Unreal Engine, synonymous with innovation and excellence, has made a vital impact on the gaming industry. Epic Games’ game development engine has not only revolutionized the industry, but has also supported some of the most well-known and ground-breaking games in gaming history. Let’s explore the unreal world, to understand the impact of Unreal Engine on the gaming industry and unveil some of the top games that have emerged from its creative tools. We’ll take you through some of the most phenomenal games made in Unreal Engine, including Fortnite, The Matrix Awakens, Mortal Online 2, and Cyberpunk 2077.
Unreal Engine’s Impact on the Gaming Industry
Unreal Engine’s impact on the gaming industry is immeasurable. Its cutting-edge technology, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to innovation have paved the way for unforgettable gaming experiences. As Unreal Engine game development services continue to evolve, we can only imagine the wondrous worlds and adventures it will bring to life, shaping the gaming landscape for generations.
Source: https://unrealengine.com
The Power of Unreal Engine in Game Design
UE is more than just a game development tool; it’s a creative playground where designers can turn their skills into interactive realities. Unreal Engine sets the standard for games. Its real-time rendering capabilities, including ray tracing, deliver realistic graphics that immerse players in stunning worlds.
Whether you’re designing an epic single-player RPG, a fighting game, a first-person horror game, or a fast-paced shooter, Unreal Engine is a versatile platform, enabling designers to craft games of all genres and styles.
Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is more than just a game engine; it’s also a catalyst for trends influencing the gaming industry. With its powerful capabilities, Unreal Engine has left an indelible mark on the gaming community. Let’s explore some key trends that Unreal Engine’s prowess has influenced.
Visual Realism
The Unreal Engine has redefined visual realism in gaming. Its advanced rendering techniques, including real-time ray tracing, have elevated graphics to a level where virtual worlds are almost indistinguishable from reality. The trend of pushing the boundaries of visual fidelity in games owes much to Unreal Engine’s capabilities. Gamers now expect a level of graphic detail that was once considered unattainable.
Seamless Cross-Platform Play
Unreal Engine has played a pivotal role in the trend of cross-platform gaming. Games developed with Unreal Engine can seamlessly run on many platforms, devices and VR headsets. This trend has fostered a sense of inclusivity and community among players, breaking down the barriers between gaming ecosystems.
Rise of Indie and AA Studios
The accessibility and versatility of Unreal Engine have empowered smaller studios and indie developers to create high-quality games. Unreal Engine’s Blueprint visual scripting system, in particular, has made game development more accessible to a broader range of creators.
Emphasis on Narrative and Immersion
Games powered by Unreal Engine often excel in storytelling and immersion. The trend of narrative-driven and emotionally impactful games owes much to Unreal Engine’s ability to render lifelike characters, intricate environments, and atmospheric audio. Titles like “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” have set a new standard for emotional storytelling in games.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Unreal Engine’s commitment to accessibility features and tools has contributed to the trend of making games more inclusive. Developers can implement features like customizable controls, subtitles, and adaptive gameplay to ensure that games are enjoyable for a diverse audience. This trend reflects a growing awareness of the importance of making gaming accessible to all players.
Rapid Prototyping and Early Access
Unreal Engine’s Blueprint system allows for rapid prototyping and iteration. This trend has led to increased early access and beta testing of games, where players can provide feedback and shape the development process. Unreal Engine’s flexibility in creating and testing game mechanics has made this trend more accessible and efficient.
Next-Generation Gaming Experiences
As gaming hardware evolves, Unreal Engine continues to push the envelope in creating next-generation gaming experiences. The trend of harnessing Unreal Engine’s capabilities to deliver 8K resolution, real-time global illumination, and advanced AI-driven gameplay mechanics is shaping the future of gaming.
