Unreal Engine is an enormous collection of game development tools. It was developed by Epic Games and first showcased in the 1998 First Person shooter game Unreal. Unreal Engine Game Development has the capability of producing everything from 2D mobile games to AAA console titles. Making a game in an unreal engine is equal to a game without performance bottlenecks. This means unreal engines can help you create authentic game applications with high-quality visuals and detailing.
The unreal engine has a set of advanced tools that allows video game designers and developers to create interactive, realistic and engaging environments with the help of top-notch graphics, sound effects and animation. The unreal engine can help you develop supreme quality game applications across mobile, desktop, and console platforms using virtual reality, mixed reality and augmented reality.
In this blog, we will talk about unreal engine game development process, features, benefits and factors affecting while making a game an unreal engine.
Table of Contents
Market Analysis of Unreal Game Engine
When it comes to game development, the demand for unreal game engines is relatively higher as compared to other game engines. Let’s look at market statistics of unreal game engine:
As per the market analysis, the gaming engine market is expected to reach a value of $3650 billion by 2024, which is showing a CAGR OF 13% .
The Unreal game engine is used by over 7 million users and over 2 million games are powered by the unreal engine.
The unreal engine market share is estimated at 13%.
Unreal Engine 4 is a widely used game engine that supports most video games with high-visual graphics and detailed scripting.
Unreal Engine 5 development offered the gaming world a new dimension by introducing improved asset creation, photogrammetry, and LOD optimizations.
Benefits of Unreal Engine Game Development
The Unreal game engine is used by millions of gaming entrepreneurs today. It has something to offer for everyone; from stunningly visual graphics to uninterrupted gameplay. To give you wide picture, here we have listed some of the most common benefits of unreal game engine:
Cost-Effective Engine
The unreal game engine is one of the most famous and economic game development engines worldwide. This means even if you have a low budget, you can create feature-rich games without worrying about the cost.
Visual Scripting Language
You don’t need to invest in an advanced programming language to create games with an unreal game engine. The Unreal game engine supports a visual scripting language, also known as blueprints.
Blueprints require very little investment and even a non-coder can develop games using this. Unreal engine game development is widely accepted and appreciated across the globe as it does not require expert coding skills.
Discuss Your Project With Our Team
We have a team of experts who can help you in app web & software development
One thing that makes unreal engines highly preferable and famous is the ability to have access to the source code. Unreal is a highly flexible game engine as it allows users to make changes in the source code as per their requirements.
Supports Quick Prototyping and Iterations
Besides being cost effective, the unreal game engine supports flexible prototyping and rapid iterations that are crucial elements when you are developing a game with multiple assets.
Enables large-Scale Game Development
Having flexible features and support systems, unreal game engine is suitable for large-scale games that involve a lot of characters, props and assets.
Supports External Software
The unreal engine supports an extensive range of files, software and formats, which makes it the most affordable game development engine.
Top-notch Graphics
Graphics serve as a crucial game content as it decides the screen time of the player. The unreal game engine is used for realistic graphics, offering users with visual realism and seamless gameplay.
You don’t need to make a hole in your pocket when using the unreal engine for game development as it automatically offers you with improved quality pictures and graphics.
Cross-platform engine
Unreal engine is a cross platform engine that supports a wide range of devices and platforms, helping developers to export the game flawlessly. Besides that, the engine also supports top operating systems like Mac, Windows and linux.
If you are fascinated by unreal engine game development, here is the step-by-step process that you must follow to ensure that you don’t miss out any crucial step while developing your own gaming platform.
Install Unreal Engine
Game development process starts with installing the Unreal Engine using Epic Game Launcher. For this, all you have to do is;
Click on the Get Unreal Button at the top-right corner.
Sign up to download the launcher
Once you create the account following window will open
Log in with your credentials
Click Install engine
Choose the required components
Select the platform from a given list (iOS, Android, HTML5, Linux, TVOS)
As soon as the installation gets completed, the engine will appear in your library and you can start developing the game.
Develop Blueprint
Once you have successfully installed the Epic Game Launcher, you can simply create the blueprint of your game. By just clicking on the new project as shown in the picture.
Here you can use one of the templates and can fabricate the blueprint of the gaming app. It is one of the most vital parts of the complete process. Your game idea is the foundation of the successful game. One must prepare a solid foundation that can help you build an engaging game while helping you achieve greater success.
Unreal Engine Interface
The unreal engine offers multiple panels which can help you start your game development process with ease.
Content Browser
Content browser holds all the project files. By using this option you can create new folders and organize your files. It provides a smart search option by using more filters.
Modes
Get access to all the tools using this option. It consists of Landscape tool, Foliage tool, and Place tool as the default tool. These tools enable you to place multiple objects in your game like the light camera and many more.
World Outliner
It gives you immediate access to objects at the current level. It enables users to search and filter all the information by selecting the type while allowing them to put all the related items in the folder.
Details
Using this panel you can check the properties of any object. It displays all the information related to the object. This panel gives you access to edit the setting of the object.
Toolbar
Toolbar panel contains a variety of different functions. You can get access to all the options by clicking on this. The most useful function in this option is play.
Import Assets
Import the required assets to download the game. The unreal engine gives you the option to download this model of a banana. Model of banana consists of two files Banana_Model.Fbx and Banana_Texture.jpg. You can use any of these models to develop an outstanding game. It gives you the flexibility to create your own material.
