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Armory3D vs Flax Engine

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Software

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Flax Engine logo

Flax Engine

Software

Modern 3D game engine with visual editor

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch; Flax Engine flax charges a 4% royalty on game earnings above $250,000, assessed per calendar quarter
  • They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, Flax Engine covers Visual editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and Flax Engine actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and Flax Engine differ
AttributeArmory3DFlax Engine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWindows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox
Founded20162017

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Haxe scripting
  • Blender
  • Haxe
  • Git
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment

Only in Flax Engine

  • Visual editor
  • C# scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Lighting system
  • C#
  • .NET
  • Visual Studio
  • Console deployment

Both cover

  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Audio system
  • Particle effects
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system
  • Open-source
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot Flax Engine
  • Blender-based gamesnot Flax Engine
  • Web gamesnot Flax Engine

Flax Engine

  • Building 3D games in C# and C++ with full engine source accessnot Armory3D
  • Multi-platform deployment from one editornot Armory3D
  • Prototyping with the bundled Flax Samples projectsnot Armory3D

Where each one falls short

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

Armory3D

  • Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch

Flax Engine

  • Flax charges a 4% royalty on game earnings above $250,000, assessed per calendar quarter
  • Free use is granted for non-commercial or educational usage; commercial releases fall under the royalty
  • Users must accept the Flax Engine End-User License Agreement before using the engine or its tools, so it is not an OSI open source licence despite the source being on GitHub
  • Non-game uses such as in-house tools or SaaS products need a custom licence negotiated with the vendor, and no rate card is published for per-seat or flat-fee options

Pricing, plan by plan

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

Flax Engine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Visual editor
    • C# scripting

Which should you pick?

Choose Armory3D if

  • You need blender integration.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
  • You also want physics engine (bullet).
Armory3D review

Choose Flax Engine if

  • You need visual editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want c# scripting.
Flax Engine review

Questions people ask

Is Armory3D or Flax Engine better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and Flax Engine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Armory3D or Flax Engine?
Armory3D starts at Free and Flax Engine at Free.
Does Armory3D or Flax Engine run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. Flax Engine runs on Windows, Linux, Playstation, Xbox.
Can I use Armory3D for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Armory3D best used for?
Armory3D is most often used for 3d game development, blender-based games, web games. Of those, 3d game development and blender-based games are not what Flax Engine is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that Flax Engine cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, Physics engine (Bullet), Haxe scripting, Blender. Flax Engine covers Visual editor, C# scripting, Physics engine, Lighting system. Both handle 3D graphics rendering, Audio system, Particle effects, Skeletal animation.
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