Let’s have a look at a Tetris Effect game example. The development team was able to re-invent the Tetris experience in the modern era using UE4. It was the best choice for the development process of the game as it allowed the artists to work more creatively on the visuals. The Material Editor and Particle Editor, in particular, were user-friendly and aided in accelerating the development process. Additionally, UE4 offers excellent VR support, making it simple to debug both 2D and VR simultaneously. The artists were able to improve and optimize the particle system to get the desired visuals to make a popular game with Unreal Engine 4.
Tetris is a classic game that people of all ages enjoy playing on various platforms and formats. While matching brick lines and keeping stacks from rising to the top are the general objectives of Tetris, the new game includes additional twists to help players do this. With its thrilling graphics and techno-inspired soundtrack, this updated edition of the game tests the player’s concentration in addition to their intelligence and strategy. The player must insert tetrominos into a playfield to form complete lines, which are subsequently removed from the playfield, just like in the original Tetris game. With thirty distinct stages and gameplay synchronized to the beat of the music, the Tetris Effect offers themes and music.
Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1003590/Tetris_Effect_Connected/
Top-3 Games Developed with Unreal Engine For The Past Three Years
Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)
In 2020, CD Projekt Red’s “Cyberpunk 2077” stormed the gaming industry. This highly anticipated open-world RPG immerses players in a futuristic, dystopian world where they navigate through the bustling streets of Night City. The game’s stunning visuals, intricate storytelling, and immersive world-building testify to Unreal Engine’s capabilities in creating expansive and visually captivating game worlds.
Cyberpunk 2077 received praise from critics for its narrative, setting, and graphics. However, several gameplay elements received mixed responses regarding bugs, particularly within the console versions, which suffered from performance problems. Sony removed it from the PlayStation Store from December 2020 to June 2021, while CD Projekt rectified several issues. CD Projekt became subject to investigations and class-action lawsuits for their perceived attempts at downplaying the severity of the technical problems before release; these were ultimately cleared with a settlement of US$1.85 million.
Phantom Liberty, a spy-thriller expansion for the open-world action-adventure RPG Cyberpunk 2077, was released on September 26, 2023 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and sold 3 million units within a week after release. Its total cost to develop and market (including updates and DLC) is reportedly over $436 million,
Source: https://www.gamingbible.com/news/cyberpunk-2077-sequel-will-use-unreal-engine-5-400264-20230615
Kena: Bridge of Spirits (2021)
Kena: Bridge of Spirits by Ember Lab is a visually stunning action-adventure game that captured players’ hearts in 2021. This enchanting journey follows Kena, a young spirit guide, as she explores a magical world filled with adorable creatures and ancient mysteries. The player uses Kena’s staff to attack enemies and her pulse ability to defend against attacks. Unreal Engine’s prowess in rendering lush environments and charming characters contributes to the game’s visual splendor.
Kena: Bridge of Spirits may be a 2021 action-adventure computer game developed and published by Ember Lab. The story is presented from a third-person perspective. It received mostly positive reviews, with praise directed at its artistic design, original music, and the use of the Rot. It received several awards and nominations.
Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1954200/Kena_Bridge_of_Spirits/?l=vietnamese
The Matrix Awakens (2021)
Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, Epic Games and Warner Bros. Pictures created the demo game. It is a showcase and demonstration of the business’s Unreal Engine 5. It gives players an idea of the graphical fidelity and capability that the new game engine will enable in future games. The video game demo is free to play and has impressed with more than 6 million downloads since the company released the free software on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
The Matrix Awakens Demo was released concurrently with The Matrix Revolutions, which undoubtedly contributed to the already excessive anticipation surrounding the film. It’s just a little game that combines elements of a simulator and action gameplay. Neo and Trinity from the first three movies make cameos, and IO, a brand-new character created with Unreal’s MetaHuman creator tool, also appears.
There are two primary effects of the demo’s entrance on the industry. First, it offers players hope and suggests a potential sequel to the Matrix game. The second is to demonstrate what the new Unreal Engine 5 from Epic Games is capable of. With improved ray tracing capability, the new game engine offers an abundance of further editing and artistic tools to help construct vast, realistic, and immersive landscapes.
