Mortal Kombat 1: Under the Hood – Why It’s Not Running on Unreal Engine 5 (Yet)
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) does not use Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Despite the visual fidelity that often blurs the lines, MK1 was built using a custom version of Unreal Engine 4 (UE4). This might surprise some, given the hype surrounding UE5, but there are solid reasons behind NetherRealm Studios’ choice, which we’ll delve into. While the game achieves a stunning aesthetic, pushing the boundaries of UE4, it doesn’t leverage the cutting-edge features of its successor.
Unreal Engine 4 vs. Unreal Engine 5: A Tale of Two Engines
To understand why MK1 opted for a heavily customized UE4, let’s look at the key differences between Unreal Engine 4 and Unreal Engine 5. UE5 brings some revolutionary features to the table:
- Nanite: This virtualized micropolygon geometry system allows developers to import film-quality source art comprised of billions of polygons directly into Unreal Engine. Translation: jaw-dropping detail.
- Lumen: A fully dynamic global illumination and reflections system. It reacts immediately to scene and light changes without needing to wait for lightmap baking. This brings realistic and dynamic lighting to the game world.
- World Partition: This system automatically divides a large world into a grid and streams only the necessary cells, making massive open worlds more manageable.
- Enhanced Animation Tools: Significant improvements in animation workflows and tools for character rigging and movement.
While these features are incredible, adopting them isn’t always a straightforward decision. Developing on a well-established and customized engine offers its own set of advantages, especially when deadlines and existing workflows are considered.
Why NetherRealm Chose UE4 for MK1
Here are some compelling reasons why NetherRealm stuck with Unreal Engine 4 for Mortal Kombat 1:
- Existing Expertise: NetherRealm had already invested significant time and resources in mastering and customizing UE4 for previous titles like Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11) and Injustice 2. Shifting to UE5 would necessitate retraining the team and adapting existing workflows, a time-consuming process.
- Development Timeline: Game development cycles are long and complex. Introducing a brand-new engine mid-cycle could significantly delay the game’s release. Sticking with a known entity allows for a more predictable and manageable development timeline.
- Customization Capabilities: UE4 is highly customizable. NetherRealm has demonstrated the ability to push the engine far beyond its standard capabilities. The visual quality of MK1 is a testament to their mastery and customization of UE4.
- Performance Considerations: While UE5 is powerful, it also demands more from hardware. By sticking with a heavily optimized UE4 build, NetherRealm could ensure a smooth and consistent experience across a wide range of platforms.
- Stability and Reliability: UE4 has been a reliable engine for several years, with a mature ecosystem of tools, resources, and community support. Adopting a newer engine carries the risk of encountering unforeseen issues and stability problems.
The decision to use Unreal Engine 4 was strategic, leveraging existing expertise and ensuring a stable development process. It also allowed the studio to prioritize gameplay and artistic direction. That said, it is highly expected that Mortal Kombat 12 (MK12) is the most potential title for the company to use Unreal Engine 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Mortal Kombat 1 look bad because it uses UE4 instead of UE5?
Absolutely not. MK1’s visual fidelity is impressive, showcasing what’s achievable with a highly customized version of Unreal Engine 4. The game’s art style, character design, and special effects are top-notch.
2. Will future Mortal Kombat games use Unreal Engine 5?
It’s highly likely. While nothing is confirmed, the industry is rapidly moving towards UE5. Given the benefits and advancements the engine offers, future Mortal Kombat titles are expected to make the jump. A recent job listing pointed to the company staying with Unreal Engine 4 but this can always change.
3. Is Unreal Engine 5 difficult to learn?
While UE5 has a learning curve, Epic Games has focused on making it more accessible. The interface is intuitive, and there are numerous online resources and tutorials available to help developers get started.
4. What are the main advantages of Unreal Engine 5 over Unreal Engine 4?
The main advantages include the Nanite virtualized micropolygon geometry, Lumen global illumination, World Partition for large open worlds, and enhanced animation tools. These features enable developers to create more detailed and immersive experiences with greater efficiency.
5. Is Unreal Engine free to use?
Yes, Unreal Engine is free to use for many purposes, including game development. A 5% royalty is charged on gross revenue exceeding $1 million USD.
6. Is Fortnite made with Unreal Engine 5?
Yes, Fortnite transitioned to Unreal Engine 5 in December 2021, significantly improving its visual fidelity.
7. Does Mortal Kombat 11 use Unreal Engine?
Yes, Mortal Kombat 11 was built using Unreal Engine 3, a testament to the engine’s versatility across different generations of games.
8. What other games use Unreal Engine 5?
Besides Fortnite, other notable games using Unreal Engine 5 include Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Alan Wake II, and Layers of Fear.
9. Is it expensive to develop games using Unreal Engine 5?
The engine itself is free to download. However, the development costs depend on the scope of the project, the size of the development team, and other factors. The royalties are a consideration once revenue exceeds $1 million.
10. How much better is Unreal Engine 5 compared to Unreal Engine 4?
UE5 can handle significantly more polygons than UE4 (up to 10 billion vs. a few million), enabling much higher levels of detail. It also offers improved lighting, animation, and world-building tools.
11. Why is Unreal Engine so popular?
Unreal Engine is popular because it provides a powerful, versatile, and relatively accessible platform for creating high-quality games and other interactive experiences. Its extensive feature set, robust toolset, and active community contribute to its widespread adoption.
12. Is Unreal Engine 5 easier to run than Unreal Engine 4?
Despite its advanced features, Unreal Engine 5 is optimized to run efficiently. It introduces features such as Lumen and Nanite to create and render content with efficient distribution and rendering of in-game assets and geometries.
13. Will Mortal Kombat 1 be 3D?
Mortal Kombat 1 is a 3D fighting game, but it uses a 2.5D perspective similar to previous titles in the series. This means that while the environments and characters are rendered in 3D, the gameplay primarily occurs on a 2D plane.
14. What does MK stand for in MK1?
In this context, MK stands for Mortal Kombat. The “1” indicates that it is the first installment in the new timeline of the Mortal Kombat universe. In development terms, “MK” can often be short for “Mark,” meaning “model” or “version.”
15. Where can I learn more about game development and Unreal Engine?
There are countless resources available online, including tutorials, documentation, and online courses. For academic resources and research related to games, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for valuable insights and information.
Conclusion: Customization is Key
While Mortal Kombat 1 doesn’t utilize the full suite of features offered by Unreal Engine 5, it represents a triumph of optimization and customization within Unreal Engine 4. NetherRealm Studios successfully leveraged their existing expertise to create a visually stunning and engaging fighting game experience. As game development technology continues to evolve, the transition to UE5 is inevitable for many studios, but MK1 serves as a reminder that mastery of existing tools can be just as impactful. This customization allows for efficient game design and can allow for the studios to adapt their game to unique features that would otherwise be impossible.