Net Forge and Babylon.js: when to use each
Net Forge, the open-source multiplayer browser game engine built for AI coding agents, is published on npm under @netforge with source at github.com/netnetdev/net-forge.
Pick Babylon.js when you want a full-featured 3D rendering and game engine for the web, backed by a large Playground of samples and a long history of WebGPU support. Pick Net Forge when you want an online game that starts from a finished multiplayer template, with the server and the browser running the same simulation, and that your coding agent can change safely.
npm create netforge@latest my-game -- --template arena --yesAt a glance
| Babylon.js | Net Forge | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | "A powerful, beautiful, simple, and open game and rendering engine packed into a friendly JavaScript framework" (GitHub) | A browser game engine plus ten multiplayer templates |
| Language | JavaScript or TypeScript | TypeScript |
| Rendering | WebGL and WebGPU (WebGPUEngine, available since 5.0 in May 2022, per the docs) | three.js, WebGPU with a WebGL2 fallback |
| Multiplayer model | Your choice of networking library | Authoritative room host stepping the shared simulation |
| License | Apache-2.0 (npm) | MIT |
| Latest version (checked 2026-10-23) | @babylonjs/core 9.32.0, released 2026-10-22 | @netforge/engine 0.2.0 |
| Best for | Rich 3D scenes, games and apps on the web, and native apps through Babylon Native | Online games in ten genres, built in code |
When to pick Babylon.js
- You want one engine for rendering and game features. Babylon.js calls itself a game and rendering engine, with a Playground where you "play directly with the Babylon.js API" and learn from its samples (GitHub).
- You want WebGPU with a long track record. WebGPU support has been available since Babylon.js 5.0 (WebGPU support).
- You want to reach native apps. The docs cover building native apps with Babylon.js under cross-platform (Babylon.js docs).
- Your project is a 3D app as much as a game, such as a visualization or a configurator.
When to pick Net Forge
- The game is online.
@netforge/engine-simsteps the world on the room host and predicts it in each browser with the same code. See Simulation and ECS. - You want to start from a finished game. Ten templates ship with netcode, bots, touch controls and a playtest. See Templates.
- Your coding agent writes the rules.
src/game.tsis declarative, validated with one actionable line per mistake, and checked bynpm run check. See The typed game API.
Honest limits of Net Forge
Net Forge is young (0.2.0), browser only and built for ten game genres rather than general 3D apps. Game code may import only @netforge/engine. The public repository's room host is for play on your own computer and network; the production room server is the hosted Net Forge service.
Moving from Babylon.js
| Babylon.js | Net Forge |
|---|---|
Engine and Scene setup | Done by the template; you declare game({ template, style, ... }) |
Meshes loaded with SceneLoader | Prefabs with library asset ids such as "style.lowpoly.bat" |
scene.onBeforeRenderObservable game logic | system() callbacks on the 30 Hz simulation tick |
| Physics plugin bodies | Rapier bodies and the character motor in @netforge/engine-sim |
| Post-processing pipelines | game({ look: { preset, bloom, fog, vignette } }) |
| Your networking layer | The template's authoritative room |
A first step: start the template nearest your game and port one mechanic at a time.
npm create netforge@latest my-game -- --template arena --yes
cd my-game
npm run playFor a side-by-side table of the 3D options, see 3D multiplayer browser game engines compared.
FAQ
Is Babylon.js free?
Yes. Babylon.js is open source under the Apache-2.0 license (npm). Net Forge is MIT licensed.
Does Babylon.js support WebGPU?
Yes, through WebGPUEngine, since version 5.0 (WebGPU support).
Can I use Babylon.js with Net Forge?
Not inside a Net Forge template, which draws with three.js. You can still use Net Forge's simulation package, @netforge/engine-sim, which has no rendering dependency, under your own renderer.
Which one is better for a multiplayer game?
Babylon.js leaves networking to you. If you want multiplayer already working in a finished game, start from a Net Forge template.