CRYENGINE is a powerful game engine developed by Crytek, a renowned German video game developer. The engine has been used to create some of the most visually stunning and immersive games in the industry, including the Crysis series, Far Cry, and Ryse: Son of Rome. One of the most common questions asked by game developers and enthusiasts is whether CRYENGINE is free to use. In this article, we will delve into the details of CRYENGINE’s licensing model and explore the possibilities of using the engine for free.
History of CRYENGINE
Before we dive into the licensing model, let’s take a brief look at the history of CRYENGINE. The engine was first released in 2004 as a proprietary game engine for Crytek’s internal use. Over the years, the engine has undergone significant transformations, with major updates and feature additions. In 2015, Crytek announced that CRYENGINE would be made available as a “pay what you want” model, allowing developers to use the engine for free and pay royalties only when their game generates revenue.
Licensing Model
CRYENGINE’s licensing model is based on a “pay what you want” approach, which means that developers can use the engine for free and pay royalties only when their game generates revenue. The engine is available under a Sandbox license, which allows developers to use the engine for free, with no upfront costs or royalties. However, if the game generates revenue, the developer must pay a 5% royalty on the game’s gross revenue.
Key Features of the Sandbox License
The Sandbox license offers several key features that make it an attractive option for game developers:
- No upfront costs: Developers can use the engine for free, with no upfront costs or licensing fees.
- No royalties on revenue below $5,000 per project: Developers don’t have to pay royalties on revenue generated by their game if it’s below $5,000 per project.
- 5% royalty on revenue above $5,000 per project: Developers must pay a 5% royalty on the game’s gross revenue if it exceeds $5,000 per project.
- Full access to engine features: Developers have full access to the engine’s features, including the source code, documentation, and support.
Benefits of Using CRYENGINE for Free
Using CRYENGINE for free offers several benefits to game developers:
- Reduced development costs: By using the engine for free, developers can reduce their development costs and allocate more resources to other areas of game development.
- Increased creativity: With full access to the engine’s features, developers can focus on creating innovative and engaging gameplay experiences.
- Access to a large community: CRYENGINE has a large and active community of developers, which can be a valuable resource for learning and troubleshooting.
Success Stories
Several games have been developed using CRYENGINE, including:
* Crysis: A first-person shooter developed by Crytek, which was released in 2007 and received critical acclaim for its graphics and gameplay.
* Far Cry: A first-person shooter developed by Ubisoft, which was released in 2004 and became a commercial success.
* Ryse: Son of Rome: A action-adventure game developed by Crytek, which was released in 2013 and received positive reviews for its graphics and combat mechanics.
Limitations of Using CRYENGINE for Free
While using CRYENGINE for free offers several benefits, there are also some limitations to consider:
* Royalty payments: Developers must pay a 5% royalty on the game’s gross revenue if it exceeds $5,000 per project.
* Limited support: While CRYENGINE has a large community of developers, official support is limited to paid licenses.
* No access to premium features: Some premium features, such as advanced physics and graphics tools, are only available to paid license holders.
Alternatives to CRYENGINE
If you’re looking for alternative game engines that offer free or low-cost licensing options, consider the following:
* Unity: A popular game engine that offers a free version, as well as several paid tiers with additional features.
* Unreal Engine: A powerful game engine that offers a 5% royalty on gross revenue after the first $3,000 per product, per quarter.
* Godot Engine: An open-source game engine that offers a free and open-source alternative to commercial game engines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CRYENGINE is free to use, with a “pay what you want” licensing model that allows developers to use the engine for free and pay royalties only when their game generates revenue. While there are some limitations to using the engine for free, the benefits of reduced development costs, increased creativity, and access to a large community make it an attractive option for game developers. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting out, CRYENGINE is definitely worth considering for your next game development project.
Getting Started with CRYENGINE
If you’re interested in getting started with CRYENGINE, here are some steps to follow:
* Download the engine: Visit the CRYENGINE website and download the engine for free.
