Frequently Asked Questions about Unreal Engine

Who are Unreal Engine?

Unreal Engine is a widely-used game engine developed by Epic Games. It is a suite of creation tools that provides developers with the ability to create high-quality games, simulations, and visualisations across various platforms including PC, consoles, and mobile devices.

What are Unreal Engines products?

Unreal Engines primary product is the Unreal Engine itself, a powerful game development platform. In addition to the engine, Epic Games offers a marketplace for assets, educational resources, and various plugins that enhance the functionality of the engine.

What services do Unreal Engine offer?

Unreal Engine offers a range of services including access to its extensive documentation, community forums, learning resources, and support for developers. They also provide cloud services for game hosting and real-time collaboration tools.

What type of companies do Unreal Engines products suit?

Unreal Engines products are suitable for a variety of companies, including indie game developers, large gaming studios, architectural firms, and companies in the film and animation industry. Its versatility makes it applicable across many sectors that require high-quality visual content.

How much does Unreal Engines product cost?

Unreal Engine is free to download and use, with a royalty model that charges 5% on gross revenue for any commercial product that exceeds $1 million. This allows developers to start without upfront costs while providing a route for revenue sharing.

Does Unreal Engine offer a free trial?

Unreal Engine does not require a trial as it is free to download and use. Developers can explore all features without any initial investment.

What discounts does Unreal Engine offer on their products?

Unreal Engine does not offer discounts as the engine is free to use. However, users are subject to the royalty fee structure once their revenue surpasses the specified threshold.

Are there any hidden fees or additional costs with Unreal Engine?

There are no hidden fees associated with Unreal Engine. The only potential cost is the 5% royalty fee on gross revenue for products that exceed $1 million in revenue.

Who uses Unreal Engines products?

Unreal Engine is used by a diverse range of professionals including game developers, filmmakers, architects, and designers. Its user base includes both small indie teams and large established companies.

What are the main features of Unreal Engines products/services?

Main features of Unreal Engine include real-time rendering, a robust physics engine, advanced AI capabilities, a comprehensive asset marketplace, multiplayer support, and tools for VR and AR development. It also includes Blueprints, a visual scripting system for rapid prototyping.

How does Unreal Engine compare to its competitors?

Unreal Engine is often compared to other game engines like Unity and CryEngine. It is known for its high-fidelity graphics and strong support for large-scale projects. While Unity is praised for its user-friendly interface and flexibility, Unreal excels in graphical capabilities and out-of-the-box features for AAA game development.

Is Unreal Engines platform easy to use?

Unreal Engine has a steeper learning curve compared to some other engines due to its advanced features and capabilities. However, it offers extensive documentation and community support to assist users in navigating its complexities.

How easy is it to set up Unreal Engines product or service?

Setting up Unreal Engine is relatively straightforward. Users can download the installer from the official website and follow the setup instructions. Initial configuration is user-friendly, though mastering its features may take time.

Is Unreal Engine reliable?

Unreal Engine is considered a reliable platform, widely used in the industry for commercial projects. Regular updates and a robust community contribute to its reliability and performance stability.

Does Unreal Engine offer customer support?

Yes, Unreal Engine offers customer support through forums, documentation, and dedicated support channels for registered developers. The community is also active in providing assistance and sharing knowledge.

How secure is Unreal Engine’s platform?

Unreal Engine prioritises security, implementing measures to protect user data and intellectual property. Regular updates address vulnerabilities, and developers are encouraged to follow best practices when deploying applications.

Does Unreal Engine integrate with other tools or platforms?

Yes, Unreal Engine supports integration with various tools and platforms, including visual scripting tools, third-party plugins, and cloud services. This enhances its functionality and allows developers to tailor their workflows.

Can I use Unreal Engine on mobile devices?

Unreal Engine supports mobile development and allows users to create games and applications for iOS and Android devices. The engine includes mobile-specific features to optimise performance on these platforms.

What do users say about Unreal Engine?

Users generally praise Unreal Engine for its high-quality graphics and powerful features, although some note the steep learning curve. The community’s support and the availability of resources are also frequently highlighted as positives.

What are the pros and cons of Unreal Engine?

Pros include high-fidelity graphics, extensive documentation, and strong community support. Cons may include a steeper learning curve and higher system requirements compared to some competitors.

How can I purchase Unreal Engine’s services?

Unreal Engine is free to use, and there is no purchase required for the engine itself. Users can download it directly from the official website and start developing their projects immediately.

What is the cancellation or refund policy for Unreal Engine?

As there are no upfront costs associated with Unreal Engine, there is no need for a cancellation or refund policy. Users can choose to discontinue using the engine at any time without financial implications.

What are the common use cases for Unreal Engine?

Common use cases include video game development, architectural visualisation, virtual reality experiences, film production, and interactive simulations across various industries.

Why choose Unreal Engine over other options?

Unreal Engine is chosen for its superior graphical capabilities, comprehensive toolset for game development, and strong support for VR and AR applications. It is particularly favoured for projects requiring high visual fidelity.

How easy is it to set up Unreal Engine?

Setting up Unreal Engine is straightforward, requiring users to download the installer and follow the setup process. While initial setup is user-friendly, becoming proficient with the engine may take additional time and effort.

Does Unreal Engine offer training or tutorials?

Yes, Unreal Engine provides extensive training resources, including video tutorials, documentation, and community forums. These resources help users learn how to effectively use the engine and improve their skills.

What languages does Unreal Engine support?

Unreal Engine primarily supports C++ for programming and Blueprints for visual scripting. The engine itself is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.

What problems does Unreal Engine solve?

Unreal Engine addresses the need for a high-performance game engine that can produce visually stunning content across various platforms. It provides tools for developers to create complex and interactive experiences efficiently.

Is Unreal Engine worth the investment?

Given its industry-standard capabilities and the absence of upfront costs, Unreal Engine is generally considered a worthwhile investment for developers looking to create high-quality games and visual experiences.