20 Best Mobile Game Engines and Development Platforms

The mobile gaming industry is booming right now, and so does the demand for mobile game engines and development platforms. According to a recent study, the mobile game industry was valued at $119 billion in 2021 which is further expected to reach $338 billion by 2030. The growing need for mobile games has led to a surge in the search for the ideal engine to create games without bugs.

Unity, Unreal Engine, CryEngine, and Marmalade stand out as some of the leading platforms for mobile game development, offering the capability to create and publish games. Nevertheless, our article will delve into a comprehensive list of top mobile game engines, exploring their features and pricing. Here you can find a list of the best mobile games in the world.

20 Best Mobile Game Engines

Now, we will discuss mobile game engines in detail.

Top 10 Mobile Game Engines in 2024

1. Unity: Best Mobile Game Engine Overall

The first and foremost game engine in our list, with the most popularity among both beginner and advanced mobile game development services, is Unity. It is a cross-platform tool that helps developers save a lot of time developing games individually for each platform. The developers can also build a game in 3D using this one of the best game engines and give it a realistic touch.

Advantages of Unity

• Ultra-Fast
• Excellent visual and audio effects availability.
• Offers support to over 27 platforms
• Visual Editor
• Games developed on Unity can effortlessly be shared on the web, PC, and mobiles.
• Easy tweaking and debugging

Games Developed in Unity

• Call of Duty: Mobile
• Pokemon Go
• Lara Croft Go
• Monument Valley
• Subway Surfer

2. Unreal Engine

This game engine is quite famous amongst beginner developers as it offers a simplified interface and features. All the essential changes can be made in the game without any need to change the source code using the best engines for mobile games. Even testing the game is a lot easier on Unreal Engine.

Advantages of Unreal Engine

• Open-source Engine
• Pre-made assets can be utilized to create a realistic appearance in the game
• Cross-platform game engine
• Wide variety of functionalities and tools
• Quick and easy optimization of the game

Games Developed in Unreal Engine

• Mortal Kombat
• Fortnite
• Gears of War
• Injustice 2
• Unreal Tournament

3. Titanium

This is one of the top game engines for mobile. Games can be easily developed with this using javascript. Reportedly, a lot of unique and amazing games have been built on Titanium like the crash triology. Developers also get the support of API Builder, which is an overpowered combination of scalable cloud service and a robust framework to run the applications.

Advantages of Titanium

• Codes can be developed in a couple of lines, speeding up the game development process.
• Familiar to most game developers as Javascript is a primary programing language
• Generous community with over 2,00,000+ developers looking out to help each other.
• Open market to share, buy, and sell modules

Games Developed in Titanium

• Prototype 1
• Prototype 2
• Crash Trilogy

4. Starling

It is a free-to-use game engine and development platform with open-source code and a cross-platform framework. All the games developed using Starling are built on Adobe’s AIR technology, giving them an edge over the others. Furthermore, it also offers Adobe AIR/Flash technology for creating games architecture which goes hand in hand with GPU. Mobile game developers can also create accelerated hardware games using the ActionScript 3 technology offered exclusively by this game engine.

Advantages of Starling

• Multiple screens friendly
• Simple interface and lightweight
• Open-Source game engine(making source codes easy to study and identify)
• Extended Framework
• Completely Free

Games Developed in Starling

• Angry Birds
• Tiny Swipers
• Gamage
• Drive Off
• Stellar War

5. AppGameKit

It is stated to be a perfect fit for every game developer despite their experience. This mobile game development software has a user-friendly interface that uses C++ similar language for coding. Like the top game development platform, it also offers cross-platform games, meaning that a game created on this engine can be played on multiple platforms like android, windows, HTML, etc.

Advantages in AppGameKit

• It uses a similar C++ language for coding, making it easy for a developer to build the game.
• Easy testing of the games
• Numerous tools to help increase the productivity of the developers

Games Developed in AppGameKit

• Skrobol
• Towerbots
• Galaforce Worlds
• Echoes III
• Driving Theory Test Kit

6. Build Box

The world’s first 3D codeless game engine to develop. With the help of Build Box you can create 3D as well as 2D games even if you are not a professional game developer. There is no coding, programming, or software design experience required. All the tools you need to complete your game are inside the software. Even the changes made in the game can be seen in real-time using its engine.

Build Box Advantages

• Access to over 20K game assets, including animations and sound effects.
• 3D games can be developed without coding
• Implementing ads is just a few clicks away
• Drag and Drop feature

Games Developed in Build Box

• Color Switch
• One Wheel
• Balance Stuff
• Ball Jump
• Nine Fighter

7. Phaser

Phaser is one of the most reputed game engines for making HTML5 games for desktop and mobile web browsers, supporting Canvas and WebGL rendering. It is a free framework that allows you to render your game across different platforms. Developers can also use plug-ins for the best possible results.

