hyperPad vs Scratch vs GDevelop: Why iPad Creators Choose hyperPad
Scratch, GDevelop, and hyperPad all let you make games with visual logic. If you want to build a complete 2D game on your iPad and release it on the App Store, hyperPad is the one designed for that.
Side by side
| hyperPad | Scratch | GDevelop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made for | Complete 2D games on iPad | Learning to code, ages 8 to 16 | Games across many platforms |
| Where you build | iPad, or a Mac with an M1 chip or later | Browser and Scratch apps | Desktop, web, and mobile |
| How logic works | Behaviors | Code blocks | Events |
| Pricing model | Free Starter; paid app with no subscription | Free | Free tier, plus paid plans |
| App Store release | Xcode Export, and you keep 100% of your revenue | Shared in the Scratch community | Depends on plan and setup |
Why hyperPad stands out on iPad
- Designed for touch. The editor is built for iPad and Apple Pencil.
- Real game tools. Physics, multiple Scenes, animation, particles, audio, and UI come built in.
- No subscription. hyperPad Starter is free, and the paid app isn't a subscription.
- A path to the App Store. Export an Xcode project and keep 100% of your revenue.
- A creator community. Share on the hyperPad Hub, where players can try your game on iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
Coming from Scratch or GDevelop?
You'll feel at home. Events, conditions, and variables work the same way in hyperPad, where you connect them as Behaviors and store values in Attributes. Read Scratch vs hyperPad or GDevelop vs hyperPad for the details.
Build a five-minute game in hyperPad
- A character moves when you touch the screen.
- A coin appears somewhere on screen.
- Touching the coin adds one to the score.
- The coin moves to a new spot.
Press Play and you have a game you can keep growing.
Common questions
Which one is designed for iPad?
hyperPad. It's a native iPad app built for touch and Apple Pencil.
Can I start for free?
Yes. hyperPad Starter is free and includes one Project.
Can I move my Scratch skills to hyperPad?
Yes. The logic carries over, and you can bring your art as PNG files.
Choosing for a student or your child
If you're picking a tool for someone else, start with where they are now:
- Just starting to code. Scratch is designed for ages 8 to 16 and is a gentle first step.
- Ready to make real games on iPad. hyperPad gives them physics, their own art, and a game they can share with other players.
- Learning at school. Schools use hyperPad from grade 4 through post-secondary, with Private Login for student accounts and 50% off 20 or more licenses through Apple School Manager.
Teachers can find lesson plans, presentations, and an educator kit on the education page. Parents of younger kids may also like the guide on how to teach kids to make games on iPad.
Scratch details come from its official About page. GDevelop details come from its pricing page. Both checked November 10, 2026.