* Read the documentation: Familiarize yourself with the engine’s features and documentation.
* Join the community: Connect with other developers and get involved in the CRYENGINE community.
* Start creating: Begin building your game and take advantage of the engine’s features and tools.
By following these steps, you can start using CRYENGINE for free and begin building your next game development project.
Is CRYENGINE completely free to use?
Crytek, the company behind CRYENGINE, offers a “Pay What You Want” business model, which means that developers can use the engine for free and pay a 5% royalty on gross revenue after the first $5,000 per product, per quarter. This model allows developers to use the engine without any upfront costs, making it an attractive option for indie developers and small studios.
However, it’s worth noting that while the engine itself is free, developers may still need to pay for additional services, such as access to the engine’s source code, priority support, or custom licensing agreements. Additionally, the 5% royalty fee can add up quickly, especially for successful games, so developers should factor this cost into their budget and revenue projections.
What are the system requirements for using CRYENGINE?
To use CRYENGINE, developers will need a computer with a 64-bit operating system (Windows 10 or later), a quad-core processor, and at least 8 GB of RAM. They will also need a graphics card with at least 2 GB of VRAM, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 390. Additionally, developers will need to have Visual Studio 2017 or later installed on their computer.
It’s worth noting that these system requirements are subject to change, and developers may need to upgrade their hardware or software to use the latest version of the engine. Additionally, developers who want to use the engine’s advanced features, such as global illumination or physics-based rendering, may need more powerful hardware to achieve optimal performance.
Can I use CRYENGINE for non-commercial projects?
Yes, CRYENGINE can be used for non-commercial projects, such as game jams, prototypes, or personal projects. In fact, Crytek encourages developers to use the engine for non-commercial projects, as it can help them build their skills and portfolio.
However, it’s worth noting that even for non-commercial projects, developers will still need to agree to the engine’s terms and conditions, which include the 5% royalty fee on gross revenue. If a non-commercial project becomes commercial, the developer will need to start paying royalties on their revenue. Developers should carefully review the engine’s terms and conditions before starting their project.
How does CRYENGINE compare to other game engines?
Crytek’s CRYENGINE is a powerful game engine that competes with other popular engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. While each engine has its strengths and weaknesses, CRYENGINE is known for its high-performance rendering, advanced physics, and dynamic global illumination.
However, CRYENGINE may have a steeper learning curve than other engines, and its community and asset store are smaller compared to Unreal Engine and Unity. Additionally, CRYENGINE’s royalty fee is higher than some other engines, which may be a consideration for developers who expect to generate significant revenue from their game.
Can I use CRYENGINE for VR or AR projects?
Yes, CRYENGINE supports the development of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) projects. The engine includes features like VR rendering, motion controllers, and spatial audio, making it a popular choice for VR and AR developers.
However, developers will need to have a VR or AR headset and compatible hardware to test and develop their project. Additionally, CRYENGINE’s VR and AR features may require additional setup and configuration, and developers may need to optimize their project for optimal performance on VR or AR hardware.
How do I get started with CRYENGINE?
To get started with CRYENGINE, developers can download the engine from the Crytek website and follow the installation instructions. Crytek also provides a comprehensive documentation and tutorials to help developers get started with the engine.
Additionally, developers can join the CRYENGINE community forum to connect with other developers, ask questions, and share knowledge. Crytek also offers a sandbox project that developers can use to learn the engine’s features and tools. Developers can also take advantage of the engine’s free tutorials and online courses to learn the basics of the engine.
What kind of support does Crytek offer for CRYENGINE?
Crytek offers a range of support options for CRYENGINE developers, including a comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and community forum. Developers can also submit a support ticket to Crytek’s support team, which typically responds within 24 hours.
Additionally, Crytek offers premium support options, such as priority support and custom licensing agreements, for developers who need more extensive support or have specific requirements. Crytek also partners with other companies to offer additional services, such as asset creation and game development, to help developers succeed with their project.