Source: https://store.playstation.com/en-pl/concept/10004087/
TOP – 10 Games Made with Unreal Engine 4 vs 5
Unreal Engine in modern-world game development became synonymous with outstanding visuals. Its advanced rendering capabilities, including real-time ray tracing, enable developers to create lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows. This level of visual fidelity draws players into the game world, making it feel tangible and immersive. It can adapt to various game genres and styles, from realistic open-world environments to fantastical realms. Giant studios and independent projects both use it in the game development process. Let’s delve into genres such as sci-fi, adventure, action, fantasy, and horror games made by Unreal Engine. Finally, we’ll discuss the future of games made with Unreal Engine and how they continue to shape the gaming industry.
Epic Games’ Fortnite
It offers players an exhilarating battle royale experience. With its vibrant visuals, addictive gameplay, and frequent updates, Fortnite has become a phenomenon in the gaming industry. Players can engage in intense multiplayer battles, build structures, and strategize their way to victory.
Fortnite not only showcases the technical capabilities of UE but also demonstrates its versatility. The game’s vibrant and dynamic world, along with its unique building mechanics, has made it a standout title in the gaming landscape. Unreal Engine’s real-time rendering, physics simulation, and cross-platform compatibility have played pivotal roles in shaping the success of “Fortnite.”
Beyond its technical achievements, “Fortnite” has become a social platform, a cultural hub, and a source of entertainment through its in-game events, collaborations with popular franchises, and the emergence of the Fortnite Creative mode, which allows players to build their own experiences within the game.
Overall, “Fortnite” stands as a testament to the power of Unreal Engine in delivering not only exceptional gameplay but also fostering a vibrant and ever-evolving gaming community.
Kevuru Games is proud of our collaboration with Epic Games. Our artists have created over 120 distinct skin concepts for various theme sections. Every character that our team produced had an exclusive attachment. It is known as “back bling” and has unique characteristics that fit the character’s attributes, such as color, form, and appearance. It could be a helmet, wings, shield, backpack, emblem, patch, or other object.
![Fortnite - Character Concepts That Rocked Fortnite Players [Case Study]](https://kevurugames.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Fortnite_h1-1024x576.jpg)
Mortal Online (2010)
It is an MMORPG marvel that takes players on an epic virtual journey. Star Vault, an independent video game business based in Sweden, is the developer and publisher of Mortal Online, an open-world first-person shooter mixed with PvP and PvE. The idea behind the game is to bring back the player-controlled, sandbox-style gameplay of Ultima Online. It utilizes Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 3 and has a skill-based, real-time fighting system.
With stunning visuals and intricate gameplay mechanics, Mortal Online 2 truly showcases the power of Unreal Engine. It offers a world filled with warriors, magic, and treacherous battles as you embark on your game adventure.
Source: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1170950/Mortal_Online_2/?l=russian
STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl
It takes players on a gripping post-apocalyptic journey through the haunting Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Players enter a perilous and ominous world in this eagerly awaited sequel to the well-known STALKER series from GSC Game World. With its stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, STALKER 2 will captivate players as they navigate the treacherous landscapes, encounter mutated creatures, and uncover the mysteries of this desolate wasteland. Set to release on PC and Xbox consoles, this game is sure to be a must-play for fans of the FPS genre.
Sources: https://www.xbox.com/en-GB/games/stalker-2
Tomb Raider Reloaded
It is an adventurous expedition. Crystal Dynamics, known for their beloved Tomb Raider franchise, returns with an exciting new game. Join Lara Croft on an epic adventure as she uncovers ancient mysteries and explores hidden tombs. With stunning visuals and intense gameplay, this new installment promises to keep players on the edge of their seats. Solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and face dangerous enemies in your quest for treasure and knowledge. Crystal Dynamics’ new Tomb Raider game is a must-play for fans of the series and adventure game enthusiasts alike.
