Xogot has been released, a port of the Godot game engine built specifically for the Apple iPad. This iPad-optimized version retains the full capabilities of the desktop engine, coming complete with an integrated code editor, 2D and 3D scene editors, a debugger, and more.
Xogot is a project by Miguel de Icaza, creator of the Mono framework, among other projects. It was born from his love for the iPad and the lack of game development tools on the platform. While iPads have evolved from content consumption devices to powerful tools for creators with apps like Logic Pro and Final Cut Pro, there was still a gap for game developers. Xogot aims to fill that gap by bringing the full power of Godot to the iPad, allowing developers to enjoy the same creative freedom as artists, musicians, and designers.
Xogot is based on the latest Godot release (currently 4.4), and its user interface has been rewritten using SwiftUI, offering an iPad-native, touch-first experience. This redesign features touch-friendly 2D and 3D Scene Editors with native floating toolbars, optimized Sprite, Animation, and TileMap Editors, and replaces the Godot Text Editor with native code editors for shaders and GDScript, complete with syntax highlighting and autocompletion. The 100% native code editor provides a full debugging experience with stepping, variable inspection, stack traces, and integrated access to Godot's API documentation.
With Xogot, developers can take advantage of Godot's existing features to bring 3D games to life, including the comprehensive scene system, advanced lighting, and flexible scripting. On the 2D side, developers can use tools such as the TileMap editor, scalable layouts, and a dedicated 2D pipeline to create pixel-perfect 2D games. Developers can also animate characters, UI, and more using a timeline editor designed for touch. The embedded game view allows for the selection and inspection of scene nodes, enabling interaction with the editor while the game is running.
Other features include a built-in Starter Project Browser, allowing users to download template projects for FPS, platformer, or action RPG games and quickly begin building upon them. Projects can be opened and saved directly from iCloud Drive or Git repositories via Working Copy or iSH. There is built-in support for building projects for iPhone or iPad, as well as support for exporting games to WebAssembly, enabling developers to easily share builds of their projects.
Speaking of projects, Xogot projects are fully compatible with desktop Godot, allowing developers to seamlessly move between iPad, Mac, or PC. It also provides access to Godot's Asset Library and integrates learning through API documentation, lessons, and tutorials.
Xogot was built to take full advantage of modern iPad features, such as Stage Manager for arranging windows across multiple displays, support for the Apple Pencil, and compatibility with Bluetooth controllers, keyboards, or trackpads for easy playtesting.
Since Xogot is powered by Godot, it features an open-source runtime, enabling developers to share, build, and distribute their games without commercial restrictions.
Xogot is currently available on iPad only and can be found on the Apple App Store as a one-time purchase. The in-app purchase unlocks the editor permanently and includes one year of updates and support. After this period, developers can purchase an upgrade to access new features released thereafter.
For more information, be sure to visit the official Xogot website.
