The Best Game Engines. 4 Freemium Options – From Unity 3D to UE4

Contents:

• Unity 3D
• Unreal Engine 4
• CryEngine

This is the second part of our series dedicated to the best game engines for game development. You can already find the first part, focused on free technologies, on the Skillbox Media website. Soon we will publish the third and final article, in which we will consider paid game engines.

Today, it is worth discussing shareware game engines. These platforms are available for download to everyone. However, if a game developed using such technologies achieves commercial success, the developer will have to share a portion of the profits.

The distribution model inherent in game engines such as Unity 3D, Unreal Engine 4, CryEngine, and UNIGINE plays a significant role in the video game industry. These technologies are not only familiar to developers, but also provide opportunities for the creation of modern and high-quality products. Each of the listed engines has unique characteristics that can significantly impact the final result. Choosing the right tool depends on the specifics of the project and the game genre you plan to develop. Developing games using these engines provides access to advanced features and tools, allowing you to create a unique gaming experience.

Unity 3D

Unity 3D has long been synonymous with indie games, as many independent developers choose this engine to create their projects. The first version of the client was released in 2005, and Unity 3D was initially intended to be the basis for games on Mac OS X. However, this did not stop the developers from releasing an update for Windows and gradually expanding the engine's functionality, making it a universal tool for creating games on various platforms. Unity 3D attracts developers with its accessibility, powerful tools, and active community, which contributes to its popularity among indie developers.

Today, Unity 3D supports more than 20 platforms, including PCs, smartphones, Windows Mixed Reality, and Android TV. This engine is actively used not only for game development but also in various non-game projects, such as architecture, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and animation. Unity 3D enables the creation of high-quality visualizations and interactive applications, making it a versatile tool for professionals in various fields.

Unity 3D offers a wide range of opportunities for game and app developers. Anyone can explore the engine's functionality and download the client without any financial obligations. Developers can create commercial projects royalty-free until their revenue or investment exceeds $100,000. Once this threshold is reached, a license will be required. The license can be obtained by choosing one of three available subscriptions, which allows for flexible adaptation to the needs of developers.

• Unity Plus - $399 per year: suitable for advanced enthusiasts and small studios if their turnover does not exceed $200,000 per year;
• Unity Pro - $1,800 per year: advanced features for organizations with no income restrictions;
• Unity Enterprise - $200 per month: for large companies (at least 10 workstations).

Full terms and conditions of all tariff plans are available on the engine's official website. You can review the various options and choose the best plan that suits your needs.

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• 2.5 billion people consume content created with Unity every month;
• 5 billion app downloads on the engine per month;
• 71% of apps on the mobile market are created with Unity 3D;
• 50% of games (from the total number of projects on PC, consoles and mobile platforms) are created with Unity 3D;
• the engine is used in more than 190 countries;
• Unity 3D is the most popular engine in the indie community itch.io.

The benefits of using our product include high quality, reliability and affordability. We offer innovative solutions that help increase efficiency and simplify processes. Our products are durable and easy to use, which makes them ideal for a variety of applications. In addition, we provide excellent customer service, which allows our users to get the most out of our offering. By choosing our product, you gain confidence in your choice and significantly improve the results of your activities.

• a good start for future programmers;
• popular among developers, easier to find specialists for a project;
• suitable for cross-platform development and multi-platform releases, including VR;
• easy integration with useful services (Facebook*, Firebase, etc.);
• a good choice for mobile games (created and developed with minimal hardware requirements and build size, which is critical for mobile development);
• a rich selection of assets - over 15,000 free and paid solutions for any game (models, audio, animations, scripts, extensions, etc.);
• responsive technical support and detailed documentation.

The disadvantages of using certain technologies or approaches can significantly affect the efficiency and results. One of the main disadvantages is the high cost of implementation and maintenance. This can lead to increased budget costs and reduced profitability. Furthermore, many technologies require significant time resources to train staff and adapt processes, which can hinder rapid implementation.

Another important consideration is dependence on specific vendors or platforms, which can limit a company's flexibility and ability to adapt to market changes. It's also worth noting that some solutions may have vulnerabilities that undermine data security and can lead to serious consequences.

Finally, insufficient developer support and a lack of updates can make technologies outdated and ineffective. This may require additional investments in upgrading or replacing equipment, which also negatively affects the company's financial performance.

