head to head · open source
libgdx vs Pumpkin
libgdx has 25,507 GitHub stars, 6,522 forks, 337 open issues and last shipped 2 days ago. Pumpkin has 12,827 stars, 986 forks, 452 open issues and last shipped yesterday. libgdx leads on adoption by 99% (25,507 vs 12,827 stars). libgdx is written in Java under Apache-2.0; Pumpkin is written in Rust under GPL-3.0. libgdx has attracted 26% as many forks as stars, Pumpkin 8%. Pumpkin was the more recently maintained of the two, and both are self-hostable with no licence fee. The two share 1 topic tag (gamedev), so they are genuine substitutes rather than adjacent tools.
Two open source projects, one decision. Both are free and self-hostable — the differences are community size, license terms, language stack and release pace.
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Side by side
| libgdx | Pumpkin | |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub stars | ★ 26K | ★ 13K |
| License | Apache-2.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Written in | Java | Rust |
| Last push | 2026-11-03 | 2026-11-04 |
| Forks | ⑂ 6.5K | ⑂ 986 |
| Self-hosting | Yes | Yes |
| Data ownership | Your server | Your server |
pick libgdx if
- You weight community size — 26K stars and counting
- You want the Apache-2.0 license terms
- Your stack matches Java
- You value the larger contributor base for long-term maintenance
pick Pumpkin if
- You want the Pumpkin feature set and don't need the biggest community
- You prefer the GPL-3.0 license terms
- Your stack matches Rust
- You evaluated both and Pumpkin fits your workflow better
About libgdx
Cross platform Game Development Framework libGDX is a cross platform Java game development framework based on OpenGL (ES), designed for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, web browsers, and iOS. It provides a robust and well established environment for rapid prototyping and iterative development. Unlike other frameworks, libGDX does not impose a specific design or coding style, allowing you the freedom to create games according to your preferences. Open Source, Feature Packed, and Fostering a Large Third Party Ecosystem libGDX is released under the Apache 2.0 License, offering unrestricted usage in both commercial…
read the full libgdx overview →
About Pumpkin
Pumpkin Pumpkin is a Minecraft server built entirely in Rust, offering a fast, efficient, and customizable experience. It prioritizes performance and player enjoyment while adhering to the core mechanics of the game. Goals Performance : Leveraging multi threading for maximum speed and efficiency. Compatibility : Supports the latest Java & Bedrock Minecraft server version while adhering to Vanilla game mechanics. Security : Prioritizes security by preventing known security exploits. Flexibility : Highly configurable, with the ability to disable unnecessary features. Extensibility : Provides a foundation for…
read the full Pumpkin overview →
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Frequently asked questions
Is libgdx or Pumpkin more popular?
libgdx has 25,507 GitHub stars and Pumpkin has 12,827. libgdx has the larger community by that measure.
Are libgdx and Pumpkin free?
Both are open source. libgdx is licensed under Apache-2.0 and Pumpkin under GPL-3.0. Neither carries a licence fee.
What is the difference between libgdx and Pumpkin?
libgdx is written in Java and Pumpkin in Rust. The practical differences are community size, licence terms, language stack and release cadence — all compared in the table above.
Which should I choose, libgdx or Pumpkin?
Choose libgdx if you want the larger community (25,507 stars) or its Apache-2.0 licence terms. Choose Pumpkin if its feature set, stack or GPL-3.0 licence fits better. Both are self-hostable.