations.
Brilliant
Funded by a myriad of reputable venture capitalists and helmed by Sue Khim, Brilliant is a behemoth in the educational industry, specializing in STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Brilliant’s Stellar Features
- Extensive course library: Hosts over 100 guided courses, covering a broad spectrum of STEM disciplines, curated by professionals and educators from top-tier institutions.
- Gamified learning: Transforms esoteric STEM concepts into understandable bites through interactive puzzles and games, favouring practical over theoretical.
- Visual aids: Employs robust visual aids to elucidate hard-to-grasp concepts, enhancing the learning experience.
- Adaptive learning: Customizes user experience based on interests and aptitude levels, maintaining a steady yet challenging learning pace.
- Daily challenges: Keeps learners engaged through daily challenges, stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving skills on a regular basis.
| Subscription Features | Accessibility |
|---|---|
| All high-quality courses, puzzles, daily challenges, and course archives | Subscription-based, some for free |
| Group Subscription | Discounted, Ideal for families |
| Free trial | 7 days |
| Educator Access | For supplementing classroom learning, free |
Brilliant’s Downsides
- Lack of community creation: Discontinued community submissions of new puzzles and solutions.
- No accreditation: Does not confer any certification or titles upon course completion.
Brilliant Pricing
Brilliant offers a monthly premium membership at $24.99, or approximately $13.49/month for an annual subscription.
Brilliant Use Cases
Use case 1: Students
For students aiming to boost their STEM comprehension skills and deepen their knowledge, Brilliant provides a collection of intricate puzzles and games that establish key concepts in a captivating manner.
Use case 2: Educators
Educators can exploit Brilliant’s free educator access feature to complement their traditional teaching methods, and spur the development of problem-solving skills amongst students.
Use case 3: Professionals and Hobbyists
Professionals and hobbyists can utilize Brilliant to stay atop of the latest concepts and advancements in their field of interest, leveraging its regularly updated curriculum.
Godot
Take a bow for Godot: game dev’s charmingly open-source gentleman, known for its intuitive, scene-driven design.
Godot Top Features
- Scene, set and match! An intuitive scene-driven design enables creation from simple blocks.
- Nodes: the atom of this universe. Use them for complex, reusable scenes.
- Keep it professional with full-featured components, created by combining scenes together.
- GDscript: the built-in scripting language, linguistically in sync with the engine for streamlined game logic.
- Blender files: they’re not just for breakfast! Import Blender files directly in Godot.
- 2D workflow: Specialized for games and apps. Caricatures, we’re coming for you!
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Language support | Apart from GDScript and C++, there’s .NET for desktops, official support for C++ in 4.0, and community support for Python, Rust, Nim and more. |
Godot Limitations
- MIT License: open-source means free, but with maximum responsibility. As you take the source code, please don’t forget the ‘source’ beer…i.e., dedication.
- Godot is a jet, but not for 3D gaming. For complex 3D game development, you might find it cramps your style.
Godot Pricing
Here’s the best part: Godot is totally free under the MIT license, with no contracts or hidden fees. Forget about cost, think about creativity!
Godot Use Cases
Use case 1: Beginner Game developers
For beginners in game dev, Godot is almost like your first bicycle – easy and fun. With an intuitive design and built-in scripting language, it’s both accessible and engaging.
Use case 2: 2D Game developers
Calling all pixel Picasso’s! If you’re into 2D game development, Godot has a specialized workflow that will set your creative juices flowing faster than a character in an endless runner game!
Use case 3: Open-source enthusiasts
Toying with open-source projects? With Godot, you can not only use, but modify and hack the codebase to your heart’s content. Lovingly open-source, proudly user-owned. Just like Grandma’s needlework, but much less prickly!
Amethyst
Amethyst, a beginner-friendly game engine, was originally designed to be data-driven and data-oriented. Despite development being halted, it remains relevant due to its merits and potential.
Amethyst Top Features
- Amethyst’s major components include a massively parallel architecture and the Entity Component System (ECS).
- The engine was designed to be extremely multi-threaded, compatible with Rust version 1.47.
