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Game Development · head to head

Armory3D vs PlayCanvas

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Game Development

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
PlayCanvas logo

PlayCanvas

Game Development

Cloud-based WebGL game development platform

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; PlayCanvas private projects require a paid plan; the Free plan only allows public projects
  • They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, PlayCanvas covers Cloud-based editor.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and PlayCanvas actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and PlayCanvas differ
AttributeArmory3DPlayCanvas
Pricing modelfreefreemium
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWeb, Mobile
Founded20162013

Identical on both: starting price (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 Armory3D

  • Blender integration
  • 3D graphics rendering
  • Physics engine (Bullet)
  • Audio system
  • Haxe scripting
  • Particle effects
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system

Only in PlayCanvas

  • Cloud-based editor
  • Real-time collaboration
  • WebGL rendering
  • Physics engine
  • Visual scripting
  • Asset library
  • Version control
  • Instant deployment

Both cover

  • Web deployment

What people use each for

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

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot PlayCanvas
  • Blender-based gamesnot PlayCanvas
  • Web gamesnot PlayCanvas

PlayCanvas

  • Building WebGL games and interactive 3D that run in a browsernot Armory3D
  • Browser based collaborative 3D editing across a teamnot Armory3D
  • Web AR and VR experiences, product configurators and playable adsnot 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

PlayCanvas

  • Private projects require a paid plan; the Free plan only allows public projects
  • The Free plan is capped at 1GB of storage, Personal at 10GB and Organization at 50GB
  • Personal costs $15 per month and Organization costs $50 per seat per month
  • Team management is only available on the Organization plan
  • Private projects become locked and inaccessible if the subscription is cancelled, unless they are made public
  • There is no formal educational discount
  • There is no self serve trial of the Personal or Organization plan; an upgrade code must be requested from sales

Pricing, plan by plan

Armory3D

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

PlayCanvas

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Cloud editor
    • WebGL export
    • Community projects
  • Pro$19/month
    • Private projects
    • Advanced features
    • Priority support

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 3d graphics rendering.
Armory3D review

Choose PlayCanvas if

  • You need cloud-based editor.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
PlayCanvas review

Questions people ask

Is Armory3D or PlayCanvas better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and PlayCanvas at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Armory3D or PlayCanvas?
Armory3D starts at Free and PlayCanvas at Free.
Does Armory3D or PlayCanvas run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. PlayCanvas runs on Web, Mobile.
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 PlayCanvas is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that PlayCanvas cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. PlayCanvas covers Cloud-based editor, Real-time collaboration, WebGL rendering, Physics engine. Both handle Web deployment.
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