Thread: CryEngine 3, including C++ code access, incoming!

It case you haven't seen it it -
http://www.crymod.com/

The important bits-

"First of all, we will be launching an Editor for Crysis 2 early in summer. This will allow you to build new maps, items and more custom content for Crysis 2. For teams looking for even more creative freedom, we have another option: The free CRYENGINE SDK.
Be Free
In August 2011 we will be launching a free CryENGINE SDK. If you want to use it for fun, like all our previous MOD SDKs it will be completely free of charge, to anyone who wants to play with it! You just register, download the SDK with a personalized license key and you're good to go!
Be Creative
We'll be giving you access to the latest, greatest version of CryENGINE 3 - the same engine we use internally, the same engine we give to our licensees, the same engine that powers Crysis 2.
This will be a complete version of our engine, including C++ code access, our content exporters (including our LiveCreate real-time pipeline), shader code, game sample code from Crysis 2, script samples, new improved Flowgraph and a whole host of great asset examples, which will allow teams to build complete games from scratch for PC."

Perhaps..yes perhaps...a switch would be in order. Then again I have no idea what the state of your guy's code is. I know we would have wished on MWLL to have real engine access though.

Hehe, it's noticed, Nano!

I can't say anything for sure just yet, as we'll need to investigate the CE3-code when that time comes I guess, before having a final call on whether we want to move or not.

Indeed it's very interesting though.

Maniche

I suspect that given how powerful CE3 actually is, it will instead be a licensing cost comparable to something like Unity's "pro" plan, with additional costs for platforming modules and commission from the revenues going to Crytek once its released.

For example, let's say it was £800 for an CE3 Indie License, which would only allow for games to be created for PC. Then you would have separate platofrming modules for 360, PS3, Wii, and a composite module for the mobile iOS/Android/iPad systems. In addition to this there would be an Upgrade Release from CE3 to CE4 and a fixed-rate comission for sales.

With this agreement, however, you would get the same commercial builds for the engine as big-name studios, as well as full 24/7 phone technical support, training from Crytek (depending on the size of the team) and help with selling it on retail shelves. That's the way I would do it, as it would still be affordable like competitors' indie engines but also provide teams with a reason to invest in new features down the line.

The great thing also is that there is no up-front engine cost in that case. You pay before you release the product or in royalties. Though if you pay upfront I suppose you might get some sort of special paid licensee support.

It's true the SDK will probably be free, but they said they'll be releasing the CE2 Editor for modders.

In order to for CE3 to be available for mods and Indie, the editor, its toolset and source code access to CE-powered titles would have to be paid for; just like Unity3D.

It's possible the license will be structured more along the lines of UDK with a minimal cost but royalties - like UDK. The release of CRYENGINE SDK is partly a strategic move by Crytek to capture some of the UE3 market share and that is probably best achieved if the licenses are similar enough to make it easy for UDK developers to switch. I might be wrong of course and that remains to be seen but that's my guess.

I don't know... I guess, to a certain extent, I feel like CE is much more similar to Unity as to how much it offers as a technology.

Maybe you're right, but I would have no problem doing it the way I suggested if it meant it could be sold at retail on other platforms.

Originally Posted by Hyncharas

It's true the SDK will probably be free, but they said they'll be releasing the CE2 Editor for modders.

In order to for CE3 to be available for mods and Indie, the editor, its toolset and source code access to CE-powered titles would have to be paid for; just like Unity3D.

I seriously doubt their going to backstab everyone planning on using the engine by saying "hey the source code is free, but you have to pay for the tools! HA!"

I would imagine they'll have to follow a similiar path that UDK did in order to stay competative.
As for Unity, Not really, you have to buy a "pro" license for 1500$ to get anything nearing CE3 tech out of Unity. Maybe the original CE(CE1) perhaps. You can't access the deffered rendering or real-time shadows without the license. All you get are blob shadows and baked lighmaps.

Originally Posted by nanophage

I seriously doubt their going to backstab everyone planning on using the engine by saying "hey the source code is free, but you have to pay for the tools! HA!"

I would imagine they'll have to follow a similiar path that UDK did in order to stay competative.
As for Unity, Not really, you have to buy a "pro" license for 1500$ to get anything nearing CE3 tech out of Unity. Maybe the original CE(CE1) perhaps. You can't access the deffered rendering or real-time shadows without the license. All you get are blob shadows and baked lighmaps.

If they go the path of unity3d Licensing I will not BUY and I doubt allot of other will want to either

If they go the Path of Royalties and low licensing cost - Will buy!