- Amethyst was built with a strong focus on reusability, clean interfaces, and is intended for rapid prototyping.
- The engine prides itself on its user-friendly operation, supported by ample documentation, and a vibrant developer community available through Discord.
| Notable Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Animations, GLTF, locales, networking | These remarkable elements contribute to diverse functionality and interoperability. |
| Use of Rust language | Chosen for its capacities in game development, providing advantages like concurrency. |
| Evoli showcase | Evoli, a game, developed to demonstrate Amethyst’s capabilities. |
Amethyst Limitations
- Development of Amethyst is currently halted, offering limited improvements or updates.
- Due to it’s developmental stage, it’s not recommended for large, commercial projects.
- The approach of creating a general-purpose engine without a game, has been criticized.
Amethyst Use Cases
Use case 1: Rapid Prototyping
For beginners and seasoned developers alike, the original approach of Amethyst to be data-driven, multi-threaded, and designed for rapid prototyping makes it an ideal choice for swiftly bringing game ideas to life.
Use case 2: Community Engagement
With a strong support base through Discord, developers keen to learn, share, and expand their knowledge, the Amethyst community is an interesting haven.
Use case 3: Sustainable Projects
For enterprises seeking to develop sustainable projects, the focus of Amethyst on reusability and clean interfaces offers an eco-responsive angle, merging technology with responsible conduct.
Bevy
An innovative, data-driven gaming engine tailored for the modern era, Bevy is gaining traction among developers and enthusiasts alike. Powered by Rust and focusing on a data-oriented approach, Bevy offers a comprehensive set of 2D and 3D features infused with an Entity Component System (ECS).
Bevy Top Features
- Impressive 2D and 3D rendering capabilities.
- UI functionality and sound loading for immersive gaming experiences.
- Hot reloading, allowing for instant feedback on changes.
- Versatility with compatibility across major platforms – Windows, MacOS, Linux, Web, and iOS with Android support on the horizon.
| Feature | Description |
| Fast Compile Time | With ‘fast compiles’ configuration, compile time is reduced to mere seconds (0.8-3.0)! |
| Community Access | Engage on platforms such as Discord, subreddit, GitHub Discussions, and the Bevy Assets collection. |
| Customization | A variety of cargo features enhance customization to perfectly suit your needs. |
Bevy Downsides
- Dependency on advancements in Rust language and compiler may incite API-breaking changes in new versions.
- Primarily catering to indie developers and enthusiasts at this stage, larger studios might find the feature set limiting.
Bevy Pricing
Empowering the game development community, Bevy stands as a free, open-source tool. It operates under the permissive MIT or Apache 2.0 licenses, further accentuating its commitment to accessibility for all.
Bevy Use Cases
Use case 1: Indie Game Developers
With its data-driven architecture and efficient compile time, indie game developers can rapidly prototype and iterate on their ideas, resulting in swifter game development cycles.
Use case 2: Game Development Educators
Bevy’s accessible API and active community make it a fantastic tool for teaching game development. Tutors can use this open-source engine as the foundation for their coursework.
Use case 3: Enthusiasts
Bevy’s quick compile times, extensive feature sets, and ease of use make it a compelling choice for tech enthusiasts looking to delve into the exciting world of game development.
Raylib
Evolved from a weekend project by Ramon Santamaria and contributors into a versatile game development platform, Raylib, since its inception in 2013, has shaped as a leading tool for artist and game developers. At Raylib, simplicity meets versatility in C99, redefining the boundaries of game development.
Raylib Top Features
- Cross-platform compatibility ensures your game can reach a diverse audience, covering systems ranging from Windows, Linux, to Android and even Raspberry Pi.
- Empowers artists with a unique OpenGL abstraction layer, rlgl, facilitating hardware acceleration.
- Offers an immediate mode GUI module, simplifying game design and interaction.
- Bring life to your creations with full 3D support, flexible materials systems, and powerful shaders.
- With bindings for over 50 programming languages, the linguistic barrier is a thing of the past.