Advantages of Phaser

• Automatically selects between OpenGL and canvas depending upon the gamers browser.
• Simple Interface
• Numerous Demo availability
• A vast range of practical tools for game development

Games Developed in Phaser

• Try Harder
• Fishing.io
• Eraser
• Idle Zoo
• Pet Pop Party

8. Construct 3

This game engine is highly recommended to mobile game developers who have just stepped into their careers. Classroom teachers also use this software while teaching the basics of game development. It is perfect for those who want to develop games but don’t know the programming language. Its concept of using a virtual script makes it different from others.

Construct 3 Advantages

• Excellent for 2D Game development
• Flexible and easy to use
• Entirely built on a prototyping tool
• Non-programmers can also develop the game using this platform

Games Developed in Construct 3

• Ultra Pixel Survive
• Pixel Bear Adventure
• Slender Multiplayer
• Red Tie Runner
• Dreams and Reality

9. Godot

It is one of the highly-recommended game engines used for developing a game from scratch. It is also an MIT License certified game development platform. The Godot runs smoothly on multiple operating systems like windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc. While developing a game on Godot, all the essential files like graphics, scripts, and assets are saved in the computer instead of the database.

Godot Advantages

• Access to the language binding
• Support of multiple languages
• Completely free to use
• Have its own IDE
• Lightweight
• Easy game testing
• 100% Free to use

Games Developed in Godot

• Carol Reed Mysteries
• Spooky Ghosts Dot Com
• Kingdoms of the Dump
• Hardcoded
• The Interactive Adventure of Dog Mendonca & Pizzaboy

10. Amazon Lumberyard

Another prominent platform for game development is Amazon Lumberyard. All types of games can be developed on this platform for free. It being a cross-platform tool, same games can be created for multiple platforms with ease. Twitch integration can also be accessible in this platform, which helps the developers to create exciting visuals.

Amazon Lumberyard Advantages

• Huge tool library to help create games
• Audiokinetic’s feature-rich sound engine
• AWS cloud offers seamless integration
• Twitch API
• No licensing fees or royalties

Games Developed in Amazon Lumberyard

• New World
• The Grand Tour
• The DRG Initiative
• Star Citizen
• Squadron 42

10 More Mobile Game Development Engines

11. Solar2D

It is highly admired by game developers as it provides a vast range of plugins. Apart from these plugins, the developers also have access to third-party stores like the Solar2D marketplace. The platforms have been built to make iterating simpler and improvise the experience of non-programmers on this platform. The source code of the game engine is open and licensed by MIT.

Solar2D Advantages

• Variety of plugins
• Own Solar2D marketplace
• Simplified design and iterating for non-programmers
• MIT Licensed

Games Developed in Solar2D

• Designer City
• Fun Run 2
• Gunman Taco Truck
• The Lost City
• Zip Zap

12. Stencyl

This software is available for free and lets the developers create an entertaining 2D game efficiently for mobiles, computers, etc. The game engine has a significant following among developers as it has numerous tools to speed the development of applications. Drag and drop feature is available to simplify the game development journey. Anyhow, the developer can write codes for the game if they want to.

Stencyl Advantages

• No watermarks
• Third-party plugins
• Tons of tools to help boost game development
• Help reach a vast audience via steam

Games Developed in Stencyl

• Mibibli’s Quest
• Big Battles
• Wax O Ware
• Minigolf Pro
• Lakeview Cabin

13. Clickteam

It is considered to be best for developing event-based games. All the necessary features and unique mobile game ideas for developing the game is available here. The best part is that it is not necessary to have programming language knowledge to work on Clickteam. The developers have the choice to utilize amongst various options to develop the game as quickly as possible.

Advantages

• Relevant tutorials are available for a better understanding of the platform.
• Prototyping is efficient and fast.
• Clickteam community will always be available to help in the development.

Games Developed

• Freedom Planet
• Mario Forever
• I wanna Be The Guy
• Freedom Planet
• Spark the Electric Jester

14. CryEngine

This powerful game engine got famous amongst developers for offering amazing graphics and cinematics. It is well-reorganized for developing games with excellent visuals. It has also introduced tools like Flowgraphs, which holds the responsibility of creating a superior game ambiance. Additionally, it also offers various tools for a better understanding of the engine and its features.

Advantages

• With its artist-level programing, superior game surrounding can be created
• Fantastic and excellent Fmod and tools
• Premium coding experience
• Easy to understand
• 24/7 Support

Games Developed

• Arena of Fate
• Aporia: Beyond the Valley
• Farcry
• Sniper Ghost Warrior 3
• Warface

15. Marmalade

It can be used to develop both 2d and 3d games using C++ codes and as it is a cross-platform engine, creating the same game for multiple platforms just got easier. The developers can also take help from the libraries and code examples available on the engine. All this combinedly makes mobile game development much easier and smoother. Furthermore, the application developed here can be easily tested and deployed on other platforms.

