Best alternative to Allegro

[reaperrar]

I've seen a few times some of the devs have mentioned that Allegro isn't the best choice to develop a game like Factorio with. Iirc, all it is used for is the rendering, audio, input and io.

My question to you guys (or a dev if they happen to swing by) is what is the best alternative (for Factorio) and why?

[Xeorm]

Best engine choice for a game is always to grab one that's designed for your type of game. I'd be kind of surprised that there were any for games like Factorio, given it's uniqueness. Past a certain point, going homebrew tends towards the best option. Any other option would take too much time and effort to get swung into your own game if it's too different.

[userasd]

There is no best alternative.

Too many pros and cons and preferences and resources and etc. that it is too subjective to say that something is best.

[reaperrar]

There is no best alternative.

Too many pros and cons and preferences and resources and etc. that it is too subjective to say that something is best.

What's wrong with it being subjective? I'm asking for individual subjective opinions. Also I'd measure the "best" alternative to be the choice you'd go with if not Allegro in which case there is a best choice

[quinor]

Sfml or plain opengl, for a project of Factorio size rather opengl. For anything smaller, sfml.

[reaperrar]

Sfml or plain opengl, for a project of Factorio size rather opengl. For anything smaller, sfml.

Interesting, although wouldn't there be a lot of effort spent on making the application work across multiple platforms and hardware if rolling opengl? I know that's one of the big things mentioned, something more proven would save a lot of time.

I'm curious to see if anyone else thinks UE4 would be a good idea given it has huge support and community, is indie friendly and allows development in C++.

[quinor]

I doubt, UE4 is 3d and factorio is 2d. Also, I'm worried about the performance.