Making games on iPhone/iPad using Lua & Love2D

I wondered how feasible it is to make Love2D games “on the go” (on a train, in bed, etc). Often I want to try a quick sketch, work up a prototype, or simply verify an algorithm. I’m happy to say it’s possible!

Runners

Love2D Studio

• Available since Jan 2024
• Free apps.apple.com/gb/app/love2d-studio/id6474188075
• this allows you to manage love files and run them on iPhone
• Love2D errors can even be copied to the clipboard!

Love2D Game Maker

• Available since March 2024
• Paid apps.apple.com/gb/app/love2d-game-maker/id6476174098
• TestFlight testflight.apple.com/join/bCLmQKfQ
• from the creator of LuaLu (see below)
• comes bundled with a handful of demo games
• Pong tutorial

Editors

Kodex (since 2017)

• Free apps.apple.com/gb/app/kodex/id1038574481
• text editor with minimap

GoCoEdit (since 2016)

• Paid apps.apple.com/gb/app/gocoedit-code-text-editor/id869346854
• text editor with autocomplete

Runestone (since 2022)

• Free, limited apps.apple.com/gb/app/runestone-text-editor/id1548193893
• text editor with clean user interface

Lua IDE (since Feb 2021)

• Free apps.apple.com/gb/app/lua-ide/id1549382090
• this app provides QuickLook support for Lua files
• at some point you’ll need to check the contents of a Lua file in Files app
• it also features the full Lua docs (though I use a self-built version of Dash doc viewer)

LuaLu (since Apr 2013)

• Free apps.apple.com/gb/app/lualu-repl-learn-lua-coding/id638219114
• sometimes you just need a Lua REPL prompt to figure out a formula or do a quick experiment
• features solid debugging support

LÖVE JAM 2025

The next LÖVE JAM starts on 14th March 2025 and runs for ~1 week!

• itch.io/jam/love2d-jam-2025
• #lovejam2025

Other Lua IDE

If you’re into Lua but not into Love2D then you might try Codea for iPad.