Is Unreal Engine Free Forever?

Unreal Engine is free to use for creating linear content, custom projects, and internal projects, with a 5% royalty kicking in only when a game title earns over $1 million USD, making it an attractive option for developers. However, starting in 2024, Unreal Engine 5 will no longer be free for non-game developers, potentially impacting accessibility and affordability for those outside the gaming industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Is Unreal Engine completely free?: Unreal Engine is free to use for learning, developing internal projects, and distributing many commercial projects without paying any fees to Epic Games.
2. Is Unreal Engine no longer free in 2024?: Unreal Engine 5 will no longer be free for non-game developers starting in 2024, but the actual pricing has not been revealed yet.
3. Can you learn Unreal Engine for free?: Yes, Unreal Engine offers free lessons, example projects, learning paths, and downloads for students and educators.

Comparison with Other Tools

4. Which is better, Blender or Unreal Engine?: If you have a low-end setup, Blender might be a better option, but for high-quality images and fast rendering, Unreal Engine’s Lumen is superior.
5. Do I need to learn Blender before Unreal Engine?: It’s recommended to learn 3D asset creation, texturing, and rigging using tools like Blender before starting with Unreal Engine.
6. Is Unreal Engine better than Unity?: The choice between Unreal Engine and Unity depends on your project’s requirements, with C++ (Unreal) suited for heavy-weight projects and C# (Unity) for mobile and web applications.

Cost and Royalties

7. How much does Unreal Engine cost?: Unreal Engine is free to use, with a 5% royalty on game titles that earn over $1 million USD.
8. Can I publish a game with Unreal Engine for free?: Yes, you can release a game to the public using Unreal Engine and Marketplace assets under the terms of the EULA.
9. How much does it cost to develop a video game?: The cost of developing a video game can range from $50,000 to $700,000 or more, depending on the project’s complexity and team size.

Ease of Use and Learning

10. Is Unreal Engine easy for beginners?: Yes, Unreal Engine offers a user-friendly interface, Blueprint Visual Scripting, and robust documentation, making it accessible to beginners.
11. Is coding in Unreal Engine easy?: While Unreal Engine is relatively easy to learn, it does require some knowledge of C++ or Blueprint Visual Scripting.
12. Is Unreal Engine harder than Unity?: Unreal Engine has a slightly steeper learning curve than Unity, but both engines have their unique features and requirements.

Game Development and Sales

13. Can I sell my game made with Unreal Engine?: Yes, you can sell your game on various platforms, including GameJolt, Itch.io, and Steam, as long as you comply with the EULA and Epic’s royalties policy.
14. Can you make 2D games in Unreal Engine?: Yes, Unreal Engine supports 2D game development using Blueprint Visual Scripting and other features.
15. What coding language does Unreal Engine use?: Unreal Engine uses C++ as its primary coding language, but it also supports Blueprint Visual Scripting for non-programmers.