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Cocos2d-x
What it is
Cocos2d-x is a free, open-source C++ framework for building games, apps, and other cross-platform interactive programs. Developers can target mobile, desktop, web, and console from one codebase, using C++ or the included JavaScript and Lua bindings. The product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering and says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games. Its maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized for devices that include low-end Android systems. The framework is community-maintained under the MIT license. The download page says version 4.0 uses CMake across platforms, supports Metal on iOS and macOS, and removes the H5 engine and JSB. For version 3.17, the product page lists support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and standard HTML5 browsers. Developer resources include documentation, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and forums.
For and against
For
- Targets mobile, desktop, web, and console.
- Includes C++, JavaScript, and Lua language options.
- Free and licensed under MIT.
- Lists documentation, tutorials, demos, API reference, and forums.
Against
- Version 4.0 removes the H5 engine and JSB.
- Version 3.17 platform support has listed minimum versions.
The verdict
Cocos2d-x offers a free framework with broad target categories and multiple language options. Developers should review the version-specific platform details and the stated changes in version 4.0 before choosing a release.
Who it suits
Cocos2d-x suits developers building interactive games or apps for multiple platform types from one codebase. It is relevant to teams comfortable working with C++, Lua, or JavaScript.
Plans and prices
Cocos2d-x
Open-source framework · MIT license
Read 11 Oct 2026 · cocos2d-x.org
On the record
- Console export
- Yescocos2d-x.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Developer environments
- The documentation says Cocos2d-x can be installed on OS X, Windows, and Linux for development, with deployment to iOS, Android, OS X, Windows, and game consoles.docs.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Language bindings
- The framework includes JavaScript and Lua bindings alongside C++.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- License and maintenance
- Cocos2d-x is licensed under MIT and maintained by the community.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The maker's About page identifies Xiamen Yaji Software and says it was founded in 2011, with headquarters in Xiamen and Beijing.cocos.com · read 11 Oct 2026
- Mobile export
- Yescocos2d-x.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Performance
- The maker describes the C++ core as lightweight and optimized to run on devices including low-end Android systems.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Platform version limits
- The product page lists v3.17 support for iOS 8.0 and higher, Android 3.0 and higher, Windows 7/8.1/10, macOS 10.9 and higher, and HTML5 standard browsers.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- The maker's privacy policy says product usage statistics can be disabled through command-line settings and describes firewalls and restricted physical access for its database server.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The maker's product page lists OpenGL ES 2.0 and Metal for graphics rendering.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting languages
- C++,Lua,JavaScriptcocos2d-x.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Script updates
- The product page says Lua or JavaScript can be used to hot-update games.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Source code model
- open_sourcecocos2d-x.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Support resources
- The maker provides documents, tutorials, demos, an API reference, and developer forums.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Target platforms
- mobile,desktop,web,consolecocos2d-x.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Targets
- The product page says developers can publish from one codebase to mobile, desktop, web, and console.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- Tools and integrations
- The v3.17 release page lists CMake support across platforms and Spine runtime 3.6.39.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
- v4.0 changes
- The download page says v4.0 supports Metal on iOS and macOS, uses CMake for all platforms, and removes the H5 engine and JSB.cocos2d-x.org · read 11 Oct 2026
