Here’s the full list of features available when you download and install Unreal Engine: If you plan on releasing a multiplayer-based game, Unreal Engine comes with easy client/server architecture and scalability so gamers can play with multiple people online. You can take advantage of 3D reflections, lighting tools, dynamic shadow options, and node-based materials to create realistic-looking visuals.Īnother essential feature is the rugged multiplayer framework which has been tested across multiple platforms and genres for many years. Graphics are a vital component of any 3D design engine, and Unreal Engine lets you achieve breathtaking visuals from the very beginning.
The source code repository is available on GitHub. This is useful if you want to study the code, customize it, extend it, or need to perform debugging. If you have knowledge of C++, you can gain full access to the source code. This allows anyone to pick up Unreal Engine and create a working prototype of a fully functional product in a short amount of time without touching one line of code. With Blueprints, you can define object behavior, how objects interact with each other, toggle input controls, animations, gameplay flow, and more without any knowledge of coding whatsoever. Behind the scenes, games are created using code, such as C++. It’s a visual scripting tool that lets you completely bypass the need to know any code in C++. One of Unreal Engine’s most prominent features is Blueprints. Pros: Relatively simple to use great variety of possibilities.Ĭons: Can be tricky to work out why your game has a bug.Ĭonclusions: Harnesses creativity without the frustration.What main features does Unreal Engine have? The main downside for younger children is that making a mistake in creating a game can create a frightening sounding "fatal error", so you may need to warn them this is something that can be fixed! While it's unlikely you're going to come up with the next Angry Birds, it's nice to know you can try selling your work without legal problems.
One particularly welcome aspect of the software is that the user retains full rights over the games they create using the tools. You will need to put some thought into planning your game before you start work, but that's part of the educational process of the tool. It must be admitted that the games you can produce aren't particularly complex or sophisticated, but there is a lot of scope for imagination and producing games that are very different to one another. This makes it much easier to understand how the code works and you can even try tweaking the code directly yourself. However, you can also reveal the code that has been used behind-the-scenes to make the game work. You can create your games simply by dragging and dropping icons that represent what it is you want to do, such as add a sound effect, create a maze or set a time limit, all without ever seeing any code. The tool works in a similar way to some of the more popular website design software. GameMaker is a great way to kickstart such creativity without the need for learning code. As great as the emergence of modern consoles has been, it does mean the 1980s era of children happily writing their own game programs in computer code is long gone.