Open3D is an open-source library offering optimized 3D data software development features, including physically based rendering and GPU acceleration for core operations. It supports PyTorch, TensorFlow, and provides a Python API for 3D geometries creation and manipulation. Crediting the Zhou2018 work is required.
To explore alternatives to Open3D, one can consider Unity3D, Panda3D, Ogre3D, OpenGL, Unity, Ursina, and Pygame.
Unity3D
An industry leader in the realm of cross-platform game engines, Unity3D debuted in June 2005. Initially catered as an OS X engine, it has evolved to support an impressive spectrum of platforms, gaining popularity for iOS and Android mobile and indie game development. Today, its reach extends beyond gaming, impacting industries as diverse as film, automotive, architecture, and even defense.
User-friendly: The interface is designed with beginners in mind, making it an attractive choice for first-time developers.
Effective 2D and 3D creation: From Box2D physics for 2D graphics to intricate 3D world-building, Unity covers a comprehensive creative scope.
Scripting and IDE integration: Facilitates seamless workflow through Visual Studio and Mono Develop IDE integration and supports scripting in C# and JavaScript.
Rich Marketplace: Offers an extensive collection of scripts, models, materials, and more, readily accessible on the Unity marketplace.
Technology
Community Support
Developed in C++
Popular among Indie Game developers
Optimised Performance
U.S Armed Forces uses Unity3D
Unity3D Disadvantages
Financial Barriers: Unity’s commercial terms favor developers with a revenue threshold below $200,000. Developers who overshadow this limit may find the platform less affordable.
Pricing Policy Changes: Unity’s fluctuating pricing policies, including the recent ‘Per Install’ fee, have irked a major chunk of its user community.
Competition: Compact with power-packed contenders like Unreal and Godot that offer robust capabilities and features.
Unity3D Pricing
Unity3D offers a range of plans and pricing tier s tailored for students, personal use, and enterprises. Eligibility depends on certain revenue thresholds. The platform has introduced a ‘Per Install’ fee that kicks in from January 1, 2024. Furthermore, Unity licenses come at varying price points up to $1500, each bundled with extra features.
Unity3D Use Cases
Use case 1: Indie Game Development
For independent developers venturing into the gaming scene with limited resources, Unity3D offers a user-friendly platform packed with comprehensive instructional material and a vibrant community base.
Use case 2: Mobile Game Development
iOS and Android developers stand to gain from Unity3D’s efficient mobile game development tools and cross-platform support, offering them broad market reach.
Use case 3: Non-Gaming Industries
From crafting immersive architectural visualizations to enabling automotive design simulations and film productions, industries beyond gaming leverage Unity3D’s capabilities for a range of creative outputs.
Panda3D
Boasting a lineage that includes Disney Interactive and Carnegie Mellon University, Panda3D is a game engine developed for 3D rendering and game development for Python and C++. Its strength lies in providing seamless integration of both languages while also offering extensive capabilities relevant to 3D game creation.
Panda3D Top Features
Flexible Language Support: The engine is written in C++. Python is its scripting language. Both are fully supported offering versatility to programmers.
Automatic Management: Engine structures are automatically managed with Python’s garbage collector making resource management easier.
Comprehensive Capabilities: It boasts features like custom shaders, modern per-pixel lighting techniques, gloss map, normal map, 3D audio, physics system, finite state machines and AI.
Platform Agnostic: Operates on multiple platforms like Microsoft Windows, Linux, MacOS, Free BSD.
Feature
Benefit
Open Source
Open-sourcing has led to a large and supportive community of developers.
Extensive Support System
From bug reports on GitHub to financial support through OpenCollective campaign, Panda3D fosters a strong community bond.
Comprehensive Documentation
Helps users navigate with detailed guides and instructions.
Panda3D Limitations
Requires basic knowledge of Python and APIs. Not a beginner friendly tool.
Lacks specific features for mobile game development. Lack of optimized mobile performance can be a drawback.
Panda3D Pricing
Panda3D is open source and free to use, making it an attractive choice for those operating on a tight budget.
Panda3D Use Cases
Universities
Panda3D’s in-depth functionalities make it suitable for usage within university courses, providing students with hands-on experience.
Commercial Game Developers
It offers a robust platform for the development of commercial games, as evidenced by its use in games such as Pirates of the Caribbean Online.
Open-Source Projects
Being open-source, it is an ideal choice for collaborative projects, encouraging community-driven development and innovation.
Ogre3D
Ogre3D, known formally as OGRE (Object-oriented Graphics Rendering Engine), is a game-changing tool for developers aiming to produce hardware-accelerated 3D graphics applications. Designed using the versatile C++ coding language, it comprises of a well-structured, integration-friendly API allowing for coherent design and consistency.
Ogre3D Top Features
Flexible application: Ideal for diverse needs such as business apps, games, simulations.
Comprehensive documentation: Offers clear and consistent instructions for impressive tech features.
