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Whats the main difference between using the MonoGame with C# and SDL with C++?

Which of them is easier to use? Which is recommended for multi-platform support?

Its important for us to have structure and all-pervading OOP. It should be performant but not at the cost of productivity (e.g. not reinventing the wheel or managing memory). We are a small team so we need a structured, simple and clear framework, which allows us to concentrate on the actual work.

Luca Nate Mahler
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C++ with SDL is native and can run on almost any platform (cross-platform), more specifically those with limited system specifications.

C# with MonoGame is great for proto-typing a concept, but you could run into unavoidable bottle necks for large games. Additionally, SDL is just a graphics layer, where MonoGame is a complete API for interactive media. MonoGame could be cross-platform too, but I am unsure of its complete audience.

Is MonoGame really cross-platform?

You will do a little work from scratch when using C++ with SDL, but there are many libraries out there for C++ game development that will make it a breeze. If productivity is an issue, then you could have problems using C++, unless you use an existing framework for your game, which typically handles memory management. But that is the risk you take with C++; write more efficient code in a longer time frame.

Irrlicht is a great library for rendering. Simple and clean. http://irrlicht.sourceforge.net/

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zackery.fix
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    Which of them do you think needs less time to code a simple 2D game? – Luca Nate Mahler Jan 27 '14 at 12:34
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    For 2D rendering and game development, I would look at Simple Fast Media Library. http://www.sfml-dev.org/ Don't underestimate your task. Writing a game is more than just the development of code. You need a strict design and a little bit of time. Game development can be a headache at first, but over time things will get easier. If you are worried about time, then writing a game will give you a nervous break down. – zackery.fix Jan 27 '14 at 17:33
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    "SDL is just a graphics layer", this statement is just wrong. Please visit the website to learn more about SDL. – siphr Feb 23 '19 at 17:05
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    SDL is not graphics only. It's even in the name. "Simple DirectMedia Layer" – Emobe Jun 26 '21 at 14:24