Purpose
What is the primary purpose of each tool?
Waffle
Waffle is purpose-built for game creation, transforming your ideas into playable experiences through natural language. You can create games using plain English descriptions with no prior programming knowledge. Games can be generated with working mechanics, graphics, and gameplay systems already implemented.
Excalibur.js
Excalibur.js is a TypeScript-first 2D game engine designed for web developers who want to create HTML5 games with clean, maintainable code. It provides a comprehensive framework for building 2D games with modern web technologies and strong typing support.
Learning
How easy is it to learn and get started?
Waffle
Waffle eliminates the traditional learning curve of game development. If you can describe your game idea, you can build it - no technical background required. The natural language interface means you'll never need to learn programming syntax or complex tools. Instead, the focus is on creative game design and asset creation.
Excalibur.js
Excalibur.js requires solid TypeScript or JavaScript programming skills and understanding of web development concepts. The engine provides excellent documentation and TypeScript support, but you need to be comfortable with programming fundamentals and game development patterns.
Output
What do you get as the final result?
Waffle
When building a game with Waffle, you get the complete package - not just code, but a fully playable experience with graphics, audio, and polished gameplay ready for players. Your games are immediately playable and ready to share with friends or publish online.
Excalibur.js
Excalibur.js produces HTML5 games that run in modern web browsers with full source code that you own and control. Games are built with TypeScript, ensuring type safety and maintainable code, and can be deployed to web platforms or packaged as mobile/desktop apps.
Use Cases
What are the best use cases for each tool?
Waffle
Waffle excels at bringing game ideas to life quickly, whether you're prototyping concepts, creating a full indie game, or building short entertainment experiences. Rapid prototyping lets you test game mechanics within minutes, for desktop or mobile games. It's best for solo and indie game developers. Beyond that, educational games become accessible without technical barriers, and marketing teams can create engaging branded games to boost engagement.
Excalibur.js
Excalibur.js excels for web developers creating 2D games, educational interactive content, browser-based games, or projects requiring custom game logic. It's perfect when you need full control over the codebase, want to integrate games into existing web applications, or require professional-grade development practices.
Speed
How quickly can you get results?
Waffle
Waffle delivers the fastest path from game idea to playable reality, making it perfect for rapid experimentation and quick validation of concepts. Most game ideas can be made into playable games in under 10 minutes. Further development can be done with real-time editing so you see changes immediately without compilation delays.
Excalibur.js
Excalibur.js development speed depends on your TypeScript skills and project complexity. The framework provides excellent tooling and documentation, but building complete games requires traditional development time for planning, coding, testing, and debugging.
Verdict
Which Tool Should You Choose?
Choose Waffle if:
- You want to create games without writing code
- You need instant results and rapid prototyping
- You prefer creative tools over development frameworks
Choose Excalibur.js if:
- You're a web developer who wants to create HTML5 games
- You need complete control over game code and architecture
- You prefer TypeScript and want type-safe game development