CRYENGINE vs Defold
CRYENGINE
cryengine.comDefold
defold.comSide by side
| Figure | CRYENGINE | Defold |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Engine Software | 9.0 (#5) | 8.9 (#8) |
| Spec score · Game Development Software | 8.8 (#6) | 8.7 (#8) |
| Console export | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1999 | 2009 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Frankfurt am Main, Germany | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Mobile export | Yes | Yes |
| Multiplayer tools | Yes | Yes |
| Scripting languages | C++,Lua,Schematyc visual scripting | Lua,Teal,C,C++,C#,Objective-C,Java,JavaScript |
| Source code model | source_available | source_available |
| Target platforms | Windows,Linux,macOS,PlayStation,Xbox,Nintendo Switch,Android,iOS,Web,VR | Windows,macOS,Linux,iOS,Android,HTML5,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 5,Nintendo Switch |
Plans
In their own words
CRYENGINE
CRYENGINE is a game engine for building projects targeting PC, consoles, mobile, web and VR. Its offering includes full source code, engine features and access to supported platforms. Developers can use C++, Lua or Schematyc visual scripting, along with multiplayer tools and mobile export. The Sandbox Editor creates worlds without baking and exports them as they appear in the editor. Rendering includes dynamic global illumination and a physically based rendering workflow; physics simulations account for physical properties. The engine also includes particle tools, animation systems and a physics solution for dynamic destruction. CRYENGINE can be used for free under royalty-based licensing: a 5% royalty applies when a project ships, while the first $5K in annual revenue per project is royalty-free. Documentation includes guides and tutorials, and community channels include Discord and GitHub. The maker was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany.
Defold
Defold is a game engine for building cross-platform 2D and 3D games. Its toolchain combines an editor, runtime, scripting workflow, build pipeline, and deployment flow. Game logic is written in Lua; native extensions can use C, C++, Objective-C, Java, or JavaScript. Visual editors, a debugger, profiler, particle effects, animation, and integrated 2D and 3D physics are included. Target platforms listed are Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Integrations include Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, push notifications, Google Play services, Nakama, and PlayFab. The Asset Portal offers reusable components and extensions. Live Update can provide additional game content after the initial download, with customizable content verification. Source code for the engine, editor, and build tools is available on GitHub under a developer-friendly license derived from Apache 2.0. Defold costs nothing, with no licensing fees, royalties, or runtime fees. Community help is available through a forum, and technical support contracts are available if needed.