• a novice developer may find the editor interface complex;
• not recommended for large-scale open-world games due to possible optimization issues;
• in most cases, programming skills are required when working with Unity 3D.

Games using the engine, such as Fall Guys, Cuphead, Escape from Tarkov, Hollow Knight, Hearthstone, and Pathfinder: Kingmaker, attract players with their unique gameplay and high-quality graphics. Fall Guys offers exciting multiplayer competitions where participants overcome various obstacles. Cuphead stands out with its retro style and difficult bosses, making the game a real challenge for platformer fans. Escape from Tarkov immerses players in a world of survival with RPG elements, providing a realistic combat experience. Hollow Knight delights explorers of the 2D world, offering a deep storyline and engaging battles. Hearthstone, as a card game, provides strategic depth and variety in deck building. Pathfinder: Kingmaker allows players to immerse themselves in a captivating fantasy world, managing their kingdom and making important decisions. These engine-based games are actively developed and constantly updated, making them appealing to a wide audience.

I've been developing in Unity for about nine years. My first demoscene was created back in version 2.5. Since then, the engine has evolved significantly, gaining many new features, convenient tools, and technical solutions. However, not all changes make me feel positive: with the introduction of new features, bugs and issues sometimes arise that require additional time to fix.

The Unity engine is actively developing and adapting to modern requirements. Previously, products created with Unity were significantly inferior in visual quality to similar projects on the Unreal Engine. While the difference is still noticeable, starting with Unity 5, the graphical quality has improved significantly. The engine has received an improved lighting system, new materials, and improved reflections, which has positively impacted the overall visual perception.

One of Unity's main advantages is its low entry barrier for beginners and high flexibility for experienced developers. With programming knowledge, users can significantly expand the engine's functionality and its toolset. Often, without ready-made solutions, developers can find a variety of ways to solve problems. Game development often requires deep interaction with the engine, which makes it easy to identify and fix any issues that arise during testing. Unity remains a popular choice for developers due to its accessibility and powerful features. Sergey Noskov is a talented indie developer known for projects such as 35 mm, The Light Remake, and 7th Sector. His work is distinguished by its original approach to game design and deep storytelling, attracting the attention of players and critics alike. Sergey is constantly seeking new ideas and solutions to create unique game worlds that immerse players in adventure and mystery. His experience in game development makes him a significant figure in the indie industry, inspiring other developers to create high-quality content.

Eight years ago, when I switched from Flash to Unity, I was impressed by the wide range of tools available in this game engine. However, I was also worried: learning it all would require a significant amount of effort. Fortunately, it turned out not to be that difficult. Limited functionality is sufficient for most tasks, and many other features can remain hidden and not distract from the work. Unity offers flexibility, allowing users to focus on creating games without delving into complex aspects.

Unity makes the engine accessible to non-programmers thanks to its low entry barrier and powerful tools. Narrators can create cutscenes using Timeline and Cinemachine, and UI designers work effectively with the responsive user interface in Canvas. Game designers get the opportunity to create their own game designers thanks to the engine's high degree of customization. When artists, designers, and animators can independently accomplish their tasks in Unity, it significantly speeds up the development process and improves the quality of the final product. It's also worth checking out the Asset Store, which offers a variety of ready-made solutions. You might find exactly the functionality you need among them.

Unity's image quality is significantly inferior to Unreal Engine 4. In several respects, Unity's user experience and tools are significantly less user-friendly. Furthermore, Unity developers don't interact with the community as actively as Epic Games, which impacts the platform's support and development.

If I were developing a desktop game with photorealistic graphics, I would definitely choose a different game engine. However, Unity 3D continues to implement new technologies that significantly expand its capabilities. These technologies include Motion Matching, which ensures smooth transitions between animations, Houdini integration for procedural modeling, and DOTS support, which allows for the efficient management of tens and hundreds of thousands of interactive objects on screen. These innovations make Unity 3D a more competitive tool for creating high-quality games.

Albert Kovnir is an independent video game developer known for his work on "Through the Nightmares." This captivating indie game immerses players in a unique atmosphere full of mysteries and challenges. Kovnir is focused on creating original gaming experiences that combine a deep story with a memorable visual style. Thanks to his creative approach and attention to detail, Albert Kovnir attracts the attention of indie game lovers and gains recognition in the gaming community.

