A game engine is a software framework primarily for video games. It can be altered to develop games as per the need and includes relevant libraries and support programs for an easier process.
Unity is a cross-platform game engine i.e. it can work on different computing devices and software platforms. While the compatible devices are virtual reality platforms, desktops, mobiles, and consoles, the software platforms are Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
Unity was first announced at Apple Inc.’s Worldwide Developers Conference in 2005 by Unity Technologies. Since then, it has been adopted by industries outside video gaming, such as automotive, architecture, construction, engineering, film, and even utilized by the US Armed Forces.
The reason is that it is easy to use especially for new developers and can facilitate 3D and 2D game creation, interactive simulations, and other experiences including Metaverse dApps.
Popular games built on Unity are Beat Saber, Call of Duty: Mobile, Cuphead, Monument Valley, and Pokémon Go.
Unreal Engine (UE) was developed by Epic Games. It was first showcased with the first-person shooter game Unreal in 1998.
Initially, the game engine was developed for first-person shooters on PC. However, it has gradually improved its scope and has been used in a range of 3D gaming genres.
Like Unity, Unreal has also been adopted by other industries including films, televisions, and metaverse dApp development. Similarly, it supports a wide range of computing devices such as desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality platforms.
The feature that makes Unreal Engine popular is high portability as it is written in C++. Moreover, it also provides a strong basis for creating next-generation physics and graphics in the game.
Unreal has set the industry standards as a gaming engine and bagged various awards from different gaming publications.
Popular Unreal Engine games are Fortnite, Batman: Arkham City, and Street Fighter 5.
| Unity | Unreal Engine | |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Cross-platform game engine |
Public Source game engine |
|
Launched in |
2005 |
1998 |
|
Developed by |
Unity Technologies |
Epic Games |
|
Programming Languages |
C# |
C++ or JavaScript |
|
Features |
2D improvements, animation, and snapshots creation |
A robust multiplayer framework, VFX, and particle simulation |
|
Source Code |
Not open-sourced but purchasable. |
Open-source |
|
Awards |
The Unity award in 2018 |
“Rookie of the year” award in 2018 |
|
Revenue Model |
Only the basic version is free. Charges for the full version. |
Free Software followed by a Royalty Fee Model |
|
Learning Curve |
Easy through an intuitive interface |
Hard |
|
Graphics |
The graphics are good but Unreal is better here |
AAA quality good graphics |
|
Asset Store* |
31000 assets |
10000 assets |
|
Rendering |
Slow |
Fast |
*Asset Store – Platform to download mods like textures and props
