# MonoGame

> free C# framework used by game developers

**Wikidata**: [Q13218967](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13218967)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MonoGame)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monogame

## Summary
MonoGame is a free, open-source C# framework utilized by game developers to create cross-platform applications. It serves as a software library and application framework distributed under the Microsoft Public License. The framework acts as a successor to Microsoft XNA and is a component of the broader Mono project.

## Key Facts
- **License:** Distributed under the Microsoft Public License.
- **Programming Language:** Written in C#.
- **Category:** Classified as a software library, free software, and application framework.
- **Parent Project:** Part of the Mono project.
- **Succession:** Replaces the Microsoft XNA framework.
- **Developer:** Credited to Tom Spilman.
- **Platform Support:** Explicitly listed as running on iOS.
- **Source Code:** Hosted on GitHub at `https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame`.
- **Official Website:** `http://www.monogame.net`
- **Version History:** Stable versions range from 2.5.0.0 to 3.6, with version 3.6 releasing on March 1, 2017.

## FAQs
### Q: What type of software is MonoGame?
A: MonoGame is a free C# framework and software library classified as free software. It is used by developers to build application frameworks and video games.

### Q: Is MonoGame free to use?
A: Yes, MonoGame is free software distributed under the Microsoft Public License, allowing users to run, study, change, and distribute it.

### Q: What framework does MonoGame replace?
A: MonoGame replaces Microsoft XNA. It allows developers to use C# in a framework environment similar to XNA but as part of the Mono project.

### Q: Who developed MonoGame?
A: Tom Spilman is listed as the developer of the framework.

### Q: What platforms does MonoGame support?
A: According to the provided structured data, MonoGame runs on the iOS mobile operating system.

## Why It Matters
MonoGame plays a critical role in the independent game development ecosystem by sustaining the legacy of the Microsoft XNA framework. After Microsoft effectively halted development on XNA, MonoGame emerged as a vital open-source alternative, allowing developers to continue using their C# skills and existing codebases to build modern video games. It bridges the gap between Windows-centric development environments and other operating systems, specifically noted here for its support of iOS.

The framework is significant for its accessibility; as free software, it lowers the barrier to entry for game creation. Its utility is evidenced by its adoption in various commercial and independent titles, such as *Burning Knight* (2020), *Zombusters* (2020), *Jetboard Joust* (2022), and *Raining Blobs* (2016). By providing a robust application framework under the Microsoft Public License, MonoGame ensures that the C# programming language remains a viable choice for game developers seeking an alternative to proprietary engines.

## Notable For
- **XNA Successor:** It is widely recognized as the open-source replacement for Microsoft XNA.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** It provides a free, high-quality framework under the Microsoft Public License.
- **Mono Integration:** It is a distinct part of the Mono project, leveraging C# for cross-platform utility.
- **Active Development:** The project maintains a public repository and social media presence, with stable releases tracked as recently as 2017 in the provided data.
- **Indie Game Adoption:** It has been utilized in notable indie titles like *Jetboard Joust* and *Burning Knight*.

## Body

### Technical Overview
MonoGame is an application framework and software library designed for game development. It is built using the C# programming language (identified as Q2370 in knowledge bases). The framework is categorized as free software, emphasizing user freedom to run, study, and modify the software.

### Licensing and Governance
The framework is distributed under the **Microsoft Public License**. This licensing allows for broad usage in both personal and commercial projects, provided the terms are met. The project is closely associated with the **Mono** project, listed as a "part_of" entity, highlighting its roots in cross-platform .NET development.

### Platform Support
MonoGame is designed to facilitate game development across different systems. The provided source material explicitly identifies **iOS** (Apple Inc.'s mobile operating system) as a supported platform. The framework is technically an implementation of XNA that functions on this mobile environment.

### Development and Versions
MonoGame is developed by **Tom Spilman**. The project maintains a transparent development cycle with its source code available on **GitHub**.

Key stable versions documented in the provided data include:
- **Version 3.6:** Released March 1, 2017.
- **Version 3.5.1:** Released March 30, 2016.
- **Version 3.5:** Released March 16, 2016.
- **Version 3.4:** Released April 29, 2015.
- **Version 3.3:** Released March 16, 2015.

Older versions listed in the data include 3.2, 3.0.1.0, 3.0.0.0, and 2.5.x variations.

### Associated Titles
The framework has been utilized in the production of several video games, confirming its practical application in the industry. Titles include:
- *Jetboard Joust* (2022)
- *Burning Knight* (2020)
- *Zombusters* (2020)
- *Raining Blobs* (2016)

### Online Presence
MonoGame maintains an active digital footprint. Its official website is `http://www.monogame.net`. The community engages via social media platforms, including Twitter (`@MonoGameTeam`) and Facebook (`monogamecommunity`). The project is tracked on various software databases, including Open Hub, Repology, and PCGamingWiki.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "SoftwareSourceCode",
  "name": "MonoGame",
  "description": "A free C# framework used by game developers, serving as a replacement for Microsoft XNA.",
  "url": "http://www.monogame.net",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MonoGame",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2149230"
  ],
  "codeRepository": "https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame",
  "programmingLanguage": "C#",
  "license": "https://spdx.org/licenses/MS-PL.html",
  "runtimePlatform": "iOS"
}

## References

1. [The monogame Open Source Project on Open Hub: Licenses Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/monogame/licenses)
2. [The monogame Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/monogame/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [2025](https://github.com/EvanLi/Github-Ranking/blob/master/Data/github-ranking-2025-07-06.csv)
4. [Release 3.5.1. 2016](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.5.1)
5. [Release 3.5. 2016](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.5)
6. [Release 3.4. 2015](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.4)
7. [Release 3.3. 2015](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.3)
8. [Release 3.6. 2017](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.6)
9. [Release 3.2. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.2)
10. [Release 3.0.1.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.0.1.0)
11. [Release 3.0.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.0.0.0)
12. [Release 2.5.1.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/2.5.1.0)
13. [Release 2.5.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v2.5.0.0)
14. [Release 2.1.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/2.1.0.0)
15. [Release 2.0.0.0. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/2.0.0.0)
16. [Release 3.7. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.7)
17. [Release 3.7.1. 2018](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.7.1)
18. [Release 0.7. 2020](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v0.7)
19. [Release 3.8. 2020](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8)
20. [Release 3.8.1. 2022](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8.1)
21. [Release 3.8.2. 2024](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8.2)
22. [Release 3.8.3. 2025](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8.3)
23. [Release 3.8.4. 2025](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8.4)
24. [Release 3.8.4.1. 2025](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame/releases/tag/v3.8.4.1)
25. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/mono/MonoGame)
26. [Source](https://github.com/MonoGame/MonoGame)
27. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbCShPrieT6z5NSDBl3BS9Q)
28. YouTube API