CRYENGINE
C++ 3D engine from Crytek GmbH in Frankfurt with full source code and a 5% royalty
Quick Overview
| Company | Crytek GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Game Engines |
| Headquarters | Frankfurt am Main, Germany |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (EU) |
| Data Location | Runs locally |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Runs on your own machine; source access under licence |
| Main Features | Full source code, Sandbox editor, real-time dynamic global illumination, PBR workflow, physics, enterprise licensing, asset database |
| Pricing | Free to use; 5% royalty when you ship after the first $5K annual revenue per project |
| Best For | Teams that want a high-fidelity 3D engine with source access |
| Replaces | Unity, Unreal Engine |
Detailed Review
The CRYENGINE homepage offers full source code, all engine features and access to all platforms, with the Sandbox editor for building worlds without baking. Real-time dynamic global illumination and a PBR workflow are listed.
The imprint names Crytek GmbH, An der Welle 3, 60322 Frankfurt am Main, Amtsgericht Frankfurt a.M. HRB 77322, managing director Avni Yerli.
Terms
The site says you can use CRYENGINE for free and that a 5% royalty applies when you ship your project, with the first $5K of annual revenue per project royalty-free.
Source and tools
Source code is available on GitHub, and the hub offers documentation, tutorials and an asset database. Documentation was migrated to a new format in September 2024.
Enterprise
Custom enterprise licensing is available for teams with individual needs.
Limitations to Consider
The royalty applies from the first dollar above $5K annual revenue per project, a lower threshold than Flax Engine. The newest news item on the homepage is from September 2024, which suggests slower public communication. The editor download is for PC, and C++ skills are expected.
Who Should Use CRYENGINE
Studios with C++ experience who want a source-accessible 3D engine from a German company.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Full source code
- Free to start
- Real-time dynamic global illumination
- German company with Handelsregister entry
- Enterprise licensing available
Cons
- 5% royalty above $5K per project
- Last homepage news item dated September 2024
- C++ focus
- PC download for the editor
Alternatives to CRYENGINE
Other European game engines worth comparing before you decide:
Godot Engine
Netherlands · MIT-licensed 2D and 3D engine run by a Dutch foundation
Defold
Sweden · Lightweight cross-platform engine owned by a Swedish foundation
GDevelop
United Kingdom · No-code game engine with an MIT-licensed core and French team
Flax Engine
Poland · C# and C++ 3D engine with full source on GitHub
See all European game engines or compare them directly against Unity on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use it for free; a 5% royalty applies when you ship, with the first $5K of annual revenue per project royalty-free.
Yes, the homepage advertises full source code.
Crytek GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.