Unreal Engine 4

Unreal Engine, developed by Epic Games, is one of the most famous game engines in the world. Unreal Engine 4 is a continuation of the free Unreal Development Kit (UDK), which was released in the late 2000s. This version of the engine stands out for its achievements in photorealistic graphics, dynamic lighting, as well as destruction and particle systems, which allows for the creation of impressive special effects. Unreal Engine 4 is actively used by developers to create high-quality games and applications, making it a popular choice in the industry.

The technology finds wide application in various non-gaming fields, including manufacturing, architecture, transportation management, television, and the film industry. For example, director Jon Favreau successfully used Unreal Engine 4 to create real-time virtual set changes in The Mandalorian and The Lion King remake. This demonstrates how modern technologies can significantly improve the content creation process and enhance the quality of visual effects.

The engine is available for free use. However, if the project's revenue exceeds one million dollars, you must pay a 5% royalty to Epic Games. This approach makes it attractive to aspiring developers, as it does not require significant initial investment and allows you to focus on creating high-quality content without financial pressure.

Various custom license options exist, including premium support, training, individual terms, and royalty-free distribution of finished commercial products. However, not everyone can obtain such licenses. The terms of custom licenses are discussed individually with Epic Games representatives.

Unreal Engine 5, scheduled for release in 2021, will retain the same distribution model. Epic Games is also ensuring that developers can easily migrate their projects to the new version of the engine if needed. This will provide convenience and flexibility for developers, allowing them to adapt to the new features and improvements Unreal Engine 5 offers.

Achievements are an important aspect that reflects the successes and performance of both individuals and organizations. It is important to properly emphasize achievements to emphasize their significance and impact. Each achievement is not only an indicator of professionalism, but also evidence of the perseverance that was invested in achieving the set goals.

Publicating achievements can serve as an effective tool for attracting attention, strengthening reputation and increasing competitiveness. They can range from personal successes to collective team results. Considering achievements in the context of their impact on development, innovation and improvement of work quality can help create a more complete picture of the value of a particular activity.

It is also important to consider that achievements can be both quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative achievements are easily measured, while qualitative ones require more in-depth analysis and evaluation. Successful project implementations, the introduction of new technologies, and process improvements can all be part of a list of accomplishments.

Effectively presenting accomplishments not only promotes personal motivation but also inspires others to achieve. Systematizing and documenting accomplishments helps create a solid foundation for future success and development.

• over 50 award wins;
• the most successful engine according to the Guinness Book of World Records in 2014;
• according to Tim Sweeney in 2019, 7.5 million people have worked with UE4.

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• a user-friendly editor with powerful functionality;
• focus on large-scale projects;
• thanks to visual programming - "blueprints" - prototyping does not require technical skills, but to expand the engine's capabilities, knowledge of C++ is still required;
• good optimization;
• access to the source code;
• a rich marketplace with a variety of assets for any need.

Disadvantages are an important aspect to consider when analyzing any product or service. The first disadvantage may be the high cost, which makes the product inaccessible to a certain category of consumers. The second disadvantage is the difficulty of use, which may scare off users without sufficient experience or skills. The third disadvantage may be limited functionality, which does not allow meeting all customer needs. It's also worth noting potential quality issues that could negatively impact the user experience. It's important to consider these shortcomings when selecting and using a product to make an informed choice.

• Unity's popularity in Russia and the CIS makes it more difficult for studios to find competent engine specialists, especially for non-game projects;
• 2D projects can be made, but it's better to look for other options for these purposes;
• Mobile game optimization issues are possible;
• There's no point in making simple games unless they're educational;
• Many developers complain about scant and outdated documentation on highly specialized topics.

Games powered by the Unreal Engine include popular titles like Fortnite, which has attracted 350 million users as of 2020. Other notable titles include Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Sea of ​​Thieves, Borderlands 3, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Hello Neighbor, and Layers of Fear 2. The engine is widely used in the gaming industry due to its powerful graphics and capabilities for creating engaging gaming experiences.