Advantages of Marmalade

• Third-party libraries can be integrated
• To get the maximum speed, the game can directly comply with the native CPU
• Developers can create a game without taking the help of virtual machines

Games Developed in Marmalade

• Worms
• The Game of Life
• Cut the Rope
• Monopoly Sudoku
• Plant v/s Zombies

16. Gideros

Amazing and exciting games can be developed with the help of this game development platform. It also lets the developer launch their game on multiple platforms as it offers a cross-platform feature. The language used in this development platform resembles a lot to Corona: Lua. The best part is that testing the game is real devices a lot easier with Gideros.

Advantages

• Completely Free
• Instant testing of the game
• Clean OOP approach
• Easy core extension with plugins
• Full dev set
• Reusable codes

Games Developed

• Swift Soccer
• Monster Mine
• Edwina
• Missile Defense Extreme
• Cupid’s Game of Love

17. Defold

This game development platform is powered by Lua language; well-recognized for speed and versatility. Even this language is relatively easy to understand as compared to the others. This game engine can find all the essential tools necessary for developing high quality games. As it offers both 2D and 3D game development, the developers have a pool of creativity to unlock.

Defold Advantages

• Offers spine support for simulations
• Focused on creating a 2D game; anyhow 3D game can also be developed
• Ease of composing scenes
• Fast and Efficient

Games Developed in Defold

• Solitaire Towers Tournaments
• Rafts War Multiplayer
• Cat Stories: New Year
• Family Island
• Taxi Town

18. Haxe

The developers prefer using C++, C#, Flash, JVM, and other programming languages to work on Haxe. This development engine is mainly used to develop mobile, desktops, and web applications. Coca-Cola, Disney, and Toyota are a few of the early adopters of this development platform. Recently Haxe has introduced its package manager, which allows access to a vast library.

Advantages

• Fast compiler for quick game development
• Offers tight type checking to help avoid errors
• Advanced and Optimized cross-complier
• Offers Virtual Machines support

Games Developed

• Dicey Dungeons
• HaxeFixel
• Dead Cells
• Defender’s Quest
• Evoland

19. Game Maker

The language used for developing an application on such game engines for mobile is relatively easy. The developers can also use drag-and-drop features to develop the game with a good pace. The users of such mobile game development engines also have an option to customize the tool’s workspace according to them for a better game development experience.

Advantages

• Exporting games to multiple platforms are simplified
• All genres of games can be developed on this development platform
• Plug and Play feature; lets you develop a game with zero programing language knowledge

Games Developed

• Rival of Aether and Caveblazer
• Hotline Miami
• Hyper Light Drifter
• Super Crate Box
• Nidhogg 1 and 2

20. MonoGame

The developer should have adequate knowledge about the C++ and Net languages to work on this game-developing platform. However, proper tutorials about the same are available to help the developers and can be accessed from the official website. The game development engines use shaders for developing a game; MonoGame has taken a step forward and created its own language to create shaders.

Advantages

• Best for creating 2D games
• Promotes open-source framework
• Offers Cross-platform game development
• Access to numerous customizable options for easy game development

Games Developed

• Flinthook
• Pyre
• Super Blood Hockey
• Carrion
• Celeste

Conclusion: Mobile Game Development Platforms

Well, that’s all the 20 game engines that can be used to develop your mobile game right away. Try exploring a few different development platforms, then pick the one that best suits your idea for a mobile game. The options we’ve mentioned above have distinctive properties. Therefore, you can choose any of the aforementioned mobile game engines and development platforms you like and start building your game right away.

FAQ’s on Best Engines for Mobile Games

1. What Engine Do Mobile Games Use?

One of the most powerful game engines in the industry is Unity. It has an excellent following among mobile game development services providers as it is ultra-fast and offers quality visuals to create an eye-catching game. Unity can be used for creating a simple 2d game to a complex 3d game. Options like multiple rendering and universal render pipeline are also available in it.

2. Is Unity the Best Game Engine for Mobile?

Yes, Unity is the best and most popular game engine. All the reputed game-developing companies tend to build their game on this platform. Best mobile games in the world like Call of Duty: Mobile, subway surfer, and Pokemon Go are some of the prime examples of it. Unity offers excellent visuals and ultra-fast speed, giving it a lead over the others.

3. Which is the Best Game Engine for Beginners?

Buildbox will be the perfect game engine for beginners because of several aspects covered below:-

• It provides templates to beginners to help create an excellent 2D game.
• As a beginner keeps on learning, they can explore settings to unlock new features and design their game in a better way.
• Drag-and-drop feature is an excellent help to beginners as they are still learning to code.
• Games can be easily exported from BuildBox for multiple platforms.

4. Does the Unreal Engine Run on Mobile?

Yes, the Unreal game engine can run on mobile devices. Anyhow, there is a minimum specification required for the same. As per the Unreal Engine 4.24 update, the mobile device running OpenGL ES 3.1 is the minimum standard, along with one of the following extensions.

• GL_EXT_texture_buffer
• GL_EXT_color_buffer_half_float

5. Which Mobile Gaming Engine is Your Favorite?

As covered till now, all mobile game engines have pros and cons. However, it is pretty clear that Unity has an edge over the others with its fantastic features. Therefore, Unity will be our favorite mobile gaming engine amongst the above-mentioned engines.