Software · head to head
libGDX vs CryEngine
CryEngine
Software
Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: libGDX libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
- They diverge on capability: libGDX covers Java language support, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which libGDX and CryEngine actually diverge.
Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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 libGDX
- Java language support
- Graphics rendering
- Audio engine
- Input handling
- Physics integration (Box2D)
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- 2D and 3D rendering
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.
libGDX
- Writing 2D or 3D games in Java from a single codebasenot CryEngine
- Publishing a Java game to desktop, Android, iOS and HTML5not CryEngine
- Rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwantednot CryEngine
CryEngine
- Building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illuminationnot libGDX
- Developing with full engine source code accessnot libGDX
- Sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get exportnot libGDX
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
libGDX
- libGDX is a Java framework built on OpenGL ES, so projects are tied to the JVM toolchain
- Publishing targets are limited to Windows, macOS, Linux including Raspberry Pi, Android, iOS and HTML5
- libGDX is a community-maintained Apache 2.0 project with no vendor and no paid support tier
- libGDX ships as a framework rather than an editor, so there is no visual scene editor included
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
libGDX
Free- FreeFree
- Full framework
- Java support
- Cross-platform
CryEngine
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine access
- Source code
- Asset library
Which should you pick?
Choose libGDX if
- You need java language support.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
- You also want graphics rendering.
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.
Questions people ask
- Is libGDX or CryEngine better?
- Neither clearly leads. libGDX 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, libGDX or CryEngine?
- libGDX starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
- Does libGDX or CryEngine run on more platforms?
- libGDX runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
- Can I use libGDX for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is libGDX best used for?
- libGDX is most often used for writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase, publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5, rapid prototyping where an opinionated engine workflow is unwanted. Of those, writing 2d or 3d games in java from a single codebase and publishing a java game to desktop, android, ios and html5 are not what CryEngine is typically brought in for.
- What can libGDX do that CryEngine cannot?
- libGDX covers Java language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Input handling. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support.