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Babylon.js vs CryEngine

Babylon.js logo

Babylon.js

Software

Powerful 3D engine for the web with WebXR

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: Babylon.js javaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Babylon.js and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where Babylon.js and CryEngine differ
AttributeBabylon.jsCryEngine
Pricing modelUnknownfree
PlatformsWeb, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React NativeWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded19751999

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 Babylon.js

  • WebGL/WebGPU rendering
  • Physics engines
  • GUI system
  • Node material editor
  • WebXR
  • glTF
  • Havok physics
  • Azure

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.

Babylon.js

  • Web 3D rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiencesnot CryEngine
  • Cross-platform 3D development with native runtime and React Native supportnot CryEngine

CryEngine

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

Where each one falls short

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

Babylon.js

  • JavaScript-only framework; requires developer expertise to implement and maintain

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

Babylon.js

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Babylon.js review.

CryEngine

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

Which should you pick?

Choose Babylon.js if

  • You need webgl/webgpu rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native.
  • You also want physics engines.
Babylon.js 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 Babylon.js or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Babylon.js 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, Babylon.js or CryEngine?
Babylon.js starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does Babylon.js or CryEngine run on more platforms?
Babylon.js runs on Web, Native (via Babylon Native Runtime), React Native. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use Babylon.js for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Babylon.js best used for?
Babylon.js is most often used for web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences, cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support. Of those, web 3d rendering engine for games, e-commerce product configuration, and interactive experiences and cross-platform 3d development with native runtime and react native support are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Babylon.js do that CryEngine cannot?
Babylon.js covers WebGL/WebGPU rendering, Physics engines, GUI system, Node material editor. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools.
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