Unreal Engine (UE) is a popular game development platform that allows developers to create stunning graphics and immersive experiences. But what many developers may not realize is that UE comes with a surprising cost structure that can add up quickly.
Cost of Licensing
The first thing to consider when evaluating the cost of Unreal Engine is the licensing fees. UE offers three different license options: Free, Plus, and Enterprise. The Free version is completely free to use and has basic features that are suitable for small-scale projects. However, the Plus and Enterprise versions come with additional features and support but require a paid license fee.
The cost of a Plus license starts at $19 per user per month and can go up to $49 per user per month depending on the number of users and features required. The Enterprise version is customized to meet the specific needs of larger organizations and requires a separate quote from Epic Games, the creators of UE.
Cost of Hardware
Another factor that can affect the cost of Unreal Engine is the hardware requirements. UE is designed to run on powerful computers, which can be expensive to purchase or maintain. The minimum system requirements for UE are quite high and may require a dedicated graphics card, which can add up to several thousand dollars.
Additionally, as developers progress through the development process, they may need to upgrade their hardware to keep up with the increasing demands of the engine. This can result in significant expenses on hardware upgrades or cloud-based solutions that offer more processing power.
Cost of Development Time
The cost of development time is also an important factor to consider when evaluating the cost of Unreal Engine. Developing a game or application using UE requires specialized skills and expertise, which can be difficult to find and expensive to hire.
Even with a team of experienced developers, the development process for a game or application using UE can take months or even years depending on the complexity of the project. This can result in significant expenses on salaries, benefits, and training costs.
Cost of Plugins and Assets
Unreal Engine has a vast ecosystem of plugins and assets that can enhance the functionality and visual appeal of a game or application. However, these plugins and assets often come with a cost, which can add up quickly.
Some plugins require a one-time license fee, while others may have subscription-based pricing models. Assets such as 3D models, textures, and audio files also need to be purchased or licensed separately from their creators.
Cost of Support and Maintenance
Finally, the cost of support and maintenance is an important consideration when evaluating the cost of Unreal Engine. Epic Games offers a range of support options for UE, including online forums, documentation, and customer support. However, these services come with a cost, which can vary depending on the level of support required.
In addition to Epic’s support, developers may also need to hire external consultants or contractors to help with specific tasks or issues that arise during development. This can result in additional expenses on consulting fees and hourly rates.
Real-Life Examples
To better understand the cost of Unreal Engine, let’s look at some real-life examples of how it has affected game development projects.
One such example is “The Long Dark,” a survival game developed by Hinterland Games using UE4. The game was released in 2015 and took several years to develop due to the complexity of the project. The team had to hire additional developers, artists, and animators to meet the demands of UE4, which resulted in significant expenses on salaries and benefits.
Another example is “Tomb Raider,” a popular action-adventure game developed by Crystal Dynamics using UE3.
