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Software · head to head

DragonBones vs CryEngine

D

DragonBones

Software

Free 2D skeletal animation solution

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: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which DragonBones and CryEngine actually diverge.

Attributes where DragonBones and CryEngine differ
AttributeDragonBonesCryEngine
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsEgret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos CreatorWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded20141999

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 DragonBones

  • Skeletal animation
  • Mesh deformation
  • IK system
  • Texture atlas
  • Animation blending
  • Bone constraints
  • FFD
  • Multi-resolution

Only in CryEngine

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

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

DragonBones

  • 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot CryEngine
  • Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot CryEngine
  • Animation creation with LoongBones editornot CryEngine

CryEngine

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

Where each one falls short

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

DragonBones

  • JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)

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

DragonBones

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.

CryEngine

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

Which should you pick?

Choose DragonBones if

  • You need skeletal animation.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
  • You also want mesh deformation.
DragonBones 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 DragonBones or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. DragonBones 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, DragonBones or CryEngine?
DragonBones starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does DragonBones or CryEngine run on more platforms?
DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
Can I use DragonBones for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is DragonBones best used for?
DragonBones is most often used for 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines, cross-engine animation library for indie game development, animation creation with loongbones editor. Of those, 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines and cross-engine animation library for indie game development are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can DragonBones do that CryEngine cannot?
DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support.
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