Unreal vs Unity: Which Game Engine Offers Free Access?

As a developer, choosing the right game engine for your project is crucial. Two popular options are Unreal and Unity. In this article, we will compare these engines based on their accessibility and other important factors.

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is a powerful 3D creation tool used for games, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) applications. It was first introduced by Epic Games in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular game engines on the market.
One of the biggest advantages of Unreal Engine is its free version. This version allows developers to create 2D games and simple 3D projects without any limitations. However, if you want to create more complex projects, you will need to upgrade to a paid version, which starts at $19.99 per month.
Another advantage of Unreal Engine is its extensive library of assets, including pre-made characters, environments, and effects. This can save developers a lot of time and effort when creating their projects.

Unity

Unity is another popular game engine that was first released in 2009. It is widely used for both 2D and 3D games, as well as VR and AR applications.
Unity also offers a free version, which allows developers to create 2D games and simple 3D projects without any limitations. However, if you want to create more complex projects, you will need to upgrade to a paid version, which starts at $25 per month.
In terms of assets, Unity has a slightly smaller library compared to Unreal Engine, but it still offers a wide range of options for developers to choose from.

Accessibility

One of the main factors to consider when choosing between Unreal and Unity is accessibility. Both engines offer free versions that allow developers to create simple projects without any limitations. However, if you want to create more complex projects, you will need to upgrade to a paid version.
In terms of pricing, Unreal Engine has slightly higher monthly fees compared to Unity, with the paid version starting at $19.99 per month compared to Unity’s $25 per month. However, both engines offer flexible pricing plans that allow developers to pay only for what they need.

Comparison

To compare the two engines more closely, let’s take a look at some real-life examples of projects created using each engine.

Unreal Engine:

Fortnite: This popular battle royale game was developed using Unreal Engine and has over 200 million players worldwide.
Ready Player One: This VR movie was also developed using Unreal Engine and was released in 2018.

Unity:

Among Us: This social deduction game was developed using Unity and has over 50 million players worldwide.
The Matrix: This sci-fi movie was also developed using Unity and was released in 2019.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Unreal Engine and Unity offer free access to their engines for simple projects. However, if you want to create more complex projects, you will need to upgrade to a paid version. While Unreal Engine has a slightly larger library of assets compared to Unity, both engines are highly accessible and flexible, making them great options for developers of all skill levels. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and goals for your project.