As a PC game developer, you know that choosing the right game engine is essential for creating a high-quality game. One of the most popular and powerful engines on the market today is Unreal Engine. But what if we told you that Unreal Engine is actually free to use? That’s right – you can create stunning games without breaking the bank. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Unreal Engine and its free version.
What is Unreal Engine?
Unreal Engine is a game engine developed by Epic Games. It was first released in 1998 and has since become one of the most widely used engines in the gaming industry. Unreal Engine is known for its high-performance graphics, powerful physics engine, and support for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies.
The Free Version of Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine offers a free version called “Unreal Engine 4 Express,” which includes all the core features of the full version but with some limitations. With Unreal Engine 4 Express, you can create 2D games, prototypes, and demos. You can also experiment with the engine’s tools and features without any financial commitment.
Benefits of Using Unreal Engine 4 Express
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No Financial Commitment: With Unreal Engine 4 Express, you can create games without any financial commitment. This is perfect for small indie developers or students who want to experiment with game development without breaking the bank.
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Access to Core Features: Despite its limitations, Unreal Engine 4 Express includes all the core features of the full version. This means you can access powerful graphics tools, a physics engine, and support for VR and AR technologies.
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Large Community Support: Unreal Engine has a large community of developers who are always willing to help. You can find answers to your questions on the Unreal Engine forums or attend meetups and conferences to connect with other developers.
Case Studies of Games Created with Unreal Engine 4 Express
Many successful games have been created using Unreal Engine 4 Express. Here are a few examples:
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“Tower Bridge Horror” by Michael Brown: This game was created using Unreal Engine 4 Express and won first place in the IndieCade Festival in 2015.
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“Escape Room VR” by Joonas Rantala: This VR game was created using Unreal Engine 4 Express and won the Best VR Game award at the Finland Game Conference in 2016.
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“Pico Parkour” by Michael Brown: This mobile game was created using Unreal Engine 4 Express and won the Best Mobile Game award at the Independent Games Festival Europe in 2018.
Comparing Unreal Engine 4 Express to Other Free Game Engines
While there are other free game engines available, Unreal Engine 4 Express stands out for its powerful features and community support. Compared to other free engines like Construct 3 or Stencyl, Unreal Engine 4 Express offers more advanced graphics tools and physics simulation capabilities. Additionally, the Unreal Engine community is incredibly active and supportive, which can be a valuable resource for developers looking to learn and grow.
FAQs About Using Unreal Engine 4 Express
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What are the limitations of Unreal Engine 4 Express?
- Unreal Engine 4 Express is limited to 2D games, prototypes, and demos. It does not support all features of the full version, such as advanced networking or multiplayer functionality.