PSXEUnreal Engine is a software created by Epic Games and is a well-known tool for game development. It is all thanks to its advanced graphics and real-time rendering ability, which are crucial aspects of every game development process.
Many use Unreal Engine for more than just game development. It is a widely used software for film production, architectural visualization, and virtual reality. In this article, we will uncover why it is so popular and what unreal engine game development is now often used. We will also give you a few tips on how to start creating your own game using Unreal Engine.
Why Unreal Engine is Popular
If you are thinking of using Unreal Engine for your next game but are not sure if it is worth your time, consider the following things.
- Advanced graphics and realism.
- Realistic lighting and visual effects. Unreal Engine allows you to render incredibly realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.
- High-fidelity physics simulation. If you need a better expression of movement, collisions, and other physical interactions for your game, Unreal Engine might be your choice.
- User-friendly interface.
- Intuitive design. Even those new to this software won’t get lost since everything is intuitive and well-structured.
- Visual scripting with blueprints. If you don’t have a lot of coding experience, Unreal’s Blueprint will help you create complex game logic, which makes the process more accessible to a broader audience.
- Strong community and support.
- Large developer community. What can be better if not a community that can give you answers to every question regarding the technology? Unreal Engine’s community shares not only the knowledge but also the plugins and assets needed for GameDev.
- Regular updates. Unreal Engine is often updated with new useful features and security measures to ensure you have a safe and nice experience with the technology.
- Versatility and flexibility.
- Suitable for various game genres. If you need different game genres, Unreal Engine is there to help you. It goes from first-person shooters to strategy games that require a lot of work.
- Cross-platform development. Do you want to create a game for VR or mobile devices? PC or consoles? With Unreal engine, you are able to have cross-platform development with no need to switch between tools.
In-Demand Techniques Used in Unreal Engine Game Development
Here, let’s talk about the techniques that you may find interesting to use for your future games since they have become more and more popular in recent years.
- AI and pathfinding. This technique includes creating complex AI systems so that the NPCs have more “real-life” behavior and interaction with the protagonist.
- VR and AR development. Since augmented reality is almost a new norm nowadays, games in this genre have become increasingly popular. Unreal Engine has VR development support, which is a great help for devs who decide to create a VR game.
- Advanced lighting techniques. Ray Tracing and Screen Space Global Illumination (SSGI) are popular choices if the developer wants to create dynamic, realistic lighting. Suppose it is about static light – use Lightmass, which simulates natural light diffusion.
- Cross-platform development. We know that for games today to be accessible to more people, cross-platform development is a must. If you decide to create a game, consider the platforms you want it to be playable on (consoles, PCs, mobile phones, VR).
- Realistic rendering. Many games are now created to be highly realistic, so you can’t distinguish whether they are real. For those who want to create something similar, Unreal Engine provides such capabilities.
Advanced Techniques in Unreal Engine Game Development
There are many ways to create a perfect game. Here, we have created a list of advanced techniques you may likely use for your game.
- Advanced performance optimization in Unreal Engine often involves playing with Level of Detail (LOD) settings, optimizing lighting, and implementing occlusion culling. LOD settings adjust the complexity of 3D models based on their distance from the camera, which reduces rendering load.
- Unreal Engine’s AI tools, like the Behavior Tree and AI Perception System, allow for sophisticated AI behaviors. Developers can create complex AI decision-making processes and sensory systems that enable NPCs to interact intelligently with their environment and protagonists.
- You need to use Unreal Engine’s Material Editor when developing custom shaders and visual effects. Game devs can create interesting visual experiences by manipulating textures, lighting, and particle systems.
- Unreal Engine offers robust tools for performance profiling and debugging. For example, the Profiler tool helps identify performance bottlenecks, and the Debugger can track down and fix code errors. If you need to maintain smooth and efficient game performance – use these tools.
- If you want your game to have more custom things, consider using custom plugins with unique functionalities. Developers can create custom tools, import libraries, or integrate third-party services.
Final Thoughts
To wrap up, we have covered the most essential things you can do with Unreal Engine while creating your ideal game. It includes using AI for better interaction between players and NPCs, adding plugins for better game customizations, use a few types of lighting to create a better, more realistic environment.
Unreal Engine is the choice for those looking for easy-to-understand software with a vast community and ready to help with knowledge, assets, and useful plugins. We encourage you to try out this tool and see if it suits your needs, your desired platforms for the game, and available features you may find interesting to use.