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Game Development · head to head

CryEngine vs MonoGame

CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Game Development

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MonoGame logo

MonoGame

Game Development

Create games using C# and MonoGame

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE; MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • They diverge on capability: CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, MonoGame covers C# language support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CryEngine and MonoGame actually diverge.

Attributes where CryEngine and MonoGame differ
AttributeCryEngineMonoGame
PlatformsWindows, Playstation, Xbox, LinuxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox
Founded19992009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 CryEngine

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

Only in MonoGame

  • C# language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Physics integration
  • Content pipeline
  • Input handling
  • Sprite system
  • 2D and 3D support

Both cover

  • Visual Studio
  • Local deployment
  • Console deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

CryEngine

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

MonoGame

  • Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot CryEngine
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot CryEngine
  • Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot CryEngine
  • Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot 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

MonoGame

  • Console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • A code-first framework in C# with no bundled editor or visual scene tooling

Pricing, plan by plan

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

MonoGame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • C# support
    • Cross-platform

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 MonoGame if

  • You need c# language support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
MonoGame review

Questions people ask

Is CryEngine or MonoGame better?
Neither clearly leads. CryEngine starts at Free and MonoGame at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CryEngine or MonoGame?
CryEngine starts at Free and MonoGame at Free.
Does CryEngine or MonoGame run on more platforms?
CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux. MonoGame runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
Can I use CryEngine for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is CryEngine best used for?
CryEngine is most often used for game engine for indie and professional game development, real-time 3d rendering and visualization, vr and immersive experience creation, environmental and industrial simulation. Of those, game engine for indie and professional game development and real-time 3d rendering and visualization are not what MonoGame is typically brought in for.
What can CryEngine do that MonoGame cannot?
CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. MonoGame covers C# language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Physics integration. Both handle Visual Studio, Local deployment, Console deployment, 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
MonoGame: How much does MonoGame cost?

MonoGame is completely free with no subscription model, royalty payments, licensing costs, or runtime fees.

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
MonoGame: What funding model does MonoGame use?

MonoGame Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by voluntary community donations rather than user fees.

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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