9 best Java Android Game Development libraries in 2024

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by Kanika Maheshwari dot icon Updated: Nov 7, 2023

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Android Game Development Libraries' use cases include Multiplayer Support, Graphics Engine Support, AI Support, Physics Engine Support, and Audio Support. 


Here are some famous Android Game Development Libraries. Android Game Development Libraries' use cases include Multiplayer Support, Graphics Engine Support, AI Support, Physics Engine Support, and Audio Support. 

 

Android game development libraries refer to a collection of programming tools and pre-written codes that make it easier for developers to create games for the Android operating system. These libraries can provide basic game functions, such as physics, graphics, sound, and input, as well as more advanced features, such as artificial intelligence, networked multiplayer, and 3D rendering. 


Let us look at the libraries in detail below. 

cocos2d-x 

  • Allows developers to build their games for multiple platforms.  
  • Written in C++ and optimized for performance.  
  • Intuitive and easy-to-learn syntax.  

cocos2d-xby cocos2d

C++ doticonstar image 17158 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
no licences License: No License (null)

Cocos2d-x is a suite of open-source, cross-platform, game-development tools used by millions of developers all over the world.

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            cocos2d-xby cocos2d

            C++ doticon star image 17158 doticonVersion:Currentdoticonno licences License: No License

            Cocos2d-x is a suite of open-source, cross-platform, game-development tools used by millions of developers all over the world.
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                      Unity-Design-Pattern 

                      • Designed to create high-quality 3D and 2D games and interactive experiences. 
                      • Offers a range of graphics options for developers. 
                      • Highly extensible and can be customized to a wide range of development needs. 
                      C# doticonstar image 3548 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
                      no licences License: No License (null)

                      :tea: All Gang of Four Design Patterns written in Unity C# with many examples. And some Game Programming Patterns written in Unity C#. | 各种设计模式的Unity3D C#版本实现

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                                Unity-Design-Patternby QianMo

                                C# doticon star image 3548 doticonVersion:Currentdoticonno licences License: No License

                                :tea: All Gang of Four Design Patterns written in Unity C# with many examples. And some Game Programming Patterns written in Unity C#. | 各种设计模式的Unity3D C#版本实现
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                                          small3d 

                                          • Includes a powerful scripting language. 
                                          • Has a full set of tools for debugging, profiling, and optimization.  
                                          • Includes a built-in audio engine, allowing developers to create music and sound effects for their games easily. 

                                          small3dby dimi309

                                          C++ doticonstar image 106 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
                                          License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

                                          Tiny C++ 3D game development library for Win/MacOS/Linux/iOS/Android.

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                                                    small3dby dimi309

                                                    C++ doticon star image 106 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon License: Permissive (BSD-3-Clause)

                                                    Tiny C++ 3D game development library for Win/MacOS/Linux/iOS/Android.
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                                                              engine 

                                                              • Allows developers to export their games to multiple platforms without additional coding. 
                                                              • Developers can create realistic interactions between objects in their games. 
                                                              • Provides a high-performance 3D engine. 

                                                              engineby cocos

                                                              TypeScript doticonstar image 2698 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
                                                              no licences License: No License (null)

                                                              Cocos Creator is a complete package of game development tools and workflow, including a game engine, resource management, scene editing, game preview, debug and publish one project to multiple platforms.

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                                                                        engineby cocos

                                                                        TypeScript doticon star image 2698 doticonVersion:Currentdoticonno licences License: No License

                                                                        Cocos Creator is a complete package of game development tools and workflow, including a game engine, resource management, scene editing, game preview, debug and publish one project to multiple platforms.
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                                                                                  mathfu 

                                                                                  • Offers an optimized implementation of linear algebra operations. 
                                                                                  • Built-in vector math library. 
                                                                                  • Designed to be platform agnostic. 

                                                                                  mathfuby google

                                                                                  C++ doticonstar image 1321 doticonVersion:v1.1.0doticon
                                                                                  License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                  C++ math library developed primarily for games focused on simplicity and efficiency.

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                                                                                            mathfuby google

                                                                                            C++ doticon star image 1321 doticonVersion:v1.1.0doticon License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                            C++ math library developed primarily for games focused on simplicity and efficiency.
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                                                                                                      libgdx 

                                                                                                      • Allows developers to write code one more and deploy it across multiple platforms. 
                                                                                                      • Built-in tools include a particle editor, a sprite editor, and a UI designer.  
                                                                                                      • Comes with an extensive set of audio, networking, and physics APIs. 