Portability: Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, PocketPC, Xbox, PS3.
Customizable: Supports a wide range of libraries including sound, networking, AI, collision, physics.
Rich features: Comes with integrated bump & offset mapping, shadows, physically based shading, particle effects, etc.
Key Aspect
Details
Development History
Began in 1999 by Sinbad and has since expanded in features and updated versions.
Licensing
Available under the MIT License.
Toolsets
Incorporates 3D world editor (irrEdit) and a 3D/2D sound engine (irrKlang).
Ogre3D Limitations
Physics Engine: Unclear specifics due to preference for turn-based gaming.
Separate Library Integration: Requires integration of different libraries for additional features.
Ogre3D Pricing
Ogre3D is a boon for developers worldwide as it’s free, being open source and under the MIT License.
Ogre3D Use Cases
Use case 1 – Gaming
With its capability to provide high-quality 3D graphics and robust features, Ogre3D is a top choice for game developers. Games like Rebel Galaxy and Roblox utilize the power of Ogre3D.
Use case 2 – Business Applications
Ogre3D transcends gaming. Its cross-platform compatibility and features make it suitable for crafting cutting-edge business applications.
Use case 3 – Simulation
The Gazebo simulator and the Fractal Scout FPS game make full use of Ogre3D’s capabilities for generating realistic simulations
OpenGL
Experience the transformative power of OpenGL (Open Graphics Library), a potent 3D rendering and modeling software library. Developed by Silicon Graphics in 1992, it is now managed by the Khronos Group and continues to shape the realms of hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, Augmented & Virtual Reality.
OpenGL Top Features
Effective Hardware Acceleration: OpenGL is designed for hardware-accelerated 3D graphics, facilitating seamless AR & VR experience.
Flexible Low-level Rendering: OpenGL offers low-level rendering and modelling capabilities, allowing granular control over the graphics pipeline.
Ubiquitous Adoption: From CAD to video games to scientific applications, you find OpenGL’s footprint across various domains.
Sophisticated Gaming Support: Many commercial games, such as ID Software’s Quake series, have used OpenGL for their graphics engines.
Modern versions
Key features
OpenGL 4.6
Added SPIR-V language to define shaders and features for Atomic Counters.
OpenGL 4.3
Compute Shaders, image copying, compatibility with OpenGL ES 3.1.
OpenGL 4.1
Brought compatibility with OpenGL ES 2.0 into OpenGL.
OpenGL 4.0
Introduced Shading language 4.00, indirect drawing among others.
OpenGL Downsides
Emphasis on mathematics (linear algebra, geometry, trigonometry) and code proficiency in C++ can increase the entry threshold.
The transition to the Vulkan API, as a successor to OpenGL, implies a learning curve for those ingrained in the OpenGL ecosystem.
OpenGL Use Cases
Use case 1: Video Game Development
OpenGL’s powerful rendering capabilities make it an ideal choice for video game developers, giving them granular control over graphic operations.
Use case 2: CAD Applications
Engineering & industrial design applications benefit from OpenGL’s ability to manage large 3D model databases and complex geometries.
Use case 3: Scientific Visualization
Open GL serves as the backbone for many scientific simulations and data visualization tools, bringing complex datasets alive for better understanding.
Unity
Established in 2005, Unity is a versatile game development engine. It empowers developers to produce high-quality 2D and 3D games compatible across multiple platforms, thus fostering the creation of digital experiences that go beyond the boundaries of culture and language. Unity’s strength lies in its adaptability, expansive toolsets, and an integrated asset store teeming with pre-designed elements.
Unity Top Features
Comprehensive support for 2D and 3D game development.
Cross-platform capability, with support for Android and iOS platforms.
Compatible with multiple operating systems to create a broad range of applications.
Renders superior Augmented Reality and 3D simulations.
Fosters creative brainstorming with its rich Asset Store.
Variety of coding languages: BOO script, Javascript, and C#.
A dedicated developer community for assistance and constructive feedback
Features
Description
Adaptability
Versatile compatibility with several operating systems.
Asset Store
Pre-designed features facilitating brainstorming.
Coding Languages
Supports BOO script, Javascript, and C#.
Unity Disadvantages
Upcoming change in pricing model from January 1, 2024 that could impact solo, indie, mobile developers.
Fear of potential abuse of per-install fees.
Loss of Unity Plus subscription tier.
Concerns over sudden pricing shifts undermining developer financial sustainability.
Unity Pricing
Unity has announced a new pricing model effective from January 1, 2024. It levies a per-install fee each time a Unity-powered game is installed. However, it offers assurance that this fee will only apply once game revenues surpass $200,000 and installations exceed 200,000. A free version with substantial features remains available, alongside a Pro version.
Unity Use Cases
Use case 1: Cross-platform Games
Unity’s versatility ensures developers can create games that run smoothly on both Android and iOS platforms, facilitating universal access to their creations.