I have significant experience working with Unity, but after switching to Unreal Engine 4, I have never regretted my choice. From a technical standpoint, UE4 may seem more complex at first glance, as it has a higher learning curve due to the presence of various subsystems that were absent from Unity at the time I worked with it. However, after mastering the nuances of the Unreal Engine, I realized that many aspects of game development become faster and more efficient. Unreal Engine 4 has many advantages, and one of the most significant is the support that Epic Games provides to game developers, especially in the CIS. The Epic Games team has repeatedly assisted me with technical issues and marketing aspects. In addition, there is the opportunity to apply for Epic Megagrants, which opens up additional financial prospects for developers. Many of my acquaintances have successfully received grants, and I have also been able to see this for myself. Alexander Khoroshavin is an indie developer known by the pseudonym Selfloss. He creates unique games and applications, striving to bring original ideas and innovative mechanics to them. Alexander's work is distinguished by a creative approach and attention to detail, which allows him to stand out from other developers in the industry. His projects often explore deep themes, touching on emotional and philosophical aspects. Thanks to this, Alexander's games resonate with a wide audience, attracting the attention of both players and critics.

Working with Unreal Engine 4 before 2017 presented significant difficulties. The lack of specialized and general documentation, guides, and successful examples of other developers using the engine created problems. Many aspects that were now commonplace had to be learned and refined independently. At that time, representatives of AAA studios were reluctant to share their experience. Although there were topical lectures, they only touched on general issues. Education in this field also left much to be desired: there were only basic-level courses or highly specialized programs, with no intermediate options.

The situation changed in 2017, when Epic Games did a tremendous job of improving the platform. The marketplace expanded significantly, new placeholders appeared, and large asset giveaways from projects like Paragon and Infinity Blade began. This simplified the process of mastering the technology, drawing on Epic Games' own experience. Studios began actively seeking junior and mid-level specialists, which contributed to the revitalization of the market and the increase in the number of games developed with this engine.

The Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) community has developed an ecosystem that allows for quick answers to many questions. However, many nuances that developers encounter are unique and difficult to document. This is typical for all engines. If an error is widespread, such as the fullscreen issues in version 4.23, the community actively discusses it and offers solutions. However, finding answers to more specific questions regarding the compatibility of individual plugins and assets is often impossible. Developers must seek solutions for such problems on their own. Programmers usually solve them fairly quickly, using their experience and knowledge.

Alexander Petrov is an indie developer known for his projects Orange Cast and Pioneer. His work focuses on creating unique gaming experiences, combining innovative ideas and modern technologies. His projects attract players thanks to their original gameplay and engaging stories. Alexander actively shares his experience in development, which contributes to the development of the indie gaming industry.

CryEngine

Developed by the German studio Crytek, CryEngine is known for creating such iconic games as Far Cry and Crysis. Since its release in 2004, CryEngine has undergone several updates, each of which has improved its technical capabilities. Comparing the first Far Cry with the modern MMO shooter Hunt: Showdown clearly demonstrates the progress achieved with this engine. Since the release of Crysis, photorealistic graphics in first-person shooters has become a hallmark of CryEngine, but its capabilities are not limited to this genre. The engine is also successfully used for developing games in other genres, as well as non-game projects, highlighting its versatility and power in game development.

CryEngine developers employ the "What You See Is What You Get" approach. This principle allows scenes to be created in the CryEngine Sandbox editor, which are then transferred into the game without the need for additional editing. In 2016, Crytek made the engine's source code available, enabling many studios to adapt it to their needs. For example, Warhorse Studios significantly modified CryEngine to create the role-playing game Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Furthermore, it's worth noting that all modern installments of the Far Cry series, owned by Ubisoft, are developed using the Dunia Engine, which is based on CryEngine. This highlights the flexibility and power of the engine, which continues to be in demand in the gaming industry.

The CryEngine client is available for free download, but after a commercial release, the developer is required to pay a 5% royalty to Crytek. The first $5,000 earned from sales is non-deductible. There are other exceptions where the developer is not required to pay anything, for example, if they receive prize money from third-party organizations, donations (for themselves personally, not for game development), or income from marketplaces.

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• Multi-platform (Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Oculus Rift, OSVR, PSVR, HTC Vive), possible porting to Android in the future — beta testing is currently underway;
• A huge selection of out-of-the-box tools;
• Suitable for large-scale AAA-level games, especially first-person games;
• Promising projects (including non-gaming ones) have the option to obtain a custom license.

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• It is not as popular as its competitors Unity 3D and UE4;
• It is difficult to find engine specialists due to the small community size;
• If the project requires functionality beyond what is included in the box, most network modules and tools will have to be created from scratch: according to the developers, what is presented in the GameSDK is either outdated or overloaded with unnecessary functions.

