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MonoGame
MonoGame is an open source implementation of the Microsoft XNA 4 Framework.
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Cross-Platform Support
MonoGame allows developers to create games that run on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more) from a single codebase.
Open Source
Being open-source, MonoGame is free to use and has a community-driven development process. Developers can contribute to its growth and adapt it to their needs.
Familiarity
MonoGame retains the XNA framework's API, which is familiar to many game developers who have previously worked with Microsoft's XNA.
Extensive Documentation
The MonoGame community has created extensive documentation, tutorials, and examples, making it easier for new developers to get started.
High Performance
MonoGame is built with performance in mind, enabling developers to create games that run efficiently across different devices.
MonoGame is a solid choice for game developers who wish to create cross-platform games with a minimal learning curve. Its compatibility with the XNA Framework makes it particularly appealing to those migrating old XNA projects to modern platforms. While it may lack some advanced features found in other engines like Unity, its lightweight nature and focus on code-oriented game development make it well-suited for many types of indie and hobbyist projects.
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The latest comments about MonoGame on Reddit. This can help you find out how popualr the product is and what people think about it.
You might like monogame. Same level of abstraction, but in C#. https://monogame.net. - Source: Hacker News / 4 months ago
C# + https://monogame.net - Desktop: Windows, MacOS, Linux - Mobile: Android, iOS, iPadOS - Console: Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch It used to be XNA but then Microsoft discontinued and the comunity created the API compatible MonoGame. Notable games: Terraria (when it was XNA), Stardew Valley, Celeste, Terraria and Fez. - Source: Hacker News / 5 months ago
Kipo is the second prototype I've build with MonoGame and although Kps shares similarities, Kipo took off from where I became blocked with Kps. - Source: dev.to / 7 months ago
To be fair, there is no language that has a framework that contains all of these things... Unless you're using one of the game engines like Unity/Unreal. If you're willing to constrain yourself to 2D games, and exclude physics engines (assume you just use one of the Box2D bindings) and also UI (2D gamedevs tend to make their own UI systems anyway)... Then your best bet in the C# world is Monogame... - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
Defold has been there for a while, not sure of why this in on the front page right now. Anyways, Defold is good, the community, docs etc. Are on the lower side as compared to Godot. The other options include MonoGame https://monogame.net/ (Stardew Valley was written in it) and of-course the biggies like Unity or Unreal. A lot depends on how much investment in learning one wants to make, what is the feature set one... - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
You see, for the past several years I have used many programming languages and many more game frameworks and libraries. Programming languages like Java, C#, C++, and even, sadly, JavaScript (I know...). Game frameworks like LWJGL, SDL2, Raylib, MonoGame, SFML, and many more. Essentially, I have seen it all. Out of all of them, I think SDL2 was closer to what I was looking for, though, Raylib was the one I used the... - Source: dev.to / over 1 year ago
LibGDX is great, but I can understand if it's not for some people. This also applies to love2d, raylib and Monogame. Source: over 2 years ago
I followed the Getting Started instructions on monogame.net. Source: over 4 years ago
MonoGame, a game development framework primarily for C# developers, continues to enjoy a favorable public opinion, especially among those focused on creating cross-platform 2D and simple 3D games. This framework stands out due to its capacity to port and run games seamlessly across various platformsโbe it mobile, desktop, or webโwithout requiring major code modifications. In this regard, MonoGame offers a robust alternative to other game engines, providing a unified API that simplifies graphics and audio processing, thereby reducing development complexity.
A significant advantage of MonoGame, as frequently mentioned in the technical blogosphere, is its heritage from Microsoft's XNA framework. Although XNA is defunct, MonoGame sustains its legacy by supporting a similar API, making it a popular choice for developers with C# and .NET expertise. This compatibility reassures developers familiar with XNA, allowing them to transition to or integrate their projects with MonoGame with relative ease.
Moreover, MonoGame is recognized for its ability to handle not just object-based programming but also code-centric development, which appeals to developers preferring hands-on coding rather than abstract coding environments. This has garnered it an edge over platforms like Scratch, which are typically object-oriented and more educational in their design.
When contrasted with larger game engines like Unity and Unreal, MonoGame maintains a niche appeal, especially in scenarios where developers aim to create lightweight, cross-platform 2D games without the overhead of full-fledged industrial engines. Among its notable successes are acclaimed titles like "Stardew Valley" and "Celeste," which underline its practical viability and effectiveness in shipping high-performing desktop and console games.
Despite its strengths, however, MonoGame is not without competition. It shares the game development landscape with other frameworks and engines such as Godot, AppGameKit, RPG Maker, and GDevelop. Each offers distinct feature sets and strengths, catering to different user needs and project specifications. For instance, Godot is another attractive choice due to its vibrant community and easy-to-grasp interface, appealing to beginners and indie developers alike.
Feedback across various technical forums and articles suggests that while MonoGame is well-regarded, its setup and installation processes can introduce hurdles for some developers. Nevertheless, the framework's comprehensive documentation and tutorial repository, available on its official website, offer substantial aid to both novice and experienced developers looking for guidance.
In summary, MonoGame positions itself as a versatile C# framework facilitating multi-platform game development. Its connection to XNA and the success of games developed using it contribute to its sustained esteem in the game development community. For developers invested in C# and .NET, requiring a game engine for 2D applications, or seeking to avoid the complexities of Unity and Unreal, MonoGame presents a reliable choice, albeit with some entry barriers regarding installation and specific user support compared to its larger counterparts.
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