Babylon.js is a real-time 3D engine that displays 3D graphics via HTML5 in a web browser. Developed by the original author David Catuhe, with contributions from Microsoft and other developers, Babylon.js has evolved since its initial release in 2013 to reach a stable release of 5.3.0. It is written in TypeScript and JavaScript, distributed under the Apache License 2.0, and widely used for various applications like virtual worlds, military training, and product design.
For those exploring alternatives to Babylon.js, choices encompass Three.js, PixiJS, p5.js, A-Frame, D3.js, React Three Fiber, Phaser, WebGL, OpenGL, GSAP, Unity, and Unreal Engine.
Three.js
Say hello to Three.js – an innovative, open-source cross-browser JavaScript library conceived by Ricardo Cabello (Mr.doob) and collaborated by brilliant developers worldwide. Designed to create and display animated 3D computer graphics, this library is known for its GPU-accelerated 3D animations made directly within a web browser with zero need for plugins, utilizing WebGL and GLSL.
Three.js Top Features
- GPU-accelerated 3D animations crafted using JavaScript
- Compatible with all browsers that support WebGL 1.0
- Offers WebXR support for Virtual and Augmented Reality experiences
- Packed with a plethora of features such as scenes, cameras, animations, lights, materials, shaders, objects, geometry, and support options.
- Countless effects to customize your 3D graphics
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| WebGL 2.0 Support | From version 118, Three.js adopted WebGL 2.0 as default. For those needing an older version, WebGL1Renderer class is provided. |
| Contributors | This library boasts an expansive network of over 1700 contributors on Github. |
Three.js Limitations
- Although it’s relatively easy to use, beginners might find it challenging due to the depth of knowledge required in 3D graphics.
- While Three.js is comprehensive, it may be too much for simpler projects due to its extensive feature set.
Three.js Pricing
Even sweeter, Three.js is completely free, provided under an MIT License, making it open to all!
Three.js Use Cases
Use case 1: 3D modeling and animation
With Three.js, you’re allowed the freedom to craft intricate 3D modeling and animations. Just generate your code and watch your cube revolve along its x and y axes after loading.
Use case 2: Virtual and Augmented Reality
Given its WebXR support, Three.js stands as a strong choice for developers aiming to craft awe-inspiring VR and AR experiences.
Use case 3: Advanced Web Development
Whether you’re designing a stylish web application or a spectacular game, Three.js can breathe fresh life into your projects with its dynamic 3D graphics features.
PixiJS
Enter the world of PixiJS, a high-speed rendering system using WebGL or Canvas for 2D visuals, perfectly designed for graphics-heavy web apps, online games, interactive ads and educational content. Originally crafted as a flash replacement, PixiJS impresses with optimal performance and pixel-level effects. It enchants with its detailed visual performance while being user-friendly and highly efficient.
PixiJS’ Top Features
- Speed: It boasts automatic sprite & geometry batching and optimal WebGL use.
- Versatility: Beyond sprites, one can draw trails, primitives and enjoy text rendering.
- Advanced Effects: Achieved through its Filter class and shader programs.
- Extensible: PixiJS has a clean internal API and went through 5 Major versions.
- Deployment: Simple website-like deployment, extendable for mobile & desktop apps via Cordova & Electron.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ease of Access | Open Source, MIT-licensed, full code accessibility, hosted on GitHub. |
| Spritesheets | Native support eases loading and simplifies development. |
| Community Support | Extensive learning resources and active community for bug reporting & fixes. |
PixiJS Limitations
- Not a game engine, but rather a ‘creation engine’.
- Dependent on financial contributions for accelerated development.
PixiJS Pricing
Rich in features but not on price, PixiJS is Free and Open Source, making it a cost-effective option for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Development acceleration is funded by financial contributions from users.
PixiJS Use Cases
Use case 1: Interactive Content
Perfect for crafting interactive content with ease, offering flexibility and cross-platform compatibility.
Use case 2: Applications
PixiJS’ robust features and high-speed performance make it an ideal choice for developing applications.
Use case 3: Online Games
With PixiJS, developers can construct engaging, graphics-rich online games that run smoothly and impressively across all devices.
Unity
Launched in 2005, Unity has carved its space as a pivotal game development engine, fostering creation of both 3D and 2D games. Its adaptability across multiple operating systems and platforms, along with its rich suite of features, arguably makes Unity a desirable choice for game developers.
Unity Top Features
- Multiple platform support: Unity enables the launch of games across Android, iOS, and several other platforms, promoting wide reach and access.
