16 Best C# Game Development in 2023
by Dhiren Gala Updated: Mar 9, 2023
Guide Kit
Here are some of the famous C# Game Development Libraries. C# Game Development Libraries use cases include 2D & 3D Rendering, Physics Simulation, AI, Audio, and Networking.
C# Game Development libraries refer to libraries of code specifically designed for the development of video games using the C# programming language. These libraries can provide developers with access to a wide range of features and functions, such as graphics, audio, physics, networking, and artificial intelligence, which can be used to create a rich and immersive gaming experience.
Let us have a look at these libraries in detail.
OpenRA
- Provides a powerful modding framework.
- A strong community of developers and players.
- Uses a powerful 3D rendering engine to create beautiful and detailed game worlds.
OpenRAby OpenRA
Open Source real-time strategy game engine for early Westwood games such as Command & Conquer: Red Alert written in C# using SDL and OpenGL. Runs on Windows, Linux, *BSD and Mac OS X.
OpenRAby OpenRA
C#
12582
Version:release-20230225
License: Strong Copyleft (GPL-3.0)
MonoGame
- The content pipeline makes it easy to import and optimize assets for use in games.
- The active community of developers is willing to help with any questions or issues.
- Supports multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
MonoGameby MonoGame
One framework for creating powerful cross-platform games.
MonoGameby MonoGame
C#
9326
Version:v3.8.1_HOTFIX
License: Others (Non-SPDX)
ET
- The powerful level editor lets you create custom game levels with ease.
- Built-in networking system that makes it easy to create and play multiplayer games.
- The built-in physics engine makes it easy to create realistic environments and objects.
Entitas-CSharp
- Event-based Reactive System.
- Component-Based Entity System.
- Built-in Debugging Tools.
Entitas-CSharpby sschmid
Entitas is a super fast Entity Component System (ECS) Framework specifically made for C# and Unity
Entitas-CSharpby sschmid
C#
5565
Version:1.13.0
License: Permissive (MIT)
Stride
- Provides an easy-to-use and powerful Scene System that allows developers to quickly and easily create 3D scenes.
- Provides an intuitive Material system that allows for easy customization of game objects.
- Offers a powerful and extensible audio system.
GameFramework
- Extensive component system.
- Extensive documentation.
- Customizable game architecture.
GameFrameworkby EllanJiang
This is literally a game framework, based on Unity game engine. It encapsulates commonly used game modules during development, and, to a large degree, standardises the process, enhances the development speed and ensures the product quality.
GameFrameworkby EllanJiang
C#
4470
Version:Current
License: Permissive (MIT)
Opentk
- Provides an easy way to read user input from keyboards, mice, and joysticks.
- Provides a comprehensive math library, which includes functions for vector, matrix, and quaternion operations.
- Provides a threading library, which allows developers to create and manage multiple threads in their application.
opentkby opentk
The Open Toolkit library is a fast, low-level C# wrapper for OpenGL, OpenAL & OpenCL. It also includes windowing, mouse, keyboard and joystick input and a robust and fast math library, giving you everything you need to write your own renderer or game engine. OpenTK can be used standalone or inside a GUI on Windows, Linux, Mac.
opentkby opentk
C#
2753
Version:4.7.7
License: Others (Non-SPDX)
UnrealCLR
- Allows developers to create complex game mechanics with a minimal amount of code.
- Allows developers to access all of the features of Unreal Engine with a single API.
- Allows developers to create games for both Windows and MacOS.
gosu
- Built-in support for gamepad and joystick controls.
- Built-in game loop and event system make handling user input and game logic easy.
- The built-in physics engine allows for realistic collisions and movement in games.
ezy-slice
- Supports custom shaders.
- Provides an advanced scene management system.
- Designed to be easy to integrate with existing C# game development projects.
ezy-sliceby DavidArayan
An open source mesh slicer framework for Unity3D Game Engine. Written in C#.
ezy-sliceby DavidArayan
C#
1497
Version:release-1.0.0
License: Permissive (MIT)
ForgeNetworkingRemastered
- Built-in support for both authoritative server and client-side prediction.
- Allows developers to integrate real-time chat and streaming services into their games easily.
- It makes it easy for developers to add networking functionality to their games quickly.
ForgeNetworkingRemasteredby BeardedManStudios
See various forks, also please join the Forge Community fork of Forge Alloy! -> https://github.com/ForgeAlloyCommunity/ForgeAlloy
ForgeNetworkingRemasteredby BeardedManStudios
C#
1474
Version:Current
License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)
Duality
- Built around a data-oriented approach to game development.
- Offers a wide range of features, such as a built-in scene editor.
- Codebase is available for developers to inspect and modify as needed.
UtilityGameFramework
- Powerful modularity and extensibility.
- Efficient resource management.
- Robust game debugging tools.
UnityGameFrameworkby EllanJiang
This is literally a game framework, based on Unity game engine. It encapsulates commonly used game modules during development, and, to a large degree, standardises the process, enhances the development speed and ensures the product quality.
UnityGameFrameworkby EllanJiang
C#
1340
Version:Current
License: Permissive (MIT)
Osu-Framework
- Large library of premade game objects, like characters, levels, and objects.
- Includes a powerful scripting language, allowing developers to prototype new game ideas quickly.
- Designed to be completely cross-platform.
osu-frameworkby ppy
A game framework written with osu! in mind.
osu-frameworkby ppy
C#
1305
Version:2023.327.0
License: Permissive (MIT)
OpenSAGE
- Built on top of the .NET Core platform.
- Designed for the development of real-time strategy (RTS) games.
- Provides high-performance game development tools.
OpenSAGEby OpenSAGE
OpenSAGE is a free, open source re-implementation of SAGE, the 3D real time strategy (RTS) engine used in Command & Conquer: Generals and other RTS titles from EA Pacific. Written in C#. Not affiliated with EA.
OpenSAGEby OpenSAGE
C#
1117
Version:v0.3.0
License: Others (Non-SPDX)
SadConsole
- Supports a range of input methods, including keyboard, mouse, and controller.
- Provides an integrated debugging console for developers to monitor their game’s performance easily.
- Specifically built for console-style RPG games, providing a unique retro look and feel.
SadConsoleby Thraka
A .NET ascii/ansi console engine written in C# for MonoGame and XNA. Create your own text roguelike (or other) games!
SadConsoleby Thraka
C#
1071
Version:9.2.2
License: Permissive (MIT)