MonoGame
Open source C# framework for cross-platform 2D and 3D games
- #8 of 12 in best game engines
- Free and open source
- Free to use
- Open source
- WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS, iPadOS
Ranked 8 of 12 in best game engines
Ms-PL licensed C# framework covering desktop, mobile and consoles from one codebase. Console access requires platform authorization, and it is a framework rather than an editor.
Best for C# developers targeting desktop, mobile and consoles
About MonoGame
MonoGame is a code-first framework for C# developers, used from Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code and JetBrains Rider. It targets Windows, macOS and Linux on desktop, and Android, iOS and iPadOS on mobile. It also supports PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch for developers authorized by those platform holders.
The Ms-PL is an OSI-approved open source license that allows commercial use. The MonoGame Foundation posted news in September 2026, and the repository had commits in October 2026. Console targets need separate platform authorization, so console releases involve steps beyond the framework itself.
Key features
- C# and .NET
- Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android
- PlayStation, Xbox and Switch targets
- Visual Studio and Rider support
- Ms-PL open source license
Strengths
- Ms-PL license with commercial use allowed
- One C# codebase for desktop and mobile
- News and commits active through 2026
Limits
- Console access needs platform authorization
- A framework rather than an editor, so level tools come from elsewhere
Where MonoGame ranks
How MonoGame compares
| Product | Score | Price | Platforms | Scripting language | 3D support | Workflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#6 Cocos Creator | 86.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOS | TypeScript and JavaScript | Yes | Editor and code |
#7 Bevy | 85.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxWebiOSAndroid | Rust | Yes | Code-first |
| #8MonoGame | 84.5 | Free and open source | WindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS, iPadOS | C# | Yes | Code-first |
#9 O3DE | 81.5 | Free and open source | WindowsLinuxmacOS | C++ and Python | Yes | Editor and code |
| #10Phaser | 80.5 | Free and open source | Web | JavaScript | No | Code-first |
The full comparison table for best game engines has all 12 products.
Alternatives to MonoGame
All 11 alternatives
Godot EngineFree and open source 2D and 3D game engine under the MIT license
UnityCross-platform game engine with a free Personal plan and paid Pro plans
Unreal EngineEpic Games' real-time 3D engine for games, film and visualization- DefoldFree game engine with Lua scripting and a small runtime footprint
GameMaker2D game engine with a free tier and paid tiers for commercial release- Cocos CreatorOpen source 2D and 3D engine and editor for cross-platform games
Related rankings
Questions about MonoGame
- Is MonoGame free?
- MonoGame can be used without paying: Ms-PL licensed; console targets need platform holder authorization. Check the vendor’s pricing page for current limits.
- Is MonoGame open source?
- Yes. MonoGame publishes its source code under the Ms-PL license.
- Which platforms does MonoGame support?
- MonoGame is available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS.
- What is MonoGame best for?
- C# developers targeting desktop, mobile and consoles. In our ranking of game engines it is number 8 of 12 with a score of 84.5.
- What are the best alternatives to MonoGame?
- The highest-ranked alternatives on listme.name are Godot Engine, Unity, Unreal Engine, Defold.
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