- Diverse applications: The engine’s adaptability empowers developers to mold a plethora of applications, from Augmented Reality to 3D simulations.
- Tool Suite and Asset Store: Unity provides a suite of tools and features to uphold high-quality game creation, along with an asset store abounding with pre-designed textures.
- Developer community: It has an active developer community, encouraging assistance, problem-solving, and feedback for system enhancement.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Coding languages: | Unity 3D offers BOO script, Javascript, and C#, catering to varied developers’ preferences. |
| Continual innovation: | Constantly evolving tech ensures improved user-friendliness, compatibility, and immersive visual experiences. |
| Education and communication: | It endorses constant learning, application of new industry solutions, and encourages dialogue for problem-solving. |
Unity Limitations
- New Pricing Model: The pricing structure has drawn backlash, increasing costs for indie, mobile developers, and potentially hindering their financial stability.
- Trust Issues: Unannounced changes and new retroactive fee announcements have culminated in mistrust between Unity and its users.
Unity Pricing
Unity offers both free and paid versions, with a new impact-pricing model to kick into effect on January 1st, 2024. Developers will not be charged an install fee until games generate $200,000 in revenue and exceed 200,000 installations. However, games bought in standard markets like the US, UK bear a higher fee than emerging markets.
Unity Use Cases
Use case 1
Unity’s technical prowess and diverse applications make it ideal for Building Cross-platform Games. Given its support for Android, iOS, and various other platforms developers can create wide-reaching games.
Use case 2
Operative in the space of Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Games, Unity is versatile enough to help developers build complex and engaging AR/VR experiences.
Use case 3
Unity’s potential isn’t confined to gaming alone. It can readily be embraced by industries for 3D Simulation Creation, including architecture, scientific visualization, or even industrial training.
Unreal Engine
The Unreal Engine (UE) is a powerful 3D computer graphics game engine developed by Epic Games. First emerging in the scene in 1998, it’s written in C++, making it applicable across desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality platforms.
Unreal Engine Top Features
- Wide range of platform support.
- Latest release, Unreal Engine 5, offering updated features and capabilities.
- Includes Acquired Quixel features.
- Incorporates UnrealEd, a constructive solid geometry operations-supporting level editor.
- Unreal Engine Marketplace, enabling users to buy or sell creations.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Unreal Development Kit | Supports creating iOS games and apps |
| Basic project templates | Serves as starting points for a first-person or third-person experience |
| Royalty-free model | Waived for games published on the Epic Games Store |
Unreal Engine Limitations
- Requires strong understanding of C++ for full usage.
- Royalty charges applied for commercial use on revenues over USD 1 million.
Unreal Engine Pricing
Unreal Engine is offered free for all users, charging 5{66f7997927a862c9f57ec7dffc6a2fe6d405caee7001dff533b976d48fe118b1} revenue royalty for products that gross more than $3,000 per quarter. This model is, however, waived for games published on the Epic Games Store.
Unreal Engine Use Cases
Use case 1 – Game Development
Initially created for PC first-person shooters, Unreal Engine is perfect for game developers looking to build immersive 3D games on various platforms.
Use case 2 – Film and Television
Moreover, with its rich graphics and real-time capabilities, UE becomes a valuable tool for film and television production.
Use case 3 – Education
Recognizing its educational potential, Unreal Engine is offered free for schools and universities, making it an ideal tool for students stepping into the world of game design or computer graphics.
p5.js
As a successor of the discontinued Processing.js, p5.js provides a graphics library designed for visual design and teaching non-programmers computer programming in a visual context. Created by Lauren McCarthy and supported by the Processing Foundation, it equips developers with an intuitive platform perfect for creating interactive visual content and rendering games within a web browser.
p5.js Top|Best Features
- Offers a natively supported JavaScript alternative to Processing.js.
- Characteristic .pde extensions that simplify the development process.
- Promotes user-friendly visual design and coding suitable even for non-programmers.
- Facilitates the use of standard data types without limitation.
- Features a cross-platform IDE sketchbook for streamlined development across different systems.
| Supports | Various web browsers including Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Internet Explorer, Safari and Google Chrome. |
| Award-winning | Recognized with the 2005 Golden Nica award from Ars Electronica and the 2011 National Design Award by the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. |
| Used Globally | Popularized by international projects and global meetups like Processing Community Day. |
p5.js Limitations|Disadvantages|Downsides
- Processing.py Python interface substitutes Java toolkit with Java code and drops support for CPython interpreter, alienating some developers.
- Requires particular handling of static variables and methods, preventing a straightforward use.
