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Game Development · head to head

Adventure Game Studio vs CryEngine

Adventure Game Studio logo

Adventure Game Studio

Game Development

Create point-and-click adventure games

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Game Development

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Adventure Game Studio the AGS editor and IDE run only on Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10 or 11), even though built games run on Linux, macOS, Android and iOS; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: Adventure Game Studio covers Point-and-click editor, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Adventure Game Studio and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where Adventure Game Studio and CryEngine differ
AttributeAdventure Game StudioCryEngine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded19971999

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

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 Adventure Game Studio

  • Point-and-click editor
  • Room system
  • Sprite animation
  • Built-in scripting
  • Inventory system
  • Dialog system
  • Audio support
  • Resolution scaling

Only in CryEngine

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

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Adventure Game Studio

  • Building point-and-click adventure games in a classic Sierra or LucasArts stylenot CryEngine
  • Shipping a commercial or freeware adventure game with no licence feenot CryEngine
  • Scripting game logic in a Java or C# style language with a built-in debuggernot CryEngine

CryEngine

  • Game engine for indie and professional game developmentnot Adventure Game Studio
  • Real-time 3D rendering and visualizationnot Adventure Game Studio
  • VR and immersive experience creationnot Adventure Game Studio
  • Environmental and industrial simulationnot Adventure Game Studio

Where each one falls short

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

Adventure Game Studio

  • The AGS editor and IDE run only on Windows (Vista, 7, 8, 10 or 11), even though built games run on Linux, macOS, Android and iOS
  • The editor requires the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable, and .NET Framework 4.5 on Windows 7 and Vista
  • Video playback supports only FLC and OGV (Ogg Theora) and is full-screen only; AVI and WMV support was dropped after version 3.6.0 and existed only on Windows builds
  • MSSCCI source control integration was discontinued in version 3.6.0
  • Graphics drivers are limited to Direct3D 9 and OpenGL
  • Audio format support is limited to OGG, MP3, WAV, MOD, XM and MIDI
  • Support is community-only through forums and Discord, with no vendor support channel

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

Adventure Game Studio

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Built-in script editor
    • Room editor

CryEngine

Free
  • Free CRYENGINEFree
    • Free download and use in development
    • 5% royalty on revenue after shipping
    • First $5,000 annual revenue per project royalty-free

Which should you pick?

Choose Adventure Game Studio if

  • You need point-and-click editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want room system.
Adventure Game Studio 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 Adventure Game Studio or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Adventure Game Studio 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, Adventure Game Studio or CryEngine?
Adventure Game Studio starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does Adventure Game Studio or CryEngine run on more platforms?
Adventure Game Studio runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use Adventure Game Studio for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Adventure Game Studio best used for?
Adventure Game Studio is most often used for building point-and-click adventure games in a classic sierra or lucasarts style, shipping a commercial or freeware adventure game with no licence fee, scripting game logic in a java or c# style language with a built-in debugger. Of those, building point-and-click adventure games in a classic sierra or lucasarts style and shipping a commercial or freeware adventure game with no licence fee are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Adventure Game Studio do that CryEngine cannot?
Adventure Game Studio covers Point-and-click editor, Room system, Sprite animation, Built-in scripting. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Adventure Game Studio: Is Adventure Game Studio free?

Yes, Adventure Game Studio (AGS) is free and open-source software. It requires no subscription and is a standalone IDE available for download.

Source
CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE have a free version?

Yes, CRYENGINE is free to download and use for development. When you ship a project, a 5% royalty applies to revenue, but the first $5,000 annual revenue per project is royalty-free.

Source
Adventure Game Studio: What can I create with Adventure Game Studio?

You can create graphical point-and-click adventure games using the Windows-based IDE. Games created with AGS can be played on multiple platforms including Linux, iOS, and Android.

Source
CryEngine: How much does CRYENGINE cost after launch?

CRYENGINE charges 5% royalty on revenue after your project ships. The first $5,000 in annual revenue per project is royalty-free; royalties apply only to revenue above that threshold.

Source
Adventure Game Studio: Is there a community for AGS users?

Yes, AGS has an active community run by dedicated volunteers with forums, Discord server, Facebook page, in-person meet-ups, and monthly competitions called MAGS.

Source
CryEngine: What does CRYENGINE free tier include?

Free CRYENGINE access includes full source code, all engine features, and access to all supported platforms. No payment required for development; only per-revenue royalties apply after shipping.

Source
Adventure Game Studio: Can I publish and monetize games made with AGS?

Yes, you can showcase your games on the AGS website. The community hosts both free and commercial games.

Source
CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE offer custom enterprise licensing?

Yes, CRYENGINE offers custom-tailored enterprise licensing built around individual needs. Specific pricing is not disclosed and requires contacting the vendor.

Source
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