MonoGame vs XNA: An Unbiased Take

For developers with flexibility and multiple-platform support in mind, MonoGame is the one to pick. It’s a battle-proven, indie-friendly, and open-source game engine that represents an evolved version of the now discontinued XNA, which is mostly restricted to Windows and Xbox 360.

Key Differences Between MonoGame and XNA

• Multi-platform Support: MonoGame supports a wider variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch, while XNA is limited to Windows and Xbox 360.
• Community Influence: MonoGame is maintained by the community, allowing for continuous development and improvement. XNA development ceased in 2013.
• Development Complexity: MonoGame focuses on lower-level programming (C#) and rewards developers with more control, whereas XNA is more lightweight.
• Open Source: MonoGame is open-source, while XNA is developed by Microsoft.
• Course Support: MonoGame offers game schooling and tutorial assistance, while XNA does not have such personalized educational support.

What Is MonoGame and Who’s It For?

MonoGame is a free, open-source, C# framework that has shaped global game development landscape since its inception in 2009. It’s lauded for facilitating game creation across a multitude of platforms such as iOS, Android, macOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. MonoGame was derived from XNA Touch and Silver Sprite, evolving over time to support 3D games from mid-2013.

This framework is primarily intended for game developers aiming to produce games for a variety of platforms. User should have a basic understanding of C# programming language. Despite its lack of an integrated game editor, developers seeking granular control over game development process would find MonoGame advantageous.

Pros of MonoGame

• Open source and free
• Supports multiple platforms
• Active community support
• Granular control over game development

Cons of MonoGame

• Lack of an integrated game editor
• No high-level programming
• Paid support for iOS and Android

What Is XNA and Who’s It For?

XNA, developed by Microsoft, is a framework and toolset designed to simplify video game development. Launched on March 24, 2004, XNA is deeply rooted in the .NET Framework and caters to Windows and Xbox 360. Despite the halt in its development since January 2013, XNA has found significant usage in the creation of a roster of games.

XNA is crafted for developers focusing on lightweight game development on Windows and Xbox 360. Although XNA isn’t routinely updated or compatible with Windows Runtime, developers who have mastered the XNA toolkit continue to leverage it for game creation.

Pros of XNA

• Simplifies game development
• Targets Windows and Xbox 360
• Lean and lightweight

Cons of XNA

• No more recent development
• Incompatible with Windows Runtime
• Restriction on distribution of commercial networked games

MonoGame vs XNA: Pricing

While MonoGame is a free, open-source offering, XNA, on the other hand, comes from Microsoft with no explicitly stated pricing but has ceased further development.

MonoGame

MonoGame is a free, open-source framework used by game developers. The platform encourages community contributions, meaning software developers can maintain, improve, and extend MonoGame capabilities without any entry barriers or fees. However, the lack of high-level programming and paid support for iOS and Android may infer potential costs at an advanced level, but it’s not explicitly stated.

XNA

XNA, developed by Microsoft, doesn’t provide explicit pricing in the information provided. Since its development ceased in 2013, it is safe to surmise that XNA is possibly free at the point of use although potential costs could arise while using specific Microsoft services with XNA.

Code Examples for MonoGame & XNA

MonoGame

This MonoGame code example describes how to load and draw a sprite. Ensure you have a simple PNG sprite ready and ImagePath is correctly guided towards that.

// MonoGame Guide: Load and Draw a Sprite
using Microsoft.Xna.Framework;
using Microsoft.Xna.Framework.Graphics;
  
public class Game1 : Game
{
    GraphicsDeviceManager graphics;
    SpriteBatch spriteBatch;
    Texture2D mySprite;
  
    public Game1()
    {
        graphics = new GraphicsDeviceManager(this);
        Content.RootDirectory = "Content";
    }
  
    protected override void LoadContent()
    {
        spriteBatch = new SpriteBatch(GraphicsDevice);
        mySprite = Content.Load<Texture2D>("ImagePath");
    }
  
    protected override void Draw(GameTime gameTime)
    {
        GraphicsDevice.Clear(Color.CornflowerBlue);
        spriteBatch.Begin();
        spriteBatch.Draw(mySprite, new Vector2(0, 0), Color.White);
        spriteBatch.End();
        base.Draw(gameTime);
    }
}

XNA

This XNA code example generates a colorful spinning cube. XNA 4.0 is the platform and the code depends on it. The cube’s rotation is driven by GameTime, ensuring a smooth, frame-rate independent spin.

// XNA Guide: Create a Colorful Spinning Cube
private Matrix worldMatrix;
private Matrix viewMatrix;
private Matrix projectionMatrix;

protected override void LoadContent()
{
    // Load the BasicEffect
    basicEffect = new BasicEffect(GraphicsDevice)
    {
        FogEnabled = false,
        LightingEnabled = false,
    };
    // Define our base transformations
    worldMatrix = Matrix.CreateRotationX(MathHelper.PiOver4) * Matrix.CreateRotationY(MathHelper.PiOver4);
    viewMatrix = Matrix.CreateLookAt(new Vector3(2, 2, 2), Vector3.Zero, Vector3.Up);
    projectionMatrix = Matrix.CreatePerspectiveFieldOfView(MathHelper.PiOver4, GraphicsDevice.Viewport.AspectRatio, 1.0f, 10.0f);
}    

// Draw the Cuboid
private void DrawCuboid(Cuboid cuboid)
{
    // Update the effect's parameters
    basicEffect.World = cuboid.ScaleMatrix * cuboid.RotationMatrix * cuboid.TranslationMatrix * worldMatrix;
    basicEffect.View = viewMatrix;
    basicEffect.Projection = projectionMatrix;
    // Apply the effect
    basicEffect.CurrentTechnique.Passes[0].Apply();
    // Draw the cuboid
    foreach(EffectPass pass in basicEffect.CurrentTechnique.Passes)
    {
        pass.Apply();
        cuboid.Draw(GraphicsDevice);
    }
}

Selecting Your Framework: MonoGame vs XNA

In the digital universe of game development, deciding which framework to use has significant repercussions. Here’s why MonoGame or XNA could be your go-to choice:

Multi-Platform Developers

Developers aiming to create games across multiple platforms—iOS, Android, Linux, or PlayStation, for example—would find MonoGame more advantageous. Its support for a diverse range of platforms and open-source nature empowers full control over the game development process. Be prepared, however, for high-level programming and a requirement for C# knowledge.

Aspiring and Beginner Developers

Game creation dreams often start with elementary tools. Aspiring developers with limited experience may find MonoGame’s personalized courses a perfect fit. You’ll master vital concepts in math, geometry, and computer graphics, all key components in the game development journey.

2D Game Developers

For those exclusively focused on 2D programming, MonoGame shines due to its origins in the 2D space. Although it handles 3D, its 2D-centric capabilities stand apart as a rare advantage.

Developers targeting Windows

XNA, primarily being a Microsoft product, has a unique alignment with Windows’ design. Therefore, developers targeting games primarily for a Windows environment may opt for XNA for its seamless compatibility.

Essentially, for developers aiming at multiple platforms and learning new skills, MonoGame takes the crown, but for developers focused on Windows game development, XNA is a respectable choice.