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Game Development · head to head

Buildbox vs CryEngine

Buildbox logo

Buildbox

Game Development

Game creation platform for everyone

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: Buildbox buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026); CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: Buildbox covers Visual game builder, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Buildbox and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where Buildbox and CryEngine differ
AttributeBuildboxCryEngine
Pricing modelfreemiumfree
PlatformsIos, Android, Windows, MacosWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded20151999

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 Buildbox

  • Visual game builder
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Animation system
  • Monetization SDK
  • Analytics integration
  • Cloud compilation
  • Template library
  • AdMob

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
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Buildbox

  • Mobile game creationnot CryEngine
  • Casual gamesnot CryEngine
  • Monetized gamesnot CryEngine

CryEngine

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

Where each one falls short

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

Buildbox

  • Buildbox splits its editor into two separate paid product lines, Buildbox Classic and Buildbox 3, priced and sold as different products rather than tiers of one app (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
  • Buildbox Classic Plus is $57.99 USD per year and Buildbox Classic Pro is $137.99 USD per year; Buildbox 3 Plus is $97.99 USD per year and Buildbox 3 Pro is $297.99 USD per year, with a companion audio tool Soundbox sold separately at $49.99 USD per year (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)
  • The only bundle combining Buildbox 3 Pro, Buildbox Classic Pro, and Soundbox is a separate $447.99 USD per year Ultimate Bundle rather than a natural upgrade path (archived pricing page, 8 March 2026)

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

Buildbox

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Basic game creation
    • Mobile export
    • Community support
  • Premium$19.99/month
    • Advanced features
    • Monetization tools
    • Custom integrations

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 Buildbox if

  • You need visual game builder.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Buildbox 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 Buildbox or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Buildbox 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, Buildbox or CryEngine?
Buildbox starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does Buildbox or CryEngine run on more platforms?
Buildbox runs on Ios, Android, Windows, Macos. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use Buildbox for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Buildbox best used for?
Buildbox is most often used for mobile game creation, casual games, monetized games. Of those, mobile game creation and casual games are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Buildbox do that CryEngine cannot?
Buildbox covers Visual game builder, Drag-and-drop interface, Animation system, Monetization SDK. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, AI system, Animation tools, Flow Graph visual scripting. Both handle Physics engine, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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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