- Though still maintained, Processing.js was discontinued in 2018, raising possible concerns about the future lifespan of p5.js.
p5.js Pricing
p5.js is an open-source project licensed under GPL and LGPL, making it free to use and modify.
p5.js Use Cases
Use case 1 – Educators and Learning Institutions
p5.js’s simple, graphic-intensive design makes it an excellent tool for teaching non-programmers the basics of computer programming in a visually rich and engaging manner.
Use case 2 – Web Developers
Professional developers seeking to create interactive web content, render games, or even migrate from the discontinued Processing.js platform will find a user-friendly and natively supported JavaScript alternative in p5.js.
Use case 3 – Graphic Artists and Designers
Artists and designers interested in expanding their creative capabilities to the digital realm can wield p5.js to create dynamic and interactive visual art.
A-Frame
A brainchild of distinct minds of Mozilla VR team and Supermedium’s Google developers, A-Frame has been gracing the realm of Augmented Reality since its inception back in December 2015. It is an open-source JavaScript framework, developed with an aim to democratize 3D / VR experiences.
A-Frame Top|Best Features
- Written entirely in JavaScript.
- Forms part of an intricate entity component system framework for Three.js, offering comprehensive 3D/ WebXR scene creation ability using HTML.
- Allows web designers to create distinctive 3D/VR experiences using HTML, eliminating the need for WebGL knowledge.
- Supported by many online IDEs. Provides real-time support via GitHub issues, StackOverflow, and Slack.
- Incorporates a broad spectrum of VR headsets like Vive, Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, Daydream, GearVR, Cardboard, Oculus Go.
| A-Frame Attributes | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| A-Frame Community | Extensive online presence, chiefly composed of developers active on Twitter |
| Scalability | Robust enough to serve tech titans like Google, Disney, Samsung, Toyota, and NASA among others. |
| Contributions | Received strong contribution from stalwarts like Google, Microsoft, Oculus, and Samsung. |
A-Frame {Downsides}
- WebXR DOM Overlay during AR session limited to handheld AR using Chrome on Android version 82 or newer.
A-Frame Pricing
A-Frame comes under the banner of MIT License, thus making it free for developers to use and innovate.
A-Frame Use Cases
Use case 1
For those questing for developing comprehensive 3D/VR experiences using a cogent and simplistic framework, A-Frame reshapes the boundaries.
Use case 2
If you are someone who wants to develop VR experiences without having to untangle the complexities of WebGL, A-Frame can be your ally.
D3.js
Enter the riveting world of D3.js, a powerful JavaScript library engineered to bring data to life through dynamic, interactive visualizations on web browsers. Born from the evolution of previous frameworks, D3.js is designed with a deep focus on web standards and performance, creating a transformative user experience.
D3.js Top Features
- Expressive Framework: D3.js offers a plethora of pre-defined functions to foster creativity in data presentation. Element selection, SVG creation, style application, dynamic effects, or transitions, are all at your disposal.
- Data-Driven: With D3.js, SVG objects bind to large datasets, driving element creation and modifications. It leaves no data format unsupported. JSON, CSV, you name it!
- High-level Performance: D3.js ensures smooth interpolations and highly performant updates, making it the go-to for dynamic, interactive visualizations.
- Community-Driven: With major contributions by renowned developers and the community, D3.js continually evolves to meet industry needs.
FeatureDescriptionBenefit
| Flexibility | Data Join Concept |
| D3.js offers extensive flexibility, shred down into 30 discrete modules but assembled or independently used to visualize data. | D3.js introduced the data join concept, separating operations for entering, updating, and exiting elements to control dynamic chart changes. |
| Complete command over data visualization process, thanks to absence of an overarching ‘chart’ abstraction. | Maximize efficiency by allowing dynamic visualizations driven by data, giving you full control over your charts. |
D3.js Limitations
- D3.js is not a generic charting library, which might not satisfy those seeking a quicker, plug-and-play model.
- While its expressive freedom might be an asset, its complexity could be daunting to beginners.
- Though powerful for creating custom visualizations, D3.js might be overkill for private dashboards or one-off analyses.
D3.js Pricing
You read it right, folks! D3.js is a free, open-source library. This is a revolutionary tool designed to level the playing field and offer everyone the opportunity to create stunning visualizations.
D3.js Use Cases
Use case 1 – Media organizations
With an agenda for bespoke, dynamic visualizations, D3.js is an undeniable fit for media organizations, transforming static data into vibrant, interactive stories.