Four in-house game engines have been used throughout the franchise to support all the titles developed. The franchise is switching to Unreal Engine 5; Shadow of the Tomb Raider (2018) was the last main series game to employ a proprietary engine. The modification reflects the industry’s recent move away from proprietary engines.
Source: https://raidingtheglobe.com/news/tomb-raider-reloaded-has-been-delayed-to-2022
Games Made with Unreal Engine 4
Some of the most captivating and visually stunning games that use Unreal Engine 4 by Epic Game as their creative powerhouse. UE’s impact on the gaming industry is evident in titles like Observer, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Observer
Bloober Team’s cyberpunk masterpiece, “Observer,” is a testament to the atmospheric and narrative prowess of Unreal Engine 4. Set in a dystopian future, players step into the shoes of Detective Daniel Lazarski, voiced by the late Rutger Hauer. The game immerses players in a decaying world filled with nightmarish visions and psychological horrors. Unreal Engine 4’s capabilities in rendering detailed and immersive environments are pivotal in delivering this hauntingly beautiful and unsettling experience.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Ninja Theory’s “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” is a game that mixes deep storytelling with psychological exploration. Senua’s journey into the depths of her mind is a visually striking and emotionally charged experience. UE 4 brings to life the intricate details of Senua’s character model, the eerie Nordic landscapes, and the terrifying manifestations of her inner demons. It’s a prime example of how Unreal Engine 4 can elevate storytelling to a new level.
Source: https://www.gog.com/pl/game/hellblade_senuas_sacrifice_pack
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
The game by Respawn Entertainment brings the iconic Star Wars universe to life like never before. This action-packed adventure showcases UE 4’s ability to faithfully recreate the grandeur of Star Wars while delivering smooth and responsive gameplay. From the lightsaber duels to the meticulously designed environments, UE 4 captures the essence of a galaxy.
Best Games Powered by Unreal Engine 5
Games such as ArchAge II and Ark II, Game of Thrones powered by Unreal Engine 5, continue to push the boundaries of game development. Developers, from indie studios to industry giants, are drawn to the engine’s impressive graphics and powerful capabilities. The flexibility of Unreal Engine, combined with its innovation and creativity, has made it the engine of choice for game developers worldwide.
ArcheAge 2: A Sandbox MMORPG with Endless Possibilities
Step into the dynamic world of ArcheAge 2, an Unreal Engine-powered sandbox MMORPG that offers limitless exploration and adventure. Customize your character and embark on epic quests, engage in thrilling battles, and participate in player-driven economies. With unprecedented freedom, you can own and personalize housing, ships, and even castles. Try guild wars and sieges, engage in PvP and naval combat, and immerse yourself in the game’s stunning visuals and immersive gameplay features. ArcheAge 2 offers endless possibilities for gamers seeking a rich and interactive MMORPG experience.
Ark II
The game presents players with a formidable survival challenge in a world of dangerous and ancient creatures. By collecting resources, crafting essential tools and weapons, and constructing sturdy shelters, survival becomes possible in this harsh and unforgiving environment. The game’s dynamic ecosystem allows for the taming and riding of dinosaurs, as well as cooperative multiplayer gameplay. With its constant risks and strategic decision-making, Ark: Survival Ascended offers an immersive and unique gaming experience that tests and hones survival skills.
Game Of Thrones
Telltale Games created and released the episodic visual adventure game Game of Thrones for Android, iOS, Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One. It is also referred to as Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series. The six-episode arc of the game is structured in an episodic manner similar to other Telltale games, with player decisions and actions influencing subsequent events.
Every episode has five points where the player has to select between two possibilities and make a big decision. Through Telltale’s servers, the game keeps track of which option each player chose, allowing the user to compare their choices to those of other players. Regardless of the decisions made in these scenarios, the player can still finish the game; the story’s key events still occur, but the decisions chosen impact the appearance and actions of non-player characters in later scenes. The game lets the user save numerous times and has a “rewind” feature that lets them go back and change a previous choice, making it easier to experiment with other options.
