Overview of Unreal Engine Versions

Unreal Engine has been through several major versions over the years, with each release bringing new features and improvements. Some of the key versions of Unreal Engine include:

• Unreal Engine 2 (UE2): Released in 1998, UE2 was the first version of Unreal Engine. It introduced some of the core features that would become synonymous with the engine, such as support for 3D graphics and physics simulation.
• Unreal Engine 3 (UE3): Released in 2006, UE3 was a significant update to the engine. It brought a number of new features, including support for Dynamic Lighting and Motion Capture, as well as improved performance and stability.
• Unreal Engine 4 (UE4): Released in 2014, UE4 was another major update to the engine. It introduced a number of new features, such as the Blueprint visual scripting system, which made it easier for developers to create complex game logic without writing code.
• Unreal Engine 5 (UE5): Released in 2019, UE5 was the latest version of Unreal Engine at the time of writing this article. It introduced a number of new features and improvements, such as improved performance and stability, support for ray tracing, and a new physics simulation system called PhysX.

What Version of Unreal Engine is Being Used?

So, what version of Unreal Engine is being used by developers today? The answer to this question can vary depending on the specific project and its requirements. However, based on our research and analysis of current projects, it appears that UE4 and UE5 are the most commonly used versions of the engine.

Unreal Engine 4 (UE4)

UE4 is still widely used today due to its powerful features and stability, and the fact that many developers have become accustomed to using it. Some of the key reasons why UE4 remains popular include:

• Blueprint visual scripting system: The Blueprint system allows developers to create complex game logic without writing code, making it easier for non-technical team members to contribute to a project. This can greatly streamline development and improve collaboration between team members with different skill sets.
• Dynamic Lighting: Dynamic Lighting is a feature that allows developers to create realistic and dynamic lighting effects in their games, which can greatly enhance the visual experience.
• Physics simulation: UE4 includes a number of advanced physics simulation features, allowing developers to create realistic and believable physics in their games. This can include things like gravity, friction, and collision detection, as well as more complex systems like fluid dynamics and cloth simulation.

Examples of UE4 Projects

There are many examples of successful projects that have been developed using UE4. Some of these include:

• Fortnite: Fortnite is a popular online multiplayer battle royale game that was developed using UE4. It has a large and dedicated player base, and has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right.
• Titanic: The 2015 film Titanic was also developed using UE4. It used the engine to create realistic visual effects and to simulate the ship’s movements and crashes.
• The Last of Us Part II: The Last of Us Part II is a video game that was developed using UE4. It received critical acclaim for its storytelling and gameplay, and has become one of the most highly rated games of all time.

Unreal Engine 5 (UE5)

UE5 includes support for ray tracing, which allows developers to create realistic and detailed lighting effects in their games. This can greatly enhance the visual experience, especially in environments with a lot of reflections and shadows.

The new physics simulation system called PhysX promises to be more powerful and flexible than its predecessor. This can include things like support for rigidbody dynamics, which allows developers to create realistic physics simulations for objects that are not deformable, such as cars or buildings.

UE5 also includes a number of optimizations that improve its performance and stability, making it easier for developers to create large and complex games without sacrificing performance. This can include things like improved memory management and faster rendering times.

Conclusion

Unreal Engine is a powerful and versatile game engine that has been used to create some of the most successful games on the market. The current version, UE5, includes a number of new features and improvements that make it even more powerful and flexible than its predecessors. Whether you are a small indie studio or a large AAA developer, Unreal Engine is a great choice for creating high-quality games.