Use case 2 – Data visualization practitioners
Loading data to drive element creation and reviewing advanced usage, D3.js becomes a robust playground for data visualization practitioners.”
Use case 3 – Academics
The academic realm can hugely benefit from D3.js’s deep-rooted connection with data. Scholars can harness this power to reflect research findings in a more engaging way, making a powerful impact.
React Three Fiber
Let us ponder the intriguing realm of React Three Fiber, a dynamic React renderer for three.js. It functions as a catalyst for building 3D scene graphs with efficiency and finesse.
React Three Fiber: Top Attributes
- Offers full feature support for Three.js without limitations, thereby echoing every update of Three.js.
- Performance is competitive, often excelling plain Three.js due to no overhead and React’s inherent scheduling capabilities.
- Demonstrates flexibility through ‘useFrame’ for render-loop subscription and ‘useState’ for managing the same.
- Enriches the ecosystem by supporting utility libraries such as @react-three/drei, @react-three/gltfjsx, @react-three/postprocessing, among others.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Favorable Performance | No overhead; outperforms due to React’s scheduling capabilities |
| Compatibility | Fully supported with React’s ecosystem, with responsive, reusable components |
| Declarative Scene Creation | Simplifies building a 3D scene graph, encourages re-rendering based on dependencies changes |
React Three Fiber Downsides
Notwithstanding its virtues, it should be noted that absolute proficiency in React and familiarity with three.js would be required to truly harness the full potentials of React Three Fiber.
React Three Fiber Use Cases
Use case 1
An innovative canvas for graphic artists & designers, granting the ability to create and manipulate animated 2D/3D graphics in a browser environment.
Use case 2
A boon for developers seeking to build interactive, dynamic GUI controls or incorporate realistic physics & path tracing simulations.
Use case 3
Brings UI/UX design to life with the ability to have objects respond to user interaction, such as rotation based on mouse hover, elevating user engagement to new dimensions.
Phaser
Stepping onto the stage of web-based game development, we introduce Phaser, a 2D game framework that brings the magic of desktop and mobile HTML5 games into reality.
Phaser Top Features
- Designed with JavaScript and TypeScript, ensuring swift and efficient game coding.
- Employs Canvas and WebGL renderer for speedy rendering and auto-switches depending upon browser compatibility.
- Allows games to be deployed on iOS, Android, and even as native desktop applications, thanks to tools like Apache Cordova and PhoneGap.
- It ensures game functionality across any browser that supports the Canvas element, meaning your game can be played, virtually, anywhere.
- Multiple physics systems (Arcade Physics, Ninja Physics, P2.JS) to add dimension and lifelike actions to your games.
- Web & HTML5 audio systems offer diverse soundback capabilities, setting the right tone for your game.
| Phaser Versions | Phaser 1, 2.6.2, CE, 3, and 4(in-development) |
| Upcoming Features | Added interactivity, keyboard and mouse input for game movements |
Phaser Limitations
- While Phaser is accessible, game developers hoping for 3D support may find it limiting, as it primarily caters to 2D game development.
- Developers looking for broader cross-platform support may find the focus on HTML5 restrictive.
Phaser Pricing
Free to download, Phaser is an open-source framework, proving high-quality game development doesn’t have to break the bank.
Phaser Use Cases
Use case 1: Entry-Level Game Developers
With its robust and comprehensive learning resources, Phaser is an ideal, jumping-on point for novice game developers, ensuring they can master the basics before tackling more advanced platforms.
Use case 2: Android Game Developers
Phaser’s compatibility with Android combined with advanced features make it an excellent choice for developers designing games for android users.
Use case 3: HTML5 Converters
If you are a developer looking to switch to HTML5 gaming platforms, Phaser could provide an accurate testing ground for your experiments.
WebGL
Emerging as the go-to solution for online, interactive 3D graphics after Flash’s demise, WebGL is a robust, low-level 3D graphics API, built atop OpenGL ES and directly linked to ECMAScript via HTML5 Canvas.
WebGL Top Features
- Direct Integration: WebGL gets directly integrated into browsers without necessitating plugins.
- Broad Support: Major browser vendors like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Mozilla contribute to WebGL’s support and development.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: WebGL’s API ensures compatibility across different platforms, enabling GPU 3D acceleration.
- GLSL & DOM Support: WebGL supports GLSL natively and allows integration with DOM interfaces.
