If you are an Unreal Engine developer, you might be wondering if Unreal Engine pricing is free or paid. The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on the type of license and usage you require. In this article, we will explore the different types of Unreal Engine licenses, their features, and costs, so you can make an informed decision about whether to invest in Unreal Engine or not.
Types of Unreal Engine Licenses
Unreal Engine offers several licenses depending on your requirements and budget. The three main types of Unreal Engine licenses are:
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Free License: The free version of Unreal Engine is called “Unreal Editor”. It is a basic version of the software that allows you to create 2D games, interactive experiences, and prototypes. With this license, you can export your project in various formats like HTML5, WebGL, or native platforms. However, there are some limitations on the number of projects you can create, the number of users you can invite to work on a project, and the maximum file size.
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Paid License:
2. Paid License:
The paid version of Unreal Engine is called “Unreal Engine”. It is a professional version of the software that offers advanced features like real-time rendering, VR support, animation tools, and more. With this license, you can create games, interactive experiences, VR applications, and other types of projects for various platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and consoles. There are three paid versions of Unreal Engine:
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Unreal Engine Standard: This version is suitable for small to medium-sized projects that do not require advanced features like real-time rendering or VR support. The cost of this license starts at $99 per user per month.
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Unreal Engine Plus: This version offers additional features like real-time rendering, VR support, and animation tools. The cost of this license starts at $149 per user per month.
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Unreal Engine Enterprise: This version is designed for large-scale projects that require advanced features like real-time rendering, VR support, and cloud services. The cost of this license is customizable based on your requirements.
Unreal Engine Pricing vs. Other Game Engines
When comparing Unreal Engine pricing to other game engines like Unity or CryEngine, you need to consider the features and capabilities offered by each engine. While all three engines offer similar tools for creating games, they differ in their focus and specialization.
Unity is a popular game engine that offers a free version called “Unity Hub” and paid versions called “Unity Pro” and “Unity Enterprise”. Unity Pro starts at $99 per user per month and includes advanced features like real-time rendering, VR support, and cloud services. Unity Enterprise is designed for large-scale projects that require advanced features like cloud services, customizable analytics.
CryEngine is a powerful game engine that offers a free version called “CryEngine Sandbox” and paid versions called “CryEngine Pro” and “CryEngine Enterprise”. CryEngine Pro starts at $19 per user per month and includes advanced features like real-time rendering, VR support, and physics simulation. CryEngine Enterprise is designed for large-scale projects that require advanced features like cloud services, customizable analytics, and dedicated support.
When it comes to pricing, Unreal Engine is more expensive than Unity and CryEngine, especially for large-scale projects that require advanced features. However, Unreal Engine offers a higher level of performance and realism, making it a popular choice for developers who need to create highly immersive and realistic games or applications.
Case Studies: Successful Unreal Engine Projects
There are many successful Unreal Engine projects that have been created by developers of all skill levels. Here are a few examples:
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Fortnite: Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, used Unreal Engine to create one of the most popular games in the world. Fortnite is a multiplayer battle royale game that has over 200 million players worldwide.