As mobile devices become more and more powerful, the demand for mobile games that take advantage of that power grows as well. 3D games are especially in demand, as they can provide a level of immersion and graphical detail that is impossible with 2D games.
But developing a 3D game for mobile platforms is no easy task. There are several development platforms to choose from, each with its strengths and weaknesses.
In this article, we will compare five of the most popular development platforms for mobile 3D games: Unity, Unreal Engine 4, Cocos2d-x, Mixamo, and Lumberyard. We will discuss the pros and cons of each platform, as well as who each one is best suited for.
1. Unity
Unity offers a complete ecosystem of tools and services to help game developers succeed. From its powerful rendering engine to its easy-to-use development environment, Unity is the perfect platform for creating high-quality 3D games. From small indie games to AAA blockbusters, Unity has been used to create some of the most popular games of all time.
And with Unity’s cross-platform capability, games can be easily ported to multiple platforms, reaching the widest possible audience. This makes Unity an ideal choice for developers who want to release their games on as many platforms as possible.
However, Unity is not without its flaws. One of the biggest complaints from developers is the lack of documentation and support. While Unity does have a large community of users, it can be difficult to find answers to specific problems.
Pros
- Powerful rendering engine
- Cross-platform
- Wide range of features
Cons
- Can be challenging to learn
- Limited support for older devices
2. Unreal Engine 4
From AAA games to indies, Unreal Engine 4 is the VR game engine for mobile of choice for some of the world’s best game developers. And now, with support for mobile 3D games, it’s even better.
With features like OpenColorIO support in LED volumes, control of the cameras from iOS devices using the latest Live Link VCAM application, and Export to USD, Unreal Engine 4 is the best platform for developing mobile 3D games.
Besides, with the new camera calibration tool and multi-GPU lightmap baking support, you can create amazing visuals that look great on any device. Your game will look better than ever before.
However, Unreal Engine 4 does have some drawbacks. One of the biggest complaints is the high price of admission.
Pros
- AAA quality graphics
- Wide range of features
- Great for porting games to multiple platforms
- New features added regularly
Cons
- Comparatively fewer assets
3. Cocos2d-x
What makes Cocos2d-x the best development platform for mobile 3D games? There are many reasons, but three stand out above the rest.
- First, Cocos2d-x is extremely versatile. It can be used for various genres, from first-person shooters to puzzle games.
- Second, it offers an extensive set of tools and features. This includes a powerful physics engine, which can be used to create realistic simulations of real-world physics.
- Third, and perhaps most importantly, Cocos2d-x is constantly updated with new features and improvements.
This means that developers can always rely on the platform to provide the latest and greatest technology. As a result, there is no doubt that Cocos2d-x is the best development platform for mobile 3D games.
Pros
- Versatile
- An extensive set of tools and features
- Constantly being updated
- Can be used for a wide range of genres
- Powerful physics engine
Cons
- Many split up codebases and frameworks can be confusing for some users.
4. Mixamo
When it comes to mobile 3D game development, Mixamo is the best mobile game platform around. With its easy-to-use tools and wide range of features, Mixamo is perfect for any project. Motion capture is a key part of many 3D games, and with Mixamo, you can easily create animated characters that look realistic and move realistically.
Best of all, Mixamo’s automatic character rigging ensures that your characters are always ready to go, no matter what type of game you’re developing. With ready-to-use characters and Export for Any Project, Mixamo is the game development platform you need for mobile 3D games.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Wide range of features
- Automatic character rigging
- Ready-to-use characters
Cons
- Animations need improvements
5. Lumberyard
With features like Twitch ChatPlay, Cloud Canvas, the AWS SDK for C++, and the Cloud Gems Framework, Lumberyard has everything you need to create amazing games. Also, with game-ready assets, component entities, and compelling characters, it’s easy to get started.
And with real-time gameplay editing, robust networking, and Wwise LTX support, you can create a truly immersive experience. Best of all, Lumberyard is free and comes with source code included, which makes it the best mobile game development platform.
Pros
- Game-ready assets
- Robust networking
- Real-time gameplay editing
- Comes with source code included
Cons
- Bit of a learning curve
Other Tools
Besides the development platforms, you will also need other tools for 3D game development. Here are some of the most important:
- Graphic and 3D modeling tools: If you want to create high-quality graphics, you will need good graphics and 3D modeling tools. Some of the best options include Autodesk Maya, Blender, and ZBrush.
- Animation tools: To create realistic animations, you will need a good animation tool. With Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, and Blender, you can create amazing animations that will bring your game to life.
- IDEs: To write your code, you will need a good IDE. Having a good IDE will make your life much easier and help you write better code. Some of the best options include Visual Studio, Eclipse, and Xcode.
- Testing tools: To test your game, you will need a good testing tool. The best options include Unity Test Tools, JUnit, and TestComplete.
- Debugging tools: Debugging your game is essential to ensure it works properly. The best debugging tool for mobile 3D games is the Android Studio debugger.
- Code editors: To edit your game’s code, you will need a good code editor. The most famous options include Visual Studio Code and Sublime Text. A good code editor will make your life much easier and help you write better code.
- Source control: Source control is essential for any game development project. With source control, you can easily track changes to your code and collaborate with other developers. The best options for mobile 3D games include Git and Perforce.
- Project management tools: To manage your project, you will need a good project management tool. Using project management tools, you can easily track the progress of your project and ensure that it is on track. The best options for mobile 3D games include Jira and Asana.
- Continuous integration: Finally, you will need a continuous integration tool. Continuous integration is essential for any game development project. With continuous integration, you can automatically build and test your game every time you make a change. The best options for mobile 3D games include Jenkins and Travis CI.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that mobile 3D games are becoming more and more popular. As a result, there is a growing need for development platforms that can be used to create these types of games.
The five platforms listed above are the best mobile game engines currently available. Each one has its own unique set of features and benefits. So, carefully consider them for your 3D game development.