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CryEngine vs Microsoft HoloLens 2

CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Software

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Microsoft HoloLens 2 logo

Microsoft HoloLens 2

Software

Enterprise mixed reality for the modern workplace

From
$3500/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only CryEngine has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE; 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: CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Microsoft HoloLens 2 covers Spatial mapping.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where CryEngine and Microsoft HoloLens 2 differ
AttributeCryEngineMicrosoft HoloLens 2
Starting priceFree$3500/one-time
Pricing modelfreeUnknown
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Playstation, Xbox, LinuxStandalone AR Headset
Founded19992015

Identical on both: 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 CryEngine

  • Advanced graphics
  • Physics engine
  • AI system
  • Animation tools
  • Flow Graph visual scripting
  • C++ and Lua support
  • Entity component system
  • Sandbox editor

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.

CryEngine

  • Building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illuminationnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Developing with full engine source code accessnot Microsoft HoloLens 2
  • Sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get exportnot Microsoft HoloLens 2

Microsoft HoloLens 2

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

Where each one falls short

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

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

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

CryEngine

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

Microsoft HoloLens 2

$3500/one-time

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

Which should you pick?

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

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 CryEngine or Microsoft HoloLens 2 better?
Neither clearly leads. CryEngine 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, CryEngine or Microsoft HoloLens 2?
CryEngine has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for CryEngine and $3500/one-time for Microsoft HoloLens 2.
Does CryEngine or Microsoft HoloLens 2 run on more platforms?
CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux. Microsoft HoloLens 2 runs on Standalone AR Headset.
Can I use CryEngine for free?
Yes. CryEngine has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Microsoft HoloLens 2 starts at $3500/one-time.
What is CryEngine best used for?
CryEngine is most often used for building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illumination, developing with full engine source code access, sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get export. Of those, building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illumination and developing with full engine source code access are not what Microsoft HoloLens 2 is typically brought in for.
What can CryEngine do that Microsoft HoloLens 2 cannot?
CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. 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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