When it comes to immersive, artistic creativity in VR, Tilt Brush outshines with its intuative interface and 3D painting functionality. However, for game designers and developers seeking collaborative environment and detailed world-building, SculptrVR‘s vast array of tools and cross-device compatibility make it the superior choice.

Differences of SculptrVR and Tilt Brush

Key Differences Between SculptrVR and Tilt Brush

  • SculptrVR offers a collaborative environment for game development; Tilt Brush focuses on individual 3D painting.
  • Tilt Brush has been awarded for its intuitive interface and 3D painting capabilities, while SculptrVR stands out for its detailed world-building tools.
  • SculptrVR supports major headset variants and VR capable PCs, but lacks audio support and joystick compatibility. Tilt Brush supports only 6DoF motion interfaces in VR.
  • While Tilt Brush’s source code is publicly available, SculptrVR remains proprietary.
  • SculptrVR enables export in FBX or ODJ formats for HD rendering, Tilt Brush offers versatile file formats, including .gltf, .fbx, .obj, .usd, .wrl, .stl and native .json files.
  • SculptrVR allows transforming VR sculptures to reality via 3D printers, while Tilt Brush does not provide this feature.
Comparison SculptrVR Tilt Brush
Release Date 2016 April 5, 2016
Initial Funding Seed funding $529,000 Acquired by Google in 2015
Software Engine Unreal Engine architecture Open-source version, Source code available on GitHub under Apache 2.0 license
File Export Formats FBX, ODJ .gltf, .fbx, .obj, .usd, .wrl, .stl, .json
Pricing $9.99 on Oculus Quest Open-source on GitHub
Collaboration Tools Multiplayer sessions for online design collaboration Multiuser version for Oculus Quest called “Multibrush”
Platform Compatibility Oculus, PlayStation, SteamVR, VR capable PCs HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Vive
Interface/Experience 3D modelling and sculpture creation, layers akin to Photoshop 3D painting with unique materials like fire, stars, or snowflakes
Device Compatibility Requires VR headset, compatible with all major variants; no joystick support Designed for use with 6DoF motion interfaces in VR
Unique Feature Enables large world creations with 10,000X Zoom technology, 3D printing functionality Intuitive 3D painting capabilities, Proto Award for “Best GUI”

What Is SculptrVR and Who’s It For?

SculptrVR, debuted in 2016, emerges as a potent collaborative VR tool for world creation and exploration on platforms including Oculus, PlayStation, and SteamVR. Foaded on immersive 3D design and innovative VR experiences, it serves as a fertile workspace for game designers and developers to digitally sculpt, offer feedback, and create in a single shared space. Leveraging Unreal Engine architecture, it supports major headset variants and VR capable PCs. The teenagers and adults, particularly those with a penchant for virtual game development and co-creation, are the intended audience.

Colorful depiction of a digital sculptor engrossed in creating a virtual masterpiece in a dynamic, game-like workshop

Pros of SculptrVR

  • Enables 3D modelling, world creation, and online collaboration
  • Navigational tools, multiplayer sessions, and user-scalable precision
  • Allows export of creations for HD rendering
  • Has 3D printing functionality, making it a bridge from digital to physical sculpting
  • Priced competitively at $9.99 with Cross-Buy and Cross-Play support
  • Strong position among VR art-game apps

Cons of SculptrVR

  • No cross-platform gaming participation
  • Has application memory and image export limits
  • Requires compatible VR headset, not joystick supported
  • Lacks in-built audio, necessitating the use of additional music streaming apps

What Is Tilt Brush and Who’s It For?

An award-winning VR painting application developed by Skillman & Hackett and acquired by Google in 2015, Tilt Brush revolutionizes digital art through 3D painting experiences. Offering far-reaching creative freedom to people with a tilt towards VR, painting findings, and animators, the application encourages digital doodling, making animated GIFs, and even creating videos. Its intuitive interface and range of painting materials including fire, stars, and snowflakes, make it a one-of-a-kind tool for breezy VR painting experience. Now open-source, Tilt Brush caters to those seeking to experiment in the realm of digital design, paving way for immersive user orientation in a 360-degree paintable space.

Colorful image of a VR painter immersed in creating an animated masterpiece within a limitless virtual canvas

Pros of Tilt Brush

  • Offers 3D painting capabilities
  • Received praise for its intuitive interface
  • Wide file export options, including .obj, .usd, .wrl, and more
  • Enriched with multiple awards (‘Best of VR’, ‘Best GUI’)
  • Open-source version available for free on GitHub

Cons of Tilt Brush

  • Keyboard and mouse version not publicly available
  • Necessitates Steam site license for commercial usage
  • Google’s recent pivot away from VR projects poses uncertainties about Tilt Brush’s future developments

The Final Call – SculptrVR vs Tilt Brush

In the immersive world of VR applications – there emerges two frontrunners: SculptrVR and Tilt Brush. Both touted as revolutionary, but which holds advantage?

VR Enthusiast Gamers

For gamers valuing user-scalable precision and craving the thrill of world creation and exploration, we recommend SculptrVR. With its 10,000X Zoom technology, SculptrVR outshines Tilt Brush. Moreover, its Co-op mode pledges interactive, multiplayer gaming ventures. However, it lacks audio, so supplement with another music app.

Virtual reality gaming enthusiast, engrossed in building a virtual world with a VR headset.

Professional Game Developers

If a collaborative workspace and seamless transitions across VR platforms are paramount for advanced game development, look no further than SculptrVR. Equipped with an array of development tools like brushes and light placers, it couples well for game creation. Albeit, it’s not cross-platform compatible.

Professional game developer, intently coding a new game with advanced tools.

3D Artists & Animators

Tilt Brush is the unanimous choice for 3D artists and animators. Its 3D painting capabilities and the palette of painting materials like fire, stars, or snowflakes lend an unique creativity experience. The best part? It allows exports in multiple formats, a welcomed feature for artists.

3D artist at work, hand-drawing in 3D space, surrounded by various virtual brushes, immersing herself in her creations.

If you’re a gamer or developer seeking precision and world-creation thrill, SculptrVR is your call. But, for 3D artists craving a unique space to paint, Tilt Brush proves to be a superior choice.

Logan Bellbrook

Content writer @ Aircada with a knack for nature & AR/VR/XR. Blogging the intersection of tech & terrain.