pixi.js vs phaser

2D Game Development Libraries Comparison

Phaser and Pixi.js are both powerful libraries used for creating 2D games and interactive applications on the web. They provide developers with the tools to render graphics, manage animations, and handle user input, but they cater to different needs and use cases. Phaser is a complete game framework that includes a robust set of features for game development, including physics, input handling, and asset management, making it suitable for building full-fledged games. On the other hand, Pixi.js is a rendering engine focused on high-performance graphics and is often used for creating visually rich applications and games, but it requires additional libraries for game-specific functionalities. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each library is crucial for developers looking to create engaging 2D experiences.

Package	Downloads	Stars	Size	Issues	Publish	License

pixi.js	172,307	44,634	53.1 MB	409	3 days ago	MIT
phaser	48,961	-	145 MB	-	16 days ago	MIT

Game Development Features

pixi.js:
Pixi.js is primarily a rendering engine and does not include built-in game development features like physics or input management. Developers need to implement these functionalities separately or use additional libraries, making it more flexible but requiring more setup.
phaser:
Phaser comes with a comprehensive suite of features tailored for game development, including physics engines (Arcade, P2, and Matter.js), input handling (keyboard, mouse, touch), and a scene management system. This makes it easy to create complex game mechanics and manage game states seamlessly.

Performance

pixi.js:
Pixi.js is designed for high performance and can handle thousands of sprites with minimal impact on frame rates. It uses WebGL for rendering, allowing for advanced visual effects and smooth animations, making it ideal for graphics-intensive applications.
phaser:
Phaser is optimized for performance in 2D game development, but the inclusion of various built-in features can sometimes lead to overhead. Developers can optimize performance by using the appropriate physics engine and minimizing draw calls, especially in complex scenes.

Learning Curve

pixi.js:
Pixi.js has a relatively gentle learning curve for those familiar with HTML5 and JavaScript. Its focus on rendering makes it easier to grasp for developers primarily interested in graphics, but integrating game mechanics requires additional learning.
phaser:
Phaser has a moderate learning curve due to its extensive feature set and game-specific concepts. However, its documentation and community support are robust, making it accessible for beginners who want to dive into game development.

Community and Ecosystem

pixi.js:
Pixi.js also has a strong community and is widely used in the industry for graphics rendering. While it may not have as many game-specific resources as Phaser, its focus on rendering makes it a popular choice for developers looking to create visually stunning applications.
phaser:
Phaser has a vibrant community and a wealth of resources, including tutorials, forums, and examples. It also has a rich ecosystem of plugins and extensions that can enhance game development, making it easier to find support and solutions.

Extensibility

pixi.js:
Pixi.js is highly extensible and can be integrated with various libraries and frameworks. Developers can build custom components and use additional tools for game logic, making it a versatile choice for projects that prioritize graphics.
phaser:
Phaser is extensible, allowing developers to create custom plugins and integrate third-party libraries. This flexibility enables developers to tailor the framework to their specific game development needs, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.

pixi.js:
Choose Pixi.js if your primary focus is on rendering high-quality graphics and animations, and you are comfortable integrating additional libraries for game mechanics. Pixi.js is best for projects that require advanced visual effects and performance optimization.
phaser:
Choose Phaser if you need an all-in-one game development framework that provides built-in support for physics, input management, and game states. It's ideal for developers looking to create complete games without needing to integrate multiple libraries.

pixi.js

phaser

Examples | Getting Started | Documentation | Discord

PixiJS ⚡️

Next-Generation, Fastest HTML5 Creation Engine for the Web

🚀 WebGL & WebGPU Renderers
⚡️ Unmatched Performance & Speed
🎨 Easy to use, yet powerful API
📦 Asset Loader
✋ Full Mouse & Multi-touch Support
✍️ Flexible Text Rendering
📐 Versatile Primitive and SVG Drawing
🖼️ Dynamic Textures
🎭 Masking
🪄 Powerful Filters
🌈 Advanced Blend Modes

PixiJS is the fastest, most lightweight 2D library available for the web, working across all devices and allowing you to create rich, interactive graphics and cross-platform applications using WebGL and WebGPU.

Setup

It's easy to get started with PixiJS! Just use our PixiJS Create CLI and get set up in just one command:

Screenshot from terminal

npm create pixi.js@latest

or to add it to an existing project:

npm install pixi.js

Usage

import { Application, Assets, Sprite } from 'pixi.js';

(async () =>
{
    // Create a new application
    const app = new Application();

    // Initialize the application
    await app.init({ background: '#1099bb', resizeTo: window });

    // Append the application canvas to the document body
    document.body.appendChild(app.canvas);

    // Load the bunny texture
    const texture = await Assets.load('https://pixijs.com/assets/bunny.png');

    // Create a bunny Sprite
    const bunny = new Sprite(texture);

    // Center the sprite's anchor point
    bunny.anchor.set(0.5);

    // Move the sprite to the center of the screen
    bunny.x = app.screen.width / 2;
    bunny.y = app.screen.height / 2;

    app.stage.addChild(bunny);

    // Listen for animate update
    app.ticker.add((time) =>
    {
        // Just for fun, let's rotate mr rabbit a little.
        // * Delta is 1 if running at 100% performance *
        // * Creates frame-independent transformation *
        bunny.rotation += 0.1 * time.deltaTime;
    });
})();

Contribute

Want to be part of the PixiJS project? Great! All are welcome! We will get there quicker together :) Whether you find a bug, have a great feature request, or you fancy owning a task from the road map above, feel free to get in touch.

Make sure to read the Contributing Guide before submitting changes.

License

This content is released under the MIT License.

Change Log

Support

We're passionate about making PixiJS the best graphics library possible. Our dedication comes from our love for the project and community. If you'd like to support our efforts, please consider contributing to our open collective.