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We're talking about engines today.
Game engines are an extremely valuable tool for developing pretty much any genre of game you can think of. The two biggest engines out there are Unity and Unreal Engine 4 (UE4).
While they are both flexible and powerful engines for developing a variety of different game genres, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Beginners often have trouble choosing which engine they want to start with, so here is some information to help you decide!
Graphics:
UE4 is more graphically powerful. Unity is capable of creating some beautiful games in its own right, but if you are looking to make the most graphically intensive and cinematic game possible, then Unreal is the better option.
Visual Scripting:
Both offer visual scripting options: Blueprints (UE4) and Bolt/Playmaker (Unity). These are visual state machines that you control within the engine’s editor. Essentially, the programmer can create and connect nodes to establish game logic. If you are new to coding, then these can be helpful tools.
Programming Languages:
UE4 uses C++, which is more rigorous when it comes to memory management. C++ allows you to write code that is less taxing on your computer’s processor. Unity uses C#, a far more user-friendly language. C# is very flexible and much easier to pick up, although it is less efficient with memory.
Platforms:
Both allow you to build games for a variety of platforms. Whether you want to develop games for a specific platform or for multiple platforms, both of these engines are up to the task.
User Interface (UI):
Unity has a slightly less complex user interface although both can be intimidating at the outset. Given some time, you should be able to master both, but Unity has the edge here.
Asset Stores:
Unity’s asset store is full of privately developed assets, as well as assets developed by Unity. You will have to pay for most of these, but they can be helpful for completing your project. Unfortunately, as Unity updates, many of these assets become obsolete and, frequently, the developers are no longer interested in periodically updating their assets. An asset you bought may work for an older version of Unity but not the current version. The Unreal asset store frequently offers deals where you can obtain useful asset packs for free! In my experience, those assets do not go obsolete as often.
Future:
Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) is scheduled for a full release in late 2021. UE5 is reputed to be capable of generating extremely realistic graphics. Meanwhile, Unity is also working to update its graphical capabilities and workflow pipelines.
Unity is known to be more user-friendly, and beginners tend to have an easier time mastering C# and Unity’s UI.
UE4 is known for being more powerful and graphically intensive, but it can be more difficult to master.
Both engines are flexible and capable of making a variety of different games, but one may be better for a certain genre than the other.
Ultimately, whichever engine you decide to start out with depends on personal preference and what type of game you are trying to make.
In the end, I would encourage you to become proficient with as many engines, languages, and tools as you can. You never know what you are going to need for your next project, so it is best to have a wide skill set.
Game on,
PBJ, Jox Digital Educator
info@jox.digital
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