What is Unreal Engine?
Unreal Engine (UE) is an open source game engine created by Epic Games. It is used to create video games, virtual reality experiences and interactive applications. With more than 20 years of development, UE has become one of the most advanced and complete tools for programmers and designers.
The most popular video games of the last decade, such as Fortnite, PUBG, Gears of War, Mortal Kombat 11 and the recently released Hogwarts Legacy, were created with Unreal Engine. However, its functionality goes far beyond the area of video games: in 2022, NASA aerospace engineers applied UE technology to visualize lunar terrain (in English).
The creators of the blockbuster films The Mandalorian and Ford Vs Ferrari also used this technology to create visual effects, futuristic environments and intense action scenes.
Another example of Unreal Engine’s use is in architecture and interior design. Companies use this tool to create 3D models of buildings and spaces, allowing clients to see the project before it is built.
One of the advantages of Unreal Engine is its ability to deliver high-quality virtual reality experiences. Let’s take a look at the platform’s key features:
- Real-time graphics: It allows you to create detailed graphics and realistic visual effects, making it more popular with designers than Unity, its main competitor.
- Games and interactive applications: It is used to create multiplatform games for PCs, consoles, cell phones and virtual reality.
- Animations: Unreal Engine allows you to animate characters within the engine itself, using the level sequencer, as well as import skeletal meshes and animation clips.
- Lighting and shading: The engine employs advanced lighting and dynamic shading techniques to create visually stunning environments.
- Audio integration: Create immersive audio experiences in games and applications.
- Physics: Allows to create interactions and collision effects.
UE versions
The evolution of Unreal Engine has been constant since its launch in 1998.
- Version 1.0 focused on creating 3D games.
- Version 2.0 released in 2002 introduced improvements to the performance and usability of the tool. These included support for DirectX 8.0, modified lighting and physics systems.
- In 2006, version 3.0 was created. A faster and more efficient rendering engine was introduced, modifications to artificial intelligence and character behavior were implemented. In addition, greater integration with tools and applications was achieved. With this version, Unreal Engine started to be used for virtual reality experiences.
- Version 4.0 released in 2014 brought a number of improvements to graphics quality and efficiency.
- Version 5.0, which was released in 2022, took graphical realism to a new level. The important elements Nanite and Lumen were introduced. Nanite is the virtualized geometry system that makes it possible to render complex objects and create games with thousands of geometric details. In turn, Lumen is the dynamic lighting engine that traces rays in real time and adapts different physical processes of light. This makes it possible to design even more immersive experiences.
Today UE5 with its 5.1 update is still the latest version of the engine.
Minimum and recommended requirements for running UE on the computer
If you want to use Unreal Engine, your machine must meet the following criteria:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 @ 2.8 GHz
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660
- RAM: 8 GB
- Hard disk space: From 20 GB
But for you to get better results and enjoy the process without interruptions, the hardware must run even faster:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 @ 3.5 GHz
- Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
- RAM: From 16 GB
- Hard disk space: From 20 GB
How much is it worth and where do I download it?
Unreal Engine is open source, so you can download it from the official website and use it for free. However, if your game proves so successful that it generates revenues above one million US dollars, you must pay 5% royalties to Epic Games. Also, the use of Unreal Engine is free if your game is not for commercial purposes.
The source code of the engine is accessible on GitHub. You can modify it to suit your specific needs. Any changes or improvements made to the code are shared with the Unreal Engine community, allowing all developers in the community to improve the engine.
How hard is it to learn Unreal Engine?
Mastering Unreal Engine can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a background in programming and game development, but it’s actually easier than you think. At EBAC, we’ve designed the Unreal Engine online course to help you learn UE5. It’s accessible to everyone, regardless of development experience.
You will have access to a wide variety of online tools and resources, including video lessons, study materials and a forum. The goal is for you to master the engine, design your own endless runner game and develop three professional projects to add to your portfolio. Sign up and boost your career as a game developer.
Conclusion
- Unreal Engine is one of the most popular engines, which has been applied in more than 150 games.
- It is applied in the virtual reality industry and 3D content production.
- Its usability and ability to produce high quality graphics made it very popular.
- Unreal Engine is open source, meaning that developers can access the source code and customize it based on their needs.
