Game Devs Bet on Unreal Engine 5 but Warn of Risks from Lack of Competition

As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast with a background in Electronics and Telecommunications, I must say I’m intrigued by the surge of developers opting for Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). Martin Bukowski’s article sheds light on the reasons behind this trend – the stunning visuals, user-friendly interface, and a wealth of ready-made tools.


Currently, a growing multitude of game developers are opting to create games using Unreal Engine 5, developed by Epic Games. This trend isn’t limited to fresh graduates but extends to seasoned professionals who have been accustomed to working with specialized technologies for years. Notable examples include CD Projekt RED and Halo Studios (previously known as 343 industries).

It cannot be denied that there is a change that holds big importance for the entire industry, and it is associated with specific risks. During the Game Industry Conference (GIC), which took place parallel to PGA 2024, we had a chance to talk with some developers. On the GIC, Amnesty International also awarded This War of Mine and Baldur’s Gate 3.

Why Unreