Elias vs Nuendo
Elias
elias.audioNuendo
steinberg.netSide by side
| Figure | Elias | Nuendo |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | — |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · Game Audio Middleware | 8.5 (#4) | 8.3 (#8) |
| Support | Support options include an online manual, tutorials, Discord, email, video calls, shared chat rooms and on-site visits. | Nuendo 15 is available through Steinberg's downloads page, which provides general information and installation utilities. |
Plans
Elias
- Explorer Standard€5,850, paid once
- Colonizer Premium€15,000, paid once
- Scout BasicPrice not published
Nuendo
- Nuendo 15 Full VersionPriced on request
- Nuendo 15 CrossgradePriced on request
- Nuendo 15 Crossgrade$799.99, paid once
- Nuendo 15 Full version$999.99, paid once
In their own words
Elias
Elias 4 is game-audio middleware and a sound engine for interactive soundscapes and adaptive music. Elias Studio gives composers and sound designers visual scripting for sample-perfect audio graphs combining logic, game parameters, playback, and DSP. Its music system supports instrument and track rules, motifs, stingers, automatic loops, random segments, and musical transitions. Spatialized 3D audio and processing such as filters, compressors, and reverbs are included. While a game runs, users can edit patches, replace sound files, and mix without rebuilding or using sound banks. Unity and Godot integrations are provided, and custom or other engines can be integrated. Listed runtime targets include PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, and Android. Elias is written in C and C++, supports Python tooling and automations, and offers source-code access by separate agreement at higher license tiers. Licenses are per game; console releases cost extra per platform, while same-game DLC is covered. Explorer Standard costs €5,850, paid once, and Colonizer Premium costs €15,000, paid once. A free evaluation version is available by request.