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Rich Textures and Fonts Support | Supports multiple texture formats and provides a powerful Fonts module, including compressed formats, SpriteFonts, BMfonts, TTF, SDF. |
| Audio System | Enables audio loading and playing with streaming support, adding depth to your game with sound and music. |
| VR Support | Breaks the boundary of traditional gaming with VR stereo rendering support. |
Raylib Limitations
- Limited external dependencies can decrease complexity, but it may also limit flexibility and adjustment to specific needs.
- Relying solely on included libraries can present challenges in integrating external technologies or tools.
- While it is made for simplicity, non-C creators may find the C99-focused environment challenging at first.
Raylib Pricing
True to the spirit of open-source, Raylib is free of charge, encouraging developers and artists to bring their vision to life without any financial constraints.
Raylib Use Cases
Use case 1: Teaching Game Development
With its simplicity and versatility, Raylib serves as an effective tool for educational purposes, specifically in teaching game programming across the globe.
Use case 2: Prototyping
Raylib aids in the speedy development of prototypes, enabling developers to visualize and test ideas quickly.
Use case 3: Tool Development
Since 2018, Raylib has shifted focus to tools development, proving its viability in creating other development tools.
MonoGame
An open-source, C# framework, MonoGame is widely recognized by game developers since its initial release in 2009. Its key competency lies in creating games for an impressive array of platforms, including iOS, Android, macOS, and even gaming consoles.
MonoGame Top Features
- Allows game development for multiple platforms.
- Faithfully reimplements the Microsoft XNA 4 API.
- Supports both 2D and 3D game development.
- Delivers strong graphics capabilities via OpenGL, OpenGL ES, or DirectX.
- Offers a ContentManager model for content management, following the XNA 4 framework.
- Provides comprehensive game school and tutorials on C# and assistance in game development through MonoGame.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Maintenance | An active community that continually optimizes MonoGame, maintaining updated documentation, tutorials, codes, and walkthroughs. |
| Real-world Applicability | Used in creating several well-known games such as Bastion, Stardew Valley, and Transistor. |
| Personalized Courses | Offers courses for aspiring developers, including lessons on math, geometry, and computer graphics. |
MonoGame Limitations
- Lacks high-level programming and a integrated game editor, which could be critical drawbacks for some developers.
- Requires payment for iOS and Android support.
- The once acclaimed XNA is now outdated, and MonoGame may not be fully optimized for non-Windows platforms.
- Updates may not be as frequent as one might prefer.
MonoGame Pricing
MonoGame is a free, open-source platform, making it accessible for all developers.
MonoGame Use Cases
Use Case 1
MonoGame is ideal for 2D game development, owing to its roots in 2D sprite-based games. Its robust 2D support, along with its range of platform compatibilities, makes it a frontrunner choice.
Use Case 2
Smaller, independent software developers benefit greatly from MonoGame. Its open-source nature and active community support provide valuable resources and assistance in game creation.
Use Case 3
One size does not fit all, and MonoGame personalizes its offerings. Catering to aspiring developers with little to no experience, it provides helpful lesson plans and C# courses.
Macroquad
Meet Macroquad, an influential game library for the Rust programming language, drawing its inspiration from raylib. Renowned for its high-efficiency 2D rendering and the innate ability to forcefully deploy WASM and Android builds, Macroquad is a choice selection among a wide array of platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, HTML5, Android, and iOS.
Macroquad Top Features
- Optimized cross-compilation to Windows from Linux
- Efficient and clear-cut deployment using a single command
- Notoriously swift build speed after cargo clean, clocking at just 16 seconds
- Comprehensive UI library embedded within, based on immediate mode
- Support for broad platform portfolio including Windows, Linux, macOS, HTML5, Android, and iOS
- Commendably expressive, allowing efficient drawing of lines, rectangles, circles, and text
- Unique profile.dev.package optimization for reinforced app performance and quick image loads
- Efficient usage of Rust’s async/await for main loop organization with no external dependencies
| Top Features | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community resources | Discord server, Awesome Quads and tutorials |
| Project design | Beginner-friendly, avoids Rust-specific concepts |
| New releases frequency | Update cycle is monthly |
Macroquad Limitations
- iOS applications mandate possession of assets for proper load and run on simulator
- For .wasm files building, dependency on cargo build
- Design is minimalistic – May restrict complex feature development
Macroquad Use Cases
Use case 1
Beginning game developers: Macroquad is astoundingly beginner-friendly, skirting around intricate Rust-specific concepts like lifetimes/borrowing. The range of platforms it supports broadens its amazing usability.
