Learn JMONKEYENGINE with Real Code Examples

jMonkeyEngine uses Java and supports desktop, Android, and web (via WebGL) platforms.

It provides a scene graph architecture, built-in physics (Bullet Physics), shader support, and tools for 3D asset management.

Used by indie developers, educational institutions, and hobbyists for 3D game development and simulations.

Scene graph and spatial objects

3D model loading (OBJ, glTF, etc.)

Camera and lighting control

Physics and collision system

Audio, input, and GUI integration

Scene graph: hierarchical object structure

Spatial: basic 3D object

Node: container for Spatials

Control: attach behavior to objects

AppState: modular game/application logic

Main.java - entry point

Assets/ - models, textures, sounds

AppStates/ - game logic modules

Controls/ - object behaviors

Shaders/ - custom rendering shaders

Set up project in jME SDK or IDE

Load assets (models, textures, audio)

Build scene graph and attach Spatials

Add Controls and AppStates for logic

Integrate input, camera, physics

Test and deploy for target platforms

Beginner: basic 3D scene with camera

Intermediate: physics-based 3D game

Advanced: shader and post-processing effects

Expert: VR or AR project

Enterprise: multi-platform commercial release

jME vs Unity: Java code-centric vs editor-based

jME vs MonoGame: Java 3D vs C# 2D/3D

jME vs Godot: Java 3D vs GUI-friendly multi-language

jME vs Unreal: lightweight Java engine vs AAA engine

jME vs LibGDX: full 3D engine vs 2D/3D hybrid framework

2003 – jMonkeyEngine founded

2005 – Initial stable releases

2009 – Bullet Physics integrated

2012 – Android support added

2025 – Current version with modern Java and OpenGL updates

Scene graph: hierarchical 3D object structure

Spatial: base 3D object

Node: container for Spatials

Control: behavior logic attached to Spatials

AppState: modular state for game/application