Use case 2: Augmented Reality and 3D Simulations
Unity makes creating immersive AR and 3D simulations simple, offering developers an avenue to craft exceptional digital experiences for global audiences.
Use case 3: Indie Game Development
The Unity engine provides a hospitable ecosystem for indie game developers, encouraging creative exploration and supporting them with a myriad of tools, rendering technology and an active developer community.
Ursina
Launched in 2019, Ursina Engine is a powerful open-source, free project that has garnered considerable approval both for its capabilities and overall usability. With compatibility to Linux and Windows, support for multiple programming languages, and an in-built bridge to popular professional tools like Photoshop and Blender, Ursina Engine is a valuable asset in the world of 3D graphics and modeling.
Ursina Top Features
Built in Python: Ursina primarily uses the Panda3D library, simplifying game development for those familiar with the language.
Real-time adjustments: The engine allows for adjustments to code and texture during game testing, significantly aiding the development process.
Wide Compatibility: Compatible with Godot, Unreal Engine, Unity, and can accept .PSD and .Blend files.
Resource-Rich: Offers valuable resources such as tutorials and detailed documentation files, allowing users to delve deep into the functionality of Ursina.
Future Enhancements: The team behind Ursina is developing a scene editor for interactive model placement.
Engineering Support
Notable Integrations
Supports several programming languages (including C++, C#, and JavaScript), with proprietary scripting and mobile focused systems.
The Bullet Physics Library was integrated in version 2.42, with soft-body physics and GLSL shaders integrated in release 2.48.
Headers allow sound control with OpenAL or SDL as a backend.
Rendering manager extracts the needful from each object, managing OpenGL operations more efficiently.
Ursina Downsides
While Ursina is generally well-regarded, it’s important to note that it does have a few quirks:
Ursina is built around Python, and while that simplifies things for developers well-versed in the language, it may pose a steeper learning curve for those not as familiar with Python.
The engine is still relatively new, implying that some features or functionalities might be in the development or refinement phase.
Ursina Pricing
Ursina is an open source, free project, making it accessible to anyone with the means to fulfill the required system specifications.
Ursina Use Cases
Use case 1
The real-time code and texture adjustments offered by Ursina make it an ideal tool for game developers, who often need to run tests and make modifications on the fly.
Use case 2
Ursina’s support for both 2D and 3D game creation, in conjunction with compatibility to well-established models from Photoshop and Blender, makes it a potent tool for designers and artists transitioning into the gaming industry.
Use case 3
For educational institutions teaching game development and related fields, Ursina’s open-source nature, comprehensive resources, and active development render it a valuable teaching tool.
Pygame
A robust collection of Python modules, Pygame finds its niche in the creation of video games. Born out of the brainchilds of Lenard Lindstrom, René Dudfield, Pete Shinners, Nicholas Dudfield, Thomas Kluyver, and other key contributors, Pygame first made its mark in the tech landscape on October 28, 2000. Now, with over two decades under its belt, Pygame has evolved under its community-driven development approach, making its tools accessible and easy-to-use, ideal for beginners, students, and first-time programmers.
Pygame Top Features
Cross-platform capabilities
Utilization of the Simple DirectMedia Layer (SDL) library, simplifying real-time game development
Comprehensive tools for vector math, collision detection, and 2D sprite scene graph management
High portability, with support for Android devices via Pygame Subset for Android (pgs4a)
Adjustable background scrolling speed and full control of the game’s speed with FPS manipulation
Feature
Description
Sound, vibration, keyboard, and accelerometer support on Android
Enhances user interaction and provides a more engaging gaming experience
Compatibility
Support for a wide range of operating systems including AmigaOS, Dreamcast, Atari, AIX, OSF/Tru64, RISC OS, SymbianOS and OS/2
Community Guidance
The open approach of Pygame’s development fosters a nurturing environment where new and experienced users can learn and grow together
Pygame Limitations
While Pygame’s code is 10-20 times faster than typical Python code, it may still lag behind languages designed specifically for high-performance computing
Despite its range of supported platforms, it requires specific installers for Windows and macOS and does not support certain modern platforms
Given its focus on 2D sprite scene graph management, it is less suitable for projects requiring complex 3D graphics
Pygame Pricing
Pygame is entirely free and operates under the GNU Lesser General Public License. It encourages the creation of open-source, freeware, shareware, and commercial games alike.
Pygame Use Cases
Use case 1: Indie game development
With its accessible tools, Pygame is an excellent platform for indie game developers seeking to create engaging 2D games. Games like Frets on Fire and IndieCade 2013 Finalist, Drawn Down Abyss, underscore its potential in this arena.
Use case 2: Education
Teachers and lecturers can leverage Pygame as a teaching tool to introduce young kids and college students to programming and game development, building a solid foundation for future exploration.
Use case 3: Prototyping
Developers can use Pygame for rapid prototyping of game ideas, taking advantage of its simple, yet powerful tools to quickly bring game concepts to life.
Tiffany Brise
Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.