Use case 2
Production of 2D games: If you’re targeting the 2D games market, Macroquad’s highly efficient 2D rendering will significantly enhance game performance and aesthetics.
Use case 3
Unity developers looking for alternatives: Developers accustomed to Unity can leverage Macroquad’s comprehensive UI library and extensive community resources to create unique game experiences.
Boundless
Introducing Boundless, a renowned platform leveraging Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR) to revolutionize multiple industries, including architecture, healthcare, and much more.
Boundless Top Features
- Immersive Virtual Property Tours: With AR/VR, developers and buyers can experience insightful virtual tours, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Robust Medical Training & Practice: Enables surgeons to virtually rehearse complex procedures, minimizing risks and offering med students a realistic, safe hands-on experience.
- Optimized Manufacture & Engineering: Enhances production processes and streamlines operations with AR/VR technologies.
- Interactive Learning: Provides comprehensive visualization of complex subjects, revolutionizing the realm of education and making remote learning more feasible.
- Apple Vision Pro: An AR development platform that provides immersive experiences and diverse applications, including gaming and shopping.
| AR/VR in Education | Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Anatomy, geography, and language classes with immersive learning | Involvement, improved knowledge retention, and learning outcomes | Higher costs, access to technology, and need for technological proficiency in educators |
Boundless Limitations
- Associated costs and technological complexity might hinder accessibility.
- All users may not have the required tech access.
Boundless Use Cases
Use case 1: Architecture and Real Estate
Leverage Boundless for more immersive and insightful visualization of architectural designs and virtual property tours, enhancing buyer experience.
Use case 2: Healthcare
Surgeons can execute virtual practice of complicated procedures, reducing inherent risks while medical aspirants can gain intensive hands-on experience.
Use Case 3: Education
With Boundless, deliver interactive and engaging learning experiences, offering comprehensive visualization of sophisticated subjects.
Fyrox
Described as an exceptional 2D/3D game engine, Fyrox commands a robust asset of functionalities. Harnessing the strength of Rust in its roots, it proves its reliability with cross-platform compatibility and dynamic model instantiation.
Fyrox Top Features
- Native Editor: Similar to popular pick, Godot.
- Cross-platform Compatibility: Functions seamlessly on Windows, Linux, macOS, and supports WebAssembly.
- Advanced Asset Manager: Enable asynchronous asset loading.
- Rich Texture and Sound Support: Accepts PNG, JPG, TGA, DDS textures, FBX models, WAV, and OGG sound formats.
- Animation Blending: Boasts distinct features like blending space, root motion, and blend shapes.
- Android and Server Compatible: Supports headless mode for server-side applications.
| Additional Features | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Audio enhancements | Enables superior sound quality with audio buses and audio bus graph. |
| Online Learning Materials | Community sponsored tutorials and an official Fyrox book. |
| Sponsors | Backed by robust patronage, including JetBrains. |
Fyrox Limitations
- Lack of a huge community pool as compared to the industry giants.
- Dependent on the Rust programming language, which might be a roadblock for non-Rust programmers.
Fyrox Pricing
This 2D/3D engine is freely available and complete with open-source benefits, allowing developers to tinker to their requirements.
Fyrox Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Development
Stripping complexities, Fyrox integrates a range of assets offering textures, sounds, and customized assets that game developers can capitalize on.
Use Case 2: Educational Purpose
With numerous examples and tutorials online and an official Fyrox book, it carves an ideal learning path for budding developers.
Use Case 3: Cross-platform Applications
Whether Windows, Linux, macOS, or Android – Fyrox holds the fort, enabling developers to design robust cross-platform applications.
