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Top 23 C++ graphics-engine Projects
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InfluxDB
InfluxDB – Built for High-Performance Time Series Workloads. InfluxDB 3 OSS is now GA. Transform, enrich, and act on time series data directly in the database. Automate critical tasks and eliminate the need to move data externally. Download now.
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FabGL
ESP32 Display Controller (VGA, PAL/NTSC Color Composite, SSD1306, ST7789, ILI9341), PS/2 Mouse and Keyboard Controller, Graphics Library, Sound Engine, Game Engine and ANSI/VT Terminal
Display controllers from the 8-bit era were simple conceptually but had a huge parts count, particularly it needs to have memory access logic very similar to what is in the microprocessor. The earliest home computers (TRS-80 Model I, Apple II) had a large parts count which was reduced in the next generation (TRS-80 Color Computer, VIC-20) because the glue logic and display controllers got the same LSI [1] treatment as the CPU.
People who build modern real-hardware fantasy computers [2] struggle with the cost of the display controller if it is done in an authentic style so they wind up using an FPGA or microcontroller (amazingly easy to do with ESP32 [3])
This thing addresses the problem by reusing many of the parts between the CPU and display controller, plus the contrast is not so stark since the CPU part count is greater than 1, unlike the typical retrocomputer.
It's fascinating! It's a minicomputer in the sense that it is built out of low-integration parts, but it is like a microcomputer in important ways, particularly having the closely integrated display controller.
[1] https://vaibhav-pawale19.medium.com/integrated-circuits-ssi-...
[2] http://www.commanderx16.com/
[3] https://github.com/fdivitto/FabGL
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server
CasparCG Server is a Windows and Linux software used to play out professional graphics, audio and video to multiple outputs. It has been in 24/7 broadcast production since 2006. Ready-to-use downloads are available under the Releases tab https://casparcg.com. (by CasparCG)
Project mention: Sofie: NRK's open-source web based system for automating live TV news production | news.ycombinator.com | 2025-05-09Very cool they decided to build this and release it to the world instead of just buying an extremely expensive commercial system. The backend play out server is CasparCG which is also open-source [1] (they run their own fork, for stability reasons I expect).
Another similar related automation system (shares some parts and libraries) is SuperConductor [2].
1. https://github.com/CasparCG/server
2. https://github.com/SuperFlyTV/SuperConductor
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MethaneKit
🎲 Modern 3D graphics made simple with C++20 cross-platform framework and rendering abstraction API on top of DirectX 12, Vulkan & Metal
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Stream
Stream - Scalable APIs for Chat, Feeds, Moderation, & Video. Stream helps developers build engaging apps that scale to millions with performant and flexible Chat, Feeds, Moderation, and Video APIs and SDKs powered by a global edge network and enterprise-grade infrastructure.
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- Project mention: Many Hard LeetCode Problems Are Easy Constraint Problems | news.ycombinator.com | 2025-09-12
The LC interviews are like testing people how fast you can run 100m after practice. While the real job is a slow arduous never ending jog with multiple detours and stops along the way.
But yeah that's the game you have to play now if you want the top $ at one of the SMEGMA companies.
I wrote for example my 2D game engine from scratch https://github.com/ensisoft/detonator myself (3rd party libs excluded9 but would not pass a LC type interview that requires multiple LC hard solutions and a couple of backflips on top. But that's fine, I've accepted that.
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OpenGL-3D-Game-Tutorial-Series
C++ OpenGL 3D Game Tutorial Series - Learn to code a Cross-Platform OpenGL 3D Game in C++ from scratch
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Tempest
API abstraction layer for 3D graphics, UI and sound. Written in C++17 with Vulkan, DX12 and Metal support. (by Try)
- Project mention: Show HN: VSC – An open source 3D Rendering Engine in C++ | news.ycombinator.com | 2025-03-11
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apolune
Lost Astronaut's Game Creation Framework: A massive 1800+ class 1400 file extravaganza of OpenGL, WinAPI, OpenAL and many other features, written in Visual Studio for over a decade!
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chronotext-cross
Cross platform infrastructure for developing 2d and 3d applications with C++ and OpenGL
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HappyFace
Developed a scene based opengl renderer, merging all the bits and pieces into one project.
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SaaSHub
SaaSHub - Software Alternatives and Reviews. SaaSHub helps you find the best software and product alternatives
NOTE: The open source projects on this list are ordered by number of github stars. The number of mentions indicates repo mentiontions in the last 12 Months or since we started tracking (Dec 2020).
C++ graphics-engine discussion
C++ graphics-engine related posts
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Show HN: VSC – An open source 3D Rendering Engine in C++
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Show HN: OpenGL Graphics Engine
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mach/freetype: Ziggified FreeType 2 bindings (zero-fuss installation, cross-platform)
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Mach engine WebGPU examples / showcase
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Insane work for the engine
- A note from our sponsor - Stream getstream.io | 22 Dec 2025
Index
What are some of the best open-source graphics-engine projects in C++? This list will help you:
| # | Project | Stars |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | magnum | 5,089 |
| 2 | FabGL | 1,621 |
| 3 | server | 1,009 |
| 4 | MethaneKit | 943 |
| 5 | liblava | 862 |
| 6 | StratusGFX | 786 |
| 7 | DiligentCore | 706 |
| 8 | limitless-engine | 560 |
| 9 | Adria | 531 |
| 10 | detonator | 374 |
| 11 | magnum-examples | 309 |
| 12 | CactusViewer | 296 |
| 13 | OpenGL-3D-Game-Tutorial-Series | 233 |
| 14 | Tempest | 199 |
| 15 | VSC | 119 |
| 16 | apolune | 95 |
| 17 | chronotext-cross | 80 |
| 18 | hyper_engine | 58 |
| 19 | mathplot | 39 |
| 20 | Lift | 32 |
| 21 | CubiCAD | 18 |
| 22 | debut-engine | 11 |
| 23 | HappyFace | 5 |
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