Top 20 Mobile Game Engines for iOS and Android in 2023

Our last article on mobile game engines for iOS and Android was from 2021. Now, at the end of 2023, it's time to update this information. We'll review the main platforms and tools for game development, as well as the trends and innovations of 2023.

Let's take a quick look at the mobile game engines , consider the main platforms for their development, trends and innovations in 2021.

Market Figures and Prospects for Mobile Games

According to the Data.ai 2023 Gaming Spotlights report, mobile games continue to be the main driver of game consumption growth. In 2023, mobile games will account for over 56% of the global consumer spending on games.

Trends:

• Forecasted consumer spending on mobile gaming will reach $180 billion in 2023. Despite a slight decrease, this is still significantly higher than PC and console games.
• According to Statista, global revenue in the mobile gaming sector will increase by $29.6 billion from 2023 to 2027, reaching $118.89 billion by 2027.

The integration of devices into our lives has driven the growth of mobile gaming. Smartphones have evolved into complex communication, business, and entertainment tools. This trend has made it easier for almost anyone to become a developer without needing huge budgets or technical expertise. More detailed analyses you can find here.

Updated Overview of Popular Mobile Game Engines in 2023

To help you achieve success, we've updated our review of the most popular engines for mobile game development. Here’s a brief overview of the engines, listed alphabetically:

Amazon Lumberyard

• A game engine from Amazon, integrated with Twitch and AWS.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
• Cost: Free

AppGameKit

• Easy-to-learn game engine, ideal for beginners and indie developers.
• Platforms: Windows Phone, iOS, Android
• Cost: $49.99 for AppGameKit Classic, $95.96 for Classic with unlimited package, $149.78 for dual package, $99.99 for Classic Bumper Pack

Buildbox

• Allows creation of 3D and 2D games without programming.
• Platforms: iOS
• Cost: Free and paid plans

Cocos2D-x

• Cross-platform framework for 2D games with a large community and detailed documentation.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, HTML5, Windows, Mac
• Cost: Free

Construct 3

• No coding required, uses a visual scripting system.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Web
• Cost: Free, Personal License $5.19/month, Educational License $5.19/month, Startup $61.99/year, Business $406.79/year

Cryengine

• Known for its fantastic graphical performance.
• Platforms: All major platforms
• Cost: Free with 5% royalty

Defold

• Cross-platform engine popular for 2D and 3D games.
• Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, Steam, HTML5
• Cost: Free

Fusion 2.5

• Game creation with simple drag-and-drop interface.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Flash, XNA
• Cost: Free version, paid packages from $59.99 to $99.99

GameMaker Studio 2

• Powerful features for 2D game development with tutorials.
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Ubuntu, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, HTML5
• Cost: Free, Creator $4.99/month, Indie $9.99/month, Enterprise $79.99/month

GameSalad

• Used in teaching and by creative professionals for non-programmers.
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, HTML5, Kindle
• Cost: Basic $17/month, HomeEdu $8/month, Pro $25/month

Gideros

• Free, open-source tool with cross-platform technology.
• Platforms: iOS, macOS, Android, Windows Phone, Windows, Windows RT
• Cost: Free

Godot

• Comprehensive tool for 2D and 3D games with a visual editor.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, HTML5
• Cost: Free

Haxe

• High-level cross-platform game engine.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, HTML5
• Cost: Free, supported plans available

MonoGame

• Framework for creating cross-platform 2D games.
• Platforms: iOS, Windows Phone, Android
• Cost: Free

Phaser

• Major HTML5 game development framework.
• Platforms: iOS, Android
• Cost: Free, with optional plugin purchases

Solar 2D (Corona SDK)

• Simple to use for 2D games with Lua scripting.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Kindle, Windows, macOS, Linux, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV
• Cost: Free, with optional premium plugins

SpriteKit

• Framework by Apple for game development.
• Platforms: iOS
• Cost: Free

Starling Framework

• Open-source engine for mobile games using Adobe AIR.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
• Cost: Free

Unity

• Real-time interactive content development platform for 2D, 3D, and VR games.
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Tizen OS, Fire OS
• Cost: Free for students and startups, $40/month for Plus, $150/month for Pro, $200/month for Enterprise

Unreal Engine

• Powerful platform for 3D games, also used in other industries.
• Platforms: All major platforms
• Cost: Free standard license, corporate programs from $1,500/year

Successful Mobile Game Development in 2023

Starting with an idea, analyze competitors and the market, and integrate this information into your project. Use the right tools from our review to create exciting mobile games for Android or iOS. Choose the best engine for your budget and requirements, and start developing your mobile game today.

Use the "ASOTIPS40" coupon to get a 40% Off on your first purchase at ASOMobile (the promo code is valid for any plan and any period)

Don`t forget to optimize your game💙