MonoGame: The C# Game Framework for Code-First Developers

This article explains what is the MonoGame Framework, why it is a good choice to make games!

What is MonoGame and Why Use It?

MonoGame is a free, open-source C# framework for building cross-platform games. Unlike Unity, which is a full-featured engine with editors and visual tools, MonoGame is a code-first framework: it provides the foundational APIs for graphics, audio, input, and content management, but leaves engine and tool design up to you. This approach is ideal for developers who want full control over their game architecture, enjoy coding, and prefer to understand how things work under the hood.

MonoGame supports a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It is especially attractive for indie developers and teams who value open-source tools and cross-platform flexibility.

MonoGame vs. Unity: Pros and Cons

*Console platforms (Xbox, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch) require registration as an authorized developer to access SDKs and documentation.

MonoGame is best for:

• Developers who want to build their own engine or tools.
• Porting or maintaining XNA-based games.
• Projects that need fine-grained control and minimal dependencies.

Unity is best for:

• Teams needing rapid prototyping and iteration.
• Developers who prefer visual workflows.
• Projects benefiting from a large ecosystem and ready-made assets.

The History of MonoGame (and XNA)

MonoGame is a direct successor to Microsoft’s XNA Framework, which was a popular C# game development platform in the 2000s. When Microsoft discontinued XNA in 2011, the community created MonoGame to keep the API alive and extend it to new platforms.

• Origins: MonoGame began as a derivative of XNA Touch and Silver Sprite, aiming to bring XNA games to mobile and non-Microsoft platforms.
• Evolution: Early MonoGame versions only supported 2D games. Over time, it added robust 3D, shaders, and a cross-platform content pipeline.
• Today: MonoGame is a mature, community-driven project used for both indie and commercial games across PC, console, and mobile.

Libraries and Tools for MonoGame

MonoGame’s ecosystem includes several libraries to speed up development and add features:

• MonoGame.Extended:
  A popular extension library offering utilities for 2D rendering, tile maps, cameras, input handling, animations, and more. It helps bridge the gap between framework and engine for common game features.

• Nez:
  An open-source 2D-focused game framework built on MonoGame, providing ECS (Entity Component System), scene management, physics, and more.

• Farseer Physics Engine:
  A physics library for 2D games, ported from Box2D, and often used with MonoGame.

• TiledLib:
  For integrating Tiled map editor assets with MonoGame.

• ImGui.NET:
  For in-game debugging tools and editors, using the Dear ImGui library.

Notable Games Made with MonoGame

MonoGame has powered many successful indie and commercial titles, including:

• Stardew Valley
• Celeste
• Fez
• Bastion
• Axiom Verge
• Carrion
• TowerFall
• Chasm
• Pyre
• Owlboy
• Barotrauma
• Dust: An Elysian Tail

These games span genres from platformers and RPGs to action and simulation, demonstrating MonoGame’s flexibility and power.

Conclusion

MonoGame is a robust, open-source framework for developers who want to build games with C# and have full control over their codebase and tools. It’s an excellent choice for those who value learning, customization, and open platforms, or who want to port or maintain XNA-based games. While it requires more setup and coding compared to Unity, its flexibility and proven track record make it a compelling option for indie and professional developers alike.

How to get started with MonoGame framework ? Check this post.