                                                                                                      libgdxby libgdx

                                                                                                      Java doticonstar image 21591 doticonVersion:1.11.0doticon
                                                                                                      License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                                      Desktop/Android/HTML5/iOS Java game development framework

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                                                                                                                libgdxby libgdx

                                                                                                                Java doticon star image 21591 doticonVersion:1.11.0doticon License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                                                Desktop/Android/HTML5/iOS Java game development framework
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                                                                                                                          scala-game-library 

                                                                                                                          • Use Scala programming language, which is designed for scalability and productivity. 
                                                                                                                          • Easy for developers to extend the library and integrate it with their own code. 
                                                                                                                          • Offers a cross-platform API. 
                                                                                                                          Scala doticonstar image 141 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
                                                                                                                          License: Permissive (MIT)

                                                                                                                          Scala library for cross-platform 2D game development

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                                                                                                                                    scala-game-libraryby regb

                                                                                                                                    Scala doticon star image 141 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon License: Permissive (MIT)

                                                                                                                                    Scala library for cross-platform 2D game development
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                                                                                                                                              HutMovie

                                                                                                                                              • Offers a wide range of tools, such as sprites, animations, and sound effects. 
                                                                                                                                              • Supports a wide range of integrated game mechanics. 
                                                                                                                                              • Powerful rendering engine that supports a wide range of devices and screen resolutions. 

                                                                                                                                              HutMovieby Hutsalod

                                                                                                                                              Java doticonstar image 3 doticonVersion:0.6doticon
                                                                                                                                              License: Permissive (MIT)

                                                                                                                                              Mobile game development library for android. Android Studio

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                                                                                                                                                        HutMovieby Hutsalod

                                                                                                                                                        Java doticon star image 3 doticonVersion:0.6doticon License: Permissive (MIT)

                                                                                                                                                        Mobile game development library for android. Android Studio
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                                                                                                                                                                  playn 

                                                                                                                                                                  • Provides a unified game services API. 
                                                                                                                                                                  • Provides a game state management system. 
                                                                                                                                                                  • Enables developers to build rich, interactive experiences with advanced graphics support. 

                                                                                                                                                                  playnby playn

                                                                                                                                                                  Java doticonstar image 227 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon
                                                                                                                                                                  License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                                                                                                  A Java game development framework that deploys to JVM, HTML5, Android and iOS.

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                                                                                                                                                                            playnby playn

                                                                                                                                                                            Java doticon star image 227 doticonVersion:Currentdoticon License: Permissive (Apache-2.0)

                                                                                                                                                                            A Java game development framework that deploys to JVM, HTML5, Android and iOS.
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                                                                                                                                                                                      FAQ   

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. What are the considerations for choosing a game development library for Android?  

                                                                                                                                                                                      When choosing a game development library for Android, consider factors such as  

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. your game's requirements (2D or 3D),  

                                                                                                                                                                                      2. your target audience and platform,  

                                                                                                                                                                                      3. your team's familiarity with the library,  

                                                                                                                                                                                      4. community support,  

                                                                                                                                                                                      5. licensing, and  

                                                                                                                                                                                      5. cost.  

                                                                                                                                                                                      Evaluate its features and scalability to ensure it meets your project's needs.  

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                      2. How to select input handling methods when working with Android game development libraries?   

                                                                                                                                                                                      The choice of input handling methods in Android game development libraries depends on: 

                                                                                                                                                                                      1. the type of game and  

                                                                                                                                                                                      2. user interactions.   

                                                                                                                                                                                      Common methods include touch input, accelerometer, gyroscope, and game controllers. Consider the gameplay mechanics and design to choose a suitable input method. Experiment and iterate to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.  

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                      3. What are the performance considerations when using game development libraries for Android?  

                                                                                                                                                                                      Performance is crucial in game development. When using Android game development libraries, consider optimizing graphics, animations, and rendering. Efficiently manage memory and assets, implement proper collision detection, etc., where possible. Profiling tools and testing on various devices are essential for identifying performance bottlenecks.   

                                                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                      4. Do Android game development libraries provide tools for handling in-app purchases and advertisements?  

                                                                                                                                                                                      Some Android game development libraries offer built-in support for in-app purchases and advertisements. These features can help you monetize your game. However, not all libraries provide these tools. So it's essential to check the documentation of your chosen library. Explore third-party plugins and SDKs that can integrate with your game.  

                                                                                                                                                                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                      5. What are the cost and licensing factors for third-party Android game development libraries?  

                                                                                                                                                                                      Licensing and costs vary depending on the specific game development library you choose. Some libraries are open-source and free, while others may require a one-time purchase. Carefully review the licensing terms and costs associated with the library. Ensure that they align with your project's budget and revenue model. Additionally, consider any licensing restrictions that may affect distribution and intellectual property rights. 

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