Crytek announced that it is implementing a new royalty-based scheme for developers with the new CryEngine 5.5. Companies will only have to give five per cent to Crytek after raising $5,000 in revenue. If developers wish to continue using CryEngine 5.0-to-5.4 and not upgrade, they can apply for a royalty exemption.

There will also be an enterprise tier for royalty buyouts and custom support packages, but they won’t be able to access the editor source code.

Certifiable proficiency

Crytek is also introducing a certification program consisting of artist, designer and programmer certifications. The Technical Artist Certification recognises proficiency in digital visual arts, the Designer Certification rewards knowledge of how to use the editor, and the Programmer Certification tests core development in both of the codebases.

Onboarding and usability

CryEngine’s Product Manager, Collin Bishop said: “CryEngine 5.5 represents our focus on usability and onboarding with the editor toolset and engine codebase. The arrival of the CryEngine Certification Program, revamped documentation, and new editor source code allows for developers worldwide to work uninhibited with the CryEngine toolset, within a model that provides a price-point for all sizes of teams.”

There are over 260 improvements and fixes in the 5.5 update including integration for both Steam and PSN networks, and a new cURL integration for HTTPS.

CryTek also recently jumped on the blockchain trend by launching its own cryptocurrency, CryCash. There have been some other big changes at the company of late, with the CEO stepping down and handing over the helm to his brothers.