This hub leads with Love2D on purpose, but it’s not the only road.
Why Love2D first
- Tiny: ~10MB, no editor to learn, you read every file
- Simple: Lua is easy to read and fast to prototype
- Shippable: web + desktop + Steam from one codebase (how)
- Free: no marketplace, no lock-in, just Lua files you own
I value learning open source tools that can’t be taken away from you. Love2D teaches games, not an editor.
When to reach for something else
| Want… | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3D, or 2D with visual editor + console export | Godot (free, open source) | Best free 3D + node/scene workflow; huge beginner community |
| AAA 3D, jobs in industry | Unreal / Unity | Hiring pipelines, asset stores — heavier, commercial terms |
| Web-first casual | LÖVE web export is enough, or Godot HTML5 | Stay in Love2D until browsers block you |
NOTE
Godot Starter: if you outgrow this hub, do Godot’s official Your first 2D game tutorial, then come back — state machines,
dt, and collision transfer 1:1.
Jai (future planning)
I’m learning Jai and will document that process here. It’s lower-level, and performance focused. Expect devlogs once it is released. Love2D remains the recommended start; Jai is the deep end I will be exploring publicly.