Source: https://store.epicgames.com/pl/p/a-game-of-thrones-a-game-of-thrones-a-dance-with-dragons-cbb4ad
Technical Aspects of Game Development with Unreal Engine
Game development with UE involves a wide array of technical aspects that underpin the creation of immersive and engaging gaming experiences. Here are some key technical facets that game developers must consider when using Unreal Engine:
Real-Time Rendering
It is renowned for its real-time rendering capabilities. It leverages advanced graphics techniques, including real-time ray tracing, to create lifelike lighting, reflections, and shadows. This real-time rendering contributes to the visual fidelity and immersion of games.
Blueprint Visual Scripting
It offers a node-based interface that simplifies the creation of game logic and interactions. This feature is precious for designers and artists who may not have extensive coding experience.
Physics Simulation
Realistic physics simulation is crucial for creating immersive game worlds. Unreal Engine provides robust physics tools that enable developers to simulate object interactions, character movements, and even destructible environments. These physics-based elements enhance gameplay realism.
Audio and Sound Design
The engine offers advanced audio tools and systems for creating spatial audio, dynamic soundscapes, and realistic audio propagation. Attention to sound design adds depth and emotional impact to gaming experiences.
Networking and Multiplayer Support
Multiplayer and online features are increasingly important in modern games. UE provides networking capabilities that facilitate the development of seamless online multiplayer experiences. Developers can implement features like matchmaking, voice chat, and cross-platform play.
Performance Optimization
Optimizing game performance is essential for delivering a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. UE offers profiling and optimization tools to ensure that games run efficiently across various platforms and hardware configurations.
Integration of Third-Party Tools
UE seamlessly integrates with third-party software and hardware, allowing developers to leverage a vast ecosystem of resources, plugins, and assets. This integration streamlines development and enables the incorporation of specialized tools and features.
Version Control and Collaboration
For teams working on large-scale projects, Unreal Engine provides version control and collaboration features. It ensures that multiple team members can work on different aspects of the game simultaneously while maintaining a cohesive project.
The latest generation, Unreal Engine 5, was launched in April 2022. UE 5 represents a significant leap forward in rendering technology, global illumination, open-world capabilities, physics, animation tools, and workflow improvements compared to Unreal Engine 4. These enhancements give game developers the tools to create even more visually stunning, immersive, and interactive gaming experiences. If you want to delve into the difference between Unreal Engine 5 and 4 have a sneak peek in our research.
Kevuru Games Expertise in Game Development with Unreal Engine
Our Unreal Engine game development company has expertise working with publishers and top AAA studios to develop games. We are devoted to delivering cutting-edge visual experiences to our clients and are enthusiastic about creating UE-powered games. Kevuru Games team provides 100% customer-driven, full-cycle Unreal game development services. All we need from our clients is to share their concepts with us. Since every project is unique and might be complex, we recognize that while creating games of various scales and genres, our skilled experts can add value to any project by guaranteeing a well-thought-out user experience and delivering high-performance solutions with VR/AR/MR platform integration.
We offer solutions in many fields, including games, education, and commerce. We can assist if the client wishes to make the game available to a larger audience on a different platform. At Kevuru Games, we recognize the critical role that animation and the arts play in engrossing viewers and transporting them to a universe of seemingly endless possibilities. Our group of skilled animators and artists can offer you full-cycle game production.
You can also rely on us to successfully migrate your Unreal Engine 4 projects to the ground-breaking Unreal Engine 5 if you hire Unreal Engine developer from Kevuru. To guarantee a smooth transition, our team of knowledgeable engineers and developers is here.
Leading game companies like FoxNext, EA, Epic Games, and others trust us, and this enables us to use best practices in projects that we still work on. Our flawlessly crafted workflows allow us to provide Unreal game development services with complete transparency throughout every phase.
