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Game Development · head to head

AppGameKit vs CryEngine

AppGameKit logo

AppGameKit

Game Development

Create cross-platform 2D games and apps

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: AppGameKit exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AppGameKit and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where AppGameKit and CryEngine differ
AttributeAppGameKitCryEngine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, TvosWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded20041999

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 AppGameKit

  • BASIC-like scripting
  • Visual sprite editor
  • Sound and music
  • Particle effects
  • Tile support
  • Multi-platform export
  • Built-in debugger
  • Visual Studio Code

Only in CryEngine

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

Both cover

  • Physics engine
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

AppGameKit

  • 2D and 3D game development from a single codebasenot CryEngine
  • Cross-platform mobile game builds for iOS and Androidnot CryEngine
  • Learning game programming in a BASIC-derived languagenot CryEngine
  • Prototyping small games quicklynot CryEngine

CryEngine

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

Where each one falls short

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

AppGameKit

  • Exports to Windows, iOS and Android only, so there is no macOS, Linux or console target
  • The price is not shown on the product page and the product is sold through Steam
  • The vendor describes it as their last outing for traditional programming languages before AI-driven development, which is a poor signal for long-term support
  • appgamekit.com now redirects into the darkbasic.com site

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

AppGameKit

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Multi-platform export
    • Built-in IDE

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 AppGameKit if

  • You need basic-like scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos.
  • You also want visual sprite editor.
AppGameKit review

Choose CryEngine if

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

Questions people ask

Is AppGameKit or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. AppGameKit 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, AppGameKit or CryEngine?
AppGameKit starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does AppGameKit or CryEngine run on more platforms?
AppGameKit runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Tvos. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use AppGameKit for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is AppGameKit best used for?
AppGameKit is most often used for 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase, cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android, learning game programming in a basic-derived language, prototyping small games quickly. Of those, 2d and 3d game development from a single codebase and cross-platform mobile game builds for ios and android are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can AppGameKit do that CryEngine cannot?
AppGameKit covers BASIC-like scripting, Visual sprite editor, Sound and music, Particle effects. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, AI system, Animation tools, Flow Graph visual scripting. Both handle Physics engine, Local deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AppGameKit: How much does AppGameKit cost?

AppGameKit pricing is not published on the AppGameKit website. The product is distributed via Steam store, where pricing information can be obtained.

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
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
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
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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