SpriteKit

SceneKit is a high-level 3D graphics framework from Apple that enables developers to create immersive 3D experiences for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS applications. Built atop Metal and OpenGL, SceneKit provides a descriptive API for importing, manipulating, and rendering 3D assets. Developers can construct complex scenes using nodes (SCNNode), each representing elements like geometry, lights, cameras, or other attributes. The framework supports a range of features, including a physics engine (SCNPhysicsBody) for realistic simulations, particle systems for effects like fire or rain, and integration with ARKit to add 3D content to augmented reality experiences. SceneKit also offers tools for organizing scenes, such as the scene graph, which allows for the hierarchical structuring of nodes. Additionally, developers can utilize the SceneKit Scene Editor within Xcode to assemble assets into scenes, streamlining the development process.

GameplayKit is a collection of foundational tools and technologies for building games in iOS, OS X, and tvOS. Building, evolving, and maintaining a sophisticated game requires a well-planned design, GameplayKit provides architectural tools to help you design modular, scalable game architecture with minimal effort. Creating great games also requires deploying complex algorithms to solve the problems underlying common game mechanics, GameplayKit also provides standard implementations of such algorithms, allowing you to spend more time on the features that make your gameplay unique. Because GameplayKit is independent of high-level game engine technologies, you can combine it with any of those technologies to build a complete game, SpriteKit for 2D games, SceneKit for 3D games, or a custom or third-party game engine using Metal or OpenGL ES. For games with less demanding graphics needs, you can even use GameplayKit with UIKit (in iOS or tvOS) or AppKit (in OS X).