Is Unreal fully free? Dive in to uncover its licensing secrets

Unreal Engine License Models

If you’re an Unreal Engine developer looking to create immersive and interactive experiences for gaming and enterprise applications, then you need to know the licensing secrets behind this popular game engine. While Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine, have made it clear that there is no free version of their software, they do offer a number of different license options to accommodate different needs and budgets. In this article, we will explore the various license models offered by Unreal Engine, examine their features and benefits, and help you decide which one is right for your project.

Unreal Engine License Models

There are three main license models offered by Epic Games: the free version, the Plus version, and the Enterprise version. Each model comes with its own set of features and limitations, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Here’s a brief overview of each model:

1. Free Version
• The free version of Unreal Engine is designed for hobbyists, students, and indie developers who want to create simple games and applications.
• It includes a basic set of features such as physics simulation, animation tools, and support for VR/AR development, but it has some limitations on the number of users and the size of your projects.
• You can download and use the free version for free, but if you plan to sell your game or application, you will need to upgrade to a paid license.
2. Plus Version
• The Plus version of Unreal Engine is designed for small to medium-sized studios that want more advanced features than the free version.
• It includes support for more advanced physics simulation, advanced animation tools, and improved performance.
• The Plus version also allows you to create unlimited projects, but it has some limitations on the number of concurrent users and the size of your projects. You can purchase a license for the Plus version by paying an annual fee, which varies depending on the number of users and features you need.
3. Enterprise Version
• The Enterprise version of Unreal Engine is designed for large enterprises that need to create complex and highly interactive experiences for gaming and enterprise applications.
• It includes all the features of the Plus version, plus additional tools and support for advanced physics simulation, AI, and cloud development.



• The Enterprise version also allows you to create unlimited projects and has no limitations on the number of concurrent users or project size. You will need to contact Epic Games directly to purchase an Enterprise license, which requires a custom quote based on your specific needs and requirements.

Choosing the Right License Model

When deciding which Unreal Engine license model to use for your project, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

1. Budget
• One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a license model is your budget. If you’re working on a small budget, then the free version may be the best option for you.
• However, if you have more resources and want more advanced features, then the Plus or Enterprise version may be a better choice.
2. Project Size
• The size of your project is another important factor to consider when choosing a license model. If your project is small and simple, then the free version may be sufficient.
• However, if your project is complex and requires more advanced features, then you may need to upgrade to the Plus or Enterprise version.
3. User Numbers
• If you’re working on a team of developers or plan to launch your game or application on multiple platforms, then you will need to consider the number of concurrent users allowed by each license model.
• The free version is limited to one user, while the Plus and Enterprise versions allow for unlimited users, but have some limitations on the number of concurrent users.
4. Project Complexity
• The complexity of your project is also an important factor to consider when choosing a license model. If you’re working on a simple game or application, then the free version may be sufficient.
• However, if your project requires advanced features such as AI, cloud development, and advanced physics simulation, then you may need to upgrade to the Plus or Enterprise version.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Unreal Engine Licensing in Action

To help illustrate how Unreal Engine licensing works in practice, let’s look at a few real-life examples:

1. Epic Games
• Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine, use the Enterprise version of their own software for all of their internal projects. This allows them to take full advantage of the advanced features and tools offered by Unreal Engine, and ensures that they can create high-quality games and applications that meet their exacting standards.
2. AAA Game Developers
• Many AAA game developers use the Plus or Enterprise version of Unreal Engine for their projects. This allows them to take advantage of the advanced features and tools offered by the software, while also ensuring that they can create high-quality games that meet the demands of modern gaming audiences.
3. Startups and Indie Developers
• For startups and indie developers with limited budgets, the free version of Unreal Engine is often the most practical option. This allows them to create simple games and applications without breaking the bank, while still benefiting from the basic set of features offered by the software.

The Future of Unreal Engine Licensing

In recent years, Epic Games has made a number of changes to their licensing models to make them more flexible and accessible for developers. For example, they have introduced a subscription-based model for the Plus and Enterprise versions, which allows developers to pay monthly or annually instead of upfront. They have also added support for cloud development and AI tools to their software, making it easier for developers to create complex and interactive experiences on a variety of platforms.

In conclusion, while there is no free version of Unreal Engine, there are several different license models available to suit different needs and budgets. When deciding which license model to use for your project, you should consider your budget, project size, user numbers, and project complexity. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the right license model for your project and start creating immersive and interactive experiences with Unreal Engine.