ceramic
A cross-platform 2D framework written in Haxe that exports natively to desktop, mobile, web, and Unity.
What is ceramic?
Ceramic is a cross-platform 2D framework written in Haxe that allows developers to build games and applications once and export them natively to desktop, mobile, web, and Unity. It solves the problem of maintaining separate codebases for different platforms by providing a unified API for graphics, audio, input, and more. The framework abstracts platform-specific details, enabling efficient multi-platform development.
Game developers and application creators targeting multiple platforms (desktop, mobile, web, Unity) who want to use a single codebase. It's ideal for those familiar with Haxe or looking for a portable 2D solution.
Developers choose Ceramic for its seamless cross-platform export capabilities, reducing development time and complexity. Its integration with Haxe offers strong typing and portability, while features like physics support, debug tools, and format handling provide a comprehensive toolkit for 2D projects.
Overview
Cross-platform 2D framework written in Haxe that can export natively to desktop (windows, mac, linux), mobile (ios, android), web (js + webgl) and to unity projects
Use Cases
Best For
- Building 2D games that need to run on desktop, mobile, and web simultaneously
- Creating interactive applications with cross-platform input and audio support
- Developing prototypes or projects that may later integrate with Unity
- Leveraging Haxe for type-safe, portable code across multiple targets
- Implementing physics-based mechanics in 2D environments using Nape
- Using Aseprite or Tiled assets directly in a multi-platform engine
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring 3D graphics or advanced visual effects beyond 2D rendering
- Teams unfamiliar with Haxe or unwilling to adopt a niche programming language
- Developers needing extensive off-the-shelf assets or plugins from large marketplaces like Unity Asset Store
- Applications targeting unsupported platforms such as game consoles or specific embedded systems
Pros & Cons
Pros
Exports natively to desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile (iOS, Android), web (JavaScript + WebGL), and Unity projects from a single codebase, as highlighted in the README.
Includes sprite rendering, physics via Nape, audio systems with SoLoud, and support for formats like Aseprite (.ase) and Tiled (.tmx), providing a full suite for 2D development.
Features runtime debug UI with auto-completion using Dear ImGui bindings, facilitating development and testing without external tools.
Handles various asset formats directly, such as .ase for Aseprite and .tmx for Tiled maps, with texture atlas packing, streamlining content integration.
Cons
Built on Haxe, which has a smaller community and ecosystem compared to mainstream languages, limiting hiring pools, learning resources, and third-party integrations.
Lacks the vast plugin and asset libraries of engines like Unity or Godot, requiring more custom development and reliance on specific, sometimes outdated, Haxe libraries.
Involves multiple dependencies (e.g., SoLoud for audio, Nape for physics) and backends, which can complicate initial project setup and maintenance for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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