Games powered by the engine, such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance, Deceit, Evolve, Prey, and Hunt: Showdown, are outstanding examples of modern video games. These titles attract players with their unique mechanics and gripping storylines. Kingdom Come: Deliverance offers historical accuracy and realistic gameplay set in medieval Europe. Deceit combines elements of horror and social deduction, challenging players to unravel the truth about the traitor. Evolve offers dynamic battles between hunters and monsters, creating a tense atmosphere. Prey immerses players in a sci-fi world with interesting plot twists and space station exploration. Hunt: Showdown combines PvPvE elements, pitting players not only against each other but also against dangerous creatures. All of these games showcase the diversity of genres and approaches in the gaming industry, attracting a wide audience. Working with CryEngine can be challenging, especially if you're aiming to create a fast-paced shooter. Its physics engine isn't always suited for such projects. CryEngine is also not recommended for developing complex RPGs, as its tools lack flexibility. Building all the necessary systems from scratch can require significant resources. The CryEngine community is small but highly responsive. Most developers are well-versed in various aspects of development, as many have been familiar with the engine since the Crysis modding era. The developers actively share their knowledge through Discord and articles, which can be helpful for new users looking to master CryEngine. Dmitry Shevchenko is the team lead at TALLBOYS, a studio known for his work on Pandemic Express. His responsibilities include leading the development team and coordinating game development. Under his leadership, the studio has achieved significant success in the industry, offering innovative solutions and high-quality content. Dmitry is actively involved in the development of game concepts and strategy, which contributes to the growing popularity of TALLBOYS in the market.

Choosing a game engine is a pressing issue for developers, and CryEngine is often considered one of the best options. This engine offers high-quality graphics and powerful game creation tools. However, is CryEngine right for you?

CryEngine is known for its visualization capabilities, allowing you to create impressive game worlds. It supports realistic physics and lighting, making it ideal for developing projects that require a high degree of detail. Furthermore, the engine offers extensive capabilities for working with artificial intelligence and animation, opening up new horizons for game designers.

However, it is important to consider that CryEngine can require significant technical skills and resources from developers. If you're new to game development, you might want to consider simpler alternatives that can offer an easier entry into the world of game design.

Ultimately, CryEngine is suitable for those who strive to create high-quality game projects and are willing to spend the time to learn its capabilities. Consider your goals and experience level before deciding on a game engine.

The key mechanic of Deceit is the day/night cycle, which affects player roles. As night falls, "bad" characters become even more dangerous, which can frighten and disorient "good" players. The CryEngine engine beautifully conveys this atmosphere with thoughtful lighting and shadows. CryEngine's dynamics harmoniously combine with iterative development, which is especially useful for creating non-linear pipelines. This makes CryEngine stand out among other game engines. The art department actively collaborates with game designers at all stages of development, optimizing lighting and object placement. This collaboration allows us to test various ideas and blur the boundaries between concept, design, and pre-production.

CryEngine efficiently implements real-time rendering, providing the ability to dynamically change a variety of visual effects. The synergy between our technical specialists and SpatialOS, a technology for action simulation, allows us to deeply understand player preferences. This collaboration contributes to the creation of detailed game environments while minimizing the load on the hardware.

Sam Hills, formerly a Community Manager at Automaton Games, is known for his work on the popular game Deceit. His responsibilities included interacting with players, managing feedback, and building a community around this multiplayer game. With his experience in the video game industry, Sam Hills made significant contributions to the development of the project and maintaining active communication with fans.

Game development using CryEngine attracts many developers due to its unique capabilities and advantages. CryEngine offers powerful tools for creating high-quality graphics and realistic physics simulation. This allows developers to create immersive game worlds and detailed characters, making CryEngine a sought-after choice among professionals in the gaming industry.

One of the key reasons why developers choose CryEngine is its scalability. The platform is suitable for both independent developers and large studios, making it a versatile solution for a variety of projects. Furthermore, CryEngine provides access to powerful AI tools and networking features, simplifying the creation of multiplayer games.

It's also worth noting that CryEngine supports multiple platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. This allows developers to reach a wider audience and increase the market potential of their games.

In conclusion, CryEngine remains a relevant choice for developers due to its powerful functionality, flexibility, and support for various platforms, making it an ideal tool for creating modern video games.