LÖVE

A small, free framework for making 2D games in Lua.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners
  • Jam-friendly

What it does

LÖVE (Love2D) is a minimal framework: you write Lua code in any text editor and LÖVE runs it. It is a fun way to learn game programming from the ground up and is very popular at game jams.

Highlights

  • Simple Lua API
  • Very fast to get started
  • Lots of community libraries
  • Cross-platform

Is it right for me?

Skill level
Intermediate, Advanced
Useful for
Game jams, Indie developers, Students, Hobby projects
Game jams
A good fit — quick to pick up and use under time pressure.

Pairs well with

Godot Engine

Game engines

A free, open-source engine for 2D and 3D games.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Bitsy

Game engines

Make tiny pixel-art exploration and story games in your browser.

  • Free
  • Open source
  • Good for beginners

Construct 3

Game engines

Make 2D games in your browser without writing code.

  • Free + paid plans
  • Good for beginners

GameMaker

Game engines

A 2D engine with drag-and-drop and its own easy scripting language.

  • Free + paid plans
  • Good for beginners