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A-Frame vs CryEngine

A-Frame logo

A-Frame

Software

Web framework for building VR experiences

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Software

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: A-Frame requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which A-Frame and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where A-Frame and CryEngine differ
AttributeA-FrameCryEngine
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsWeb (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devicesWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded20151999

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in A-Frame

  • Declarative HTML
  • Entity-component system
  • WebXR support
  • Cross-platform
  • Three.js
  • AR.js
  • Physics engines
  • Networking

Only in CryEngine

  • Advanced graphics
  • Physics engine
  • AI system
  • Animation tools
  • Flow Graph visual scripting
  • C++ and Lua support
  • Entity component system
  • Sandbox editor

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

A-Frame

  • Virtual reality web experiencesnot CryEngine
  • Augmented reality applicationsnot CryEngine
  • 3D web visualisationsnot CryEngine
  • Interactive 3D content for web browsersnot CryEngine

CryEngine

  • Building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illuminationnot A-Frame
  • Developing with full engine source code accessnot A-Frame
  • Sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get exportnot A-Frame

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

A-Frame

  • Requires WebXR-capable browser; not supported on older browsers or devices without WebXR implementation

CryEngine

  • A royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • Royalties are waived only on the first USD 5,000.00 of Gross Receipts per year per game
  • Royalties are calculated at source on gross receipts before any publisher or platform deductions, so a developer receiving 70% of USD 100,000 still owes USD 4,750
  • Military projects, gambling, simulation, science, architecture and serious games are excluded from the standard licence and are not covered as Games
  • The licence forbids combining CRYENGINE with code from other game engine providers
  • Supported platforms are limited to those Crytek announces at its sole discretion, listed in the agreement as Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
  • Support is only provided against payment of a separate Support Fee that Crytek may change at its sole discretion
  • Crytek may modify the licence agreement at any time, with the only remedy for disagreement being to stop using CRYENGINE

Pricing, plan by plan

A-Frame

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the A-Frame review.

CryEngine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine access
    • Source code
    • Asset library

Which should you pick?

Choose A-Frame if

  • You need declarative html.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices.
  • You also want entity-component system.
A-Frame review

Choose CryEngine if

  • You need advanced graphics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
  • You also want physics engine.
CryEngine review

Questions people ask

Is A-Frame or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. A-Frame starts at Free and CryEngine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, A-Frame or CryEngine?
A-Frame starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does A-Frame or CryEngine run on more platforms?
A-Frame runs on Web (via WebXR), VR headsets, AR-capable mobile devices. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use A-Frame for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is A-Frame best used for?
A-Frame is most often used for virtual reality web experiences, augmented reality applications, 3d web visualisations, interactive 3d content for web browsers. Of those, virtual reality web experiences and augmented reality applications are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can A-Frame do that CryEngine cannot?
A-Frame covers Declarative HTML, Entity-component system, WebXR support, Cross-platform. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools.
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