- Web-Standard for Mobile: WebGL extends its strength to mobile platforms, supported by iOS Safari, Android Browser, and Chrome for Android.
| Strengths | Use |
|---|---|
| Direct Interaction | WebGL allows direct interaction with HTML Document elements. |
| Open Source & Developer-Friendly | Thanks to JavaScript’s automatic memory management, no compilation is needed, making WebGL applications easier to develop. |
| ES 2.0 Functionality | WebGL provides similar functionality to ES 2.0 and performs well on modern 3D graphic hardware. |
WebGL Disadvantages
- WebGL uses OpenGL, which might be slower and lacks DirectX’s comprehensibility.
- Quality issues have led most games to opt for D3D10+ aimed at Windows.
- Current Windows web browsers run on D3D11, not OpenGL, although WebGL APIs are supported.
WebGL Pricing
As an open-ware, WebGL is powered by the web browser and doesn’t need a JVM, making it a free and cost-effective solution for developers worldwide.
WebGL Use Cases
Use case 1
For developers seeking a 3D graphics API with ease of interaction and a wide support network, WebGL presents a great fit.
Use case 2
For projects that require cross-platform compatibility, WebGL’s ability to provide GPU 3D acceleration across diverse platforms can be invaluable.
Use case 3
If you’re working on a mobile project, the API serves as a web standard for mobile, excelling with support from iOS Safari, Android Browser, and Chrome for Android.
OpenGL
Part of the computing landscape since 1992, OpenGL (Open Graphics Library) by Silicon Graphics is a potent software library known for its low-level rendering and modelling prowess. It’s relied widely for its adeptness in crafting hardware-accelerated 3D graphics for AR/VR, video games, scientific applications, and more.
Top Features of OpenGL
- Robust hardware-accelerated 3D graphics used in myriad platforms
- Powerful and flexible low-level rendering and modelling
- Driven by the Khronos Group, a consortium of leading hardware and software companies
- Advanced hardware-specific features accessible in each version via extensions
| Version | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| OpenGL 3.3 | First “Modern OpenGL” version |
| OpenGL 4.3 | Compatibility with OpenGL ES 3.1, Compute Shaders, etc |
| OpenGL 4.6 | SPIR-V language to define shaders and new features for Atomic Counters |
Limitations of OpenGL
- Strong dependence on C++ knowledge
- The math-heavy nature of OpenGL (linear algebra, geometry, trigonometry) might present a steep learning curve for some
- Not all extensions and functionalities are backward compatible
OpenGL Use Cases
Use Case 1: Video Game Development
Beloved by hallowed names in gaming like ID Software’s Quake series, for its graphic engines. OpenGL is a mainstay in the gaming industry.
Use Case 2: Scientific Applications
OpenGL, thanks to its strong execution in illustrating complex data through graphics, has found applications in a range of scientific simulations and modelling
Use Case 3: Graphics Teaching Tool
Even with the advent of Vulkan API, OpenGL serves as a valuable resource to learn and understand graphics pipeline programming
GSAP
An esteemed JavaScript toolset, GSAP (GreenSock Animation Platform) elevates the potential of animation on the web. It enables high-performance animations across a plethora of web browsers, bringing animations to life across CSS, SVG, Canvas and a multitude of frameworks like React and Vue. GSAP is loved and trusted on upwards of 11 million sites.
GSAP Top Features
- ScrollTrigger plugin: Create dynamic, scroll-based animations with minimal code.
- High-speed property manipulator: Oversee precise, high-speed updates of values over time.
- Browser normalization: GSAP counters inconsistencies across web browsers providing reliable animations.
- Advanced effects: Unique plugins and easing functions for sophisticated effects like morphing and animating.
- Observer function: Normalizes event detection across various browsers and devices.
- Integration & Compatibility: GSAP can be integrated anywhere without dependencies.
| GSAP Core | Club GreenSock |
|---|---|
| Free for commercial use | Provides access to more plugins & supports development |
| Works anywhere in your project without dependencies | Exclusive enhancements |
GSAP Limitations
Although GSAP offers a robust set of features, it doesn’t come without limitations. Hidden costs behind the Club GreenSock membership and the learning curve for new users are among the prominent challenges.
GSAP Pricing
While GSAP Core is free for commercial use, users seeking advanced functions may opt for the paid Club GreenSock membership.
GSAP Use Cases
Use case 1 – Web Development
Web developers can use GSAP for creating high-performance animations for web pages, delivering engaging user experiences.
Use case 2 – Marketing & Advertising
For marketers and advertisers, GSAP’s animations can create eye-catching promotional content.
Use case 3 – Tools & Applications Development
GSAP enhances interactive UI in tools and web applications, bringing life to static interfaces.
