Cake
Cake: A flexible C# build scripting layer for self-hosted .NET game build workflows. Ranked #41 of 43 in Game Build Automation Software by our editors (5.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for .NET teams scripting repeatable game builds.
At a glance
- Editor score5.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best for.NET teams scripting repeatable game builds
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2014
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- C# DSL supports repeatable, readable build scripts
- Runs across Windows, macOS and Linux
- Integrates with major CI and build systems
Where it doesn't
- Execution is self-hosted rather than managed
- General-purpose tooling is not game-specific
- Requires teams to manage the build environment
Our verdict on Cake
Cake is a free, open-source build automation system for .NET teams that need repeatable scripting around compilation, file operations, tests and package creation. Its C# domain-specific language makes it a natural fit for developers who want build logic in a familiar language, including teams automating game-related .NET workflows. Cake runs on Windows, macOS and Linux and can support local builds as well as continuous integration pipelines.
The main strength is the range of ways to structure and run a build. Teams can use the Cake .NET Tool runner, create console applications with Cake Frosting, or build SDK-based applications with Cake.Sdk. The system also provides orchestration for compilation, file operations and tests, NuGet package building, IDE integration with IntelliSense and refactoring, and NuGet-based add-ins and modules. Integrations include GitHub Actions, GitLab CI/CD, Azure Pipelines, Jenkins, TeamCity, AppVeyor, Bamboo, Bitbucket Pipelines, Bitrise, GoCD and other CI systems.
Cake is best understood as a build scripting layer, not a complete hosted automation service. Its self-hosted runner model gives teams control over where builds execute, but also places responsibility for the build environment and pipeline configuration on the team. It is a strong choice for .NET developers who value C#-based automation, cross-platform execution and broad CI compatibility. Teams seeking managed build execution, game-specific build features or a hosted service model should consider a more specialized alternative.
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Cake pricing
Cake fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Parallel jobs | Not verified |
| Runner model | Self-hosted |
| Build platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Game engine support | Not verified |
| Artifact storage | Not verified |
| Source integrations | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 15 integrations: AppVeyor, Azure Pipelines, Bamboo, Bitbucket Pipelines, Bitrise, Continua CI … See all → |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cakebuild.net |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Cake integrations
Cake lists 15 integrations on its own site.
- AppVeyor
- Azure Pipelines
- Bamboo
- Bitbucket Pipelines
- Bitrise
- Continua CI
- GitHub Actions
- GitLab CI/CD
- GoCD
- Jenkins
- MyGet
- RWX
- TeamCity
- Travis CI
- Woodpecker CI
Alternatives to Cake
- GameCIGameCI automates game builds, tests, and deployments across major CI platforms.9.4
- FASTBuildA focused open-source option for speeding up C/C++ game builds across multiple platforms.8.9
- CMakeA mature, open-source choice for generating native builds across major desktop platforms.8.8
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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