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Game Development · head to head

Bevy vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

Bevy logo

Bevy

Game Development

A refreshingly simple data-driven game engine built in Rust

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Game Development

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Bevy has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Bevy rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use; Microsoft HoloLens 2 narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
  • They diverge on capability: Bevy covers Entity Component System, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Bevy and Microsoft HoloLens 2 actually diverge.

Attributes where Bevy and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeBevyMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, WebglStandalone AR Headset
CategoryGame DevelopmentUnknown
Founded20202015

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

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 Bevy

  • Entity Component System
  • 2D/3D rendering
  • Audio system
  • Asset pipeline
  • Hot reloading
  • Cross-platform
  • Modular architecture
  • Parallel systems

Only in Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Spatial mapping
  • Hand tracking
  • Eye tracking
  • Holographic display
  • Azure
  • Dynamics 365
  • Microsoft Teams
  • Mixed-reality support

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Bevy

  • 2D and 3D game development in Rustnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Data-driven design using an entity component systemnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS, Linux, web, iOS and Android from one codebasenot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Projects wanting a permissive licence with no royalties or feesnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • VR Gamingnot Bevy
  • AR Marketingnot Bevy
  • Virtual Trainingnot Bevy
  • 3D Visualizationnot Bevy
  • Immersive Experiencesnot Bevy

Where each one falls short

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

Bevy

  • Rust only, so it assumes a language most game teams do not already use
  • No visual editor of the kind Unity or Godot provide, so scenes and logic are written in code
  • Built around ECS, which is a different mental model from the scene-graph engines most developers come from

Microsoft HoloLens 2

  • Narrow field of view of 52 degrees limits visibility of holograms and causes parts of 3D objects to disappear when viewing up close
  • Heavy weight makes extended wearing uncomfortable and impractical for sessions longer than a few hours
  • Short battery life of 2.5 to 5.5 hours limits extended deployments without charging
  • Display is sensitive to bright light and sunlight, with rainbow color artifacts and poor outdoor readability
  • High price of $3,500 limits accessibility to enterprises with substantial budgets

Pricing, plan by plan

Bevy

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Full engine access
    • ECS architecture
    • Hot reloading

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

No published plan breakdown. See the Microsoft HoloLens 2 review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Bevy if

  • You need entity component system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl.
  • You also want 2d/3d rendering.
Bevy review

Choose Microsoft HoloLens 2 if

  • You need spatial mapping.
  • You work on Standalone AR Headset.
  • You also want hand tracking.
Microsoft HoloLens 2 review

Questions people ask

Is Bevy or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. Bevy starts at Free and Microsoft HoloLens 2 at $3500/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Bevy or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
Bevy has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Bevy and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does Bevy or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
Bevy runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Webgl. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use Bevy for free?
Yes. Bevy has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is Bevy best used for?
Bevy is most often used for 2d and 3d game development in rust, data-driven design using an entity component system, shipping to windows, macos, linux, web, ios and android from one codebase, projects wanting a permissive licence with no royalties or fees. Of those, 2d and 3d game development in rust and data-driven design using an entity component system are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can Bevy do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
Bevy covers Entity Component System, 2D/3D rendering, Audio system, Asset pipeline. Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping, Hand tracking, Eye tracking, Holographic display. Both handle Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Microsoft HoloLens 2: How long is the battery life of HoloLens 2?

HoloLens 2 battery life is 2.5 to 5.5 hours of active use depending on workload intensity and brightness settings.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: What is the field of view for HoloLens 2?

HoloLens 2 has a 52-degree field of view (43 degrees horizontal and 29 degrees vertical), which is considered narrow and limits the visible hologram area when viewing objects up close.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: Can HoloLens 2 be worn over glasses?

Yes, HoloLens 2 can be worn directly over glasses with an ergonomic design that allows the visor to flip up, though comfort depends on the glasses' size and weight.

Source
Microsoft HoloLens 2: What is the price of HoloLens 2?

The HoloLens 2 costs $3,500 USD with enterprise rental options at $125 per month and developer rental at $99 per month.

Source
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