Unreal models are known as meshes, once you have mesh for your banana, you can add it into levels. The unreal engine allows you to develop an advanced game without writing a single line of code.
Add Components
In unreal engines add components to Actors. Adding components can be accessed and modified inside a blueprint. Once you have added the Actor, choose the components to add. You will find a long list of components like:
Audio
Skeletal Mesh
Static Mesh
Pawn Sensing
AI Perception
Pawn Noise Emitter
Camera
Spring Arm
Directional Lights
Point light
Skylight
Spot Light
Add components window allows you to add components in the blueprint. Each of these components can be placed inside the graph and accessed through blueprint script.
Unreal Engine Game Design
Make your game appealing and audio engaging for users. Add animation assets in the game, create interactive design, and use skeletal mesh. Create an animation blueprint which is similar to the regular blueprint offering multiple options. In the unreal engine, the animation blueprint editor comes with 4 extra panels.
Animation Graph: – A graph completely dedicated to animation for you to play your animation.
Preview Scene Settings: – It simply allows you to tweak the preview scene in the viewport.
Animation Preview Editor: – Get the preview of effects that variables you have created will show in the final animation.
Asset Browser: – Here you can get direct access to the list of animation that can be implemented in the current skeleton
Select Platform
Select the platform wisely while developing the game. With new technologies coming like Augmented reality, the Virtual Reality gaming industry is grabbing the attention of everyone and offering the ultimate gaming experience. Mobile game development has become so easy with the unreal game engine. It offers; Android Game Development, iOS Game Development, Games for PlayStation, Desktop, Xbox and a lot more. You can choose the one as per your target audience.
Marketplace
The unreal engine is a complete suite of advanced game development tools made by game developers. It offers lucrative features, exceptional services, and outstanding performance while providing you with the opportunity to develop an unusual game. It can help you accelerate your game development with sample games like scenes, Blueprint logic, and even c++ code.
As you have already witnessed the step-by-step process of unreal game engine development, you must be wondering about the game development cost. If yes, fret not, we have got you covered!
The cost of making games using unreal engines depends on your game specifications. If you want to incorporate high-features, and intense graphics, the development cost will be high. The reason behind the cost increment is because the process will consume more time and effort from the developer’s end. If you want your cost to be minimal, make sure to set your budget in advance.
The basic game development cost using unreal engine is around $20,000 to $40,000, and the cost may shoot up depending on various other factors affecting the cost of unreal engine game development.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Unreal Engine Game Development
Game type and complexity
The cost of game development depends on game specification, type and complexity. If you want your game to be basic, it will cost you less. However, if you want to incorporate advanced and complex functionalities, it will automatically cost you more. The game complexity depends on your target audience, budget and the game concept.
Features and functionalities
Game features should be attractive, interactive and user-friendly to offer users with seamless gameplay. The cost of game development also depends on the level of features and functionalities you want to integrate in your game app.
Graphics
If you want to incorporate basic and generic graphics in your game, the development cost will be less. However, if you want visual realism in your game, you have to spend more on integrating supreme-quality graphics.
Marketing
Marketing is essential to introduce your game application in the market. Marketing cost will include launch and promotional costs, and thus impacts your overall game development cost.
Location of developers
Mobile game development cost varies from region to region. Different countries offer different price ranges when it comes to game development. Some developers charge according to the project, while other developers charge hourly rates.
For instance, USA developers charge around $50 to $70 per hour, Canadian developers charge $30 to $50 per hour. If you are looking for affordable game development service, you can also choose Indian developers charging around $20 to $40 per hour.
Unreal engine offers constant efficiency, stability, and projection of game development in multiple fields. It helps you develop smart and interactive games with enhanced support. It helps you take your imagination to the next level while helping you create effective and innovative games with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay.
Unreal Engine is one of the ultimate game engines providing users with a transforming gaming experience. The unreal engine game development is the next evolution in the gaming industry extending global gaming experience.
If you are enticed with the new opportunities brought by unreal engine, contact BR Softech, offering you proficient unreal engine game development services that you need to develop your own game app.
FAQs
Why outsource Unreal Engine game development services?
Outsourcing unreal engine game development is the best option if your budget is low. Outsourcing is a cost-effective method that can help you save a lot of time, and effort, required for game development. This will also enable you to focus on core business functions.
What are the versions of Unreal Engine?
There are different versions of unreal engines launched till now, including Unreal, v.2o, Unreal Engine 3, Unreal Engine 4, and Unreal Engine 5. Unreal Engine 5 is the latest engine launched in the year 2021, specialized for asset creation and LOD optimizations.
What are the steps in making an Unreal Engine game?
Unreal Engine game development is a long and time-consuming process. The major steps that you need to follow while making an unreal engine game are: Install unreal engine Develop blueprint Create interface Add components Unreal engine game design Select platform Marketplace
What is video game development with Unreal Engine?
The unreal engine consists of advanced tools that allow video game designers and developers to create interactive user interfaces, visually appealing graphics, and animations for different forms of Unreal Engine games and platforms such as Android, iOS, and Windows. You can Hire Unreal Engine Game Developers from BR Softech
I am Nitin Garg, founder of BR Softech PVT LTD - an award-winning mobile game development company known for its excellence in the gaming domain. We have a team of 180+ exceptional professionals & we have a satisfied clientele of 2.7k+ globally. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, I aim to elevate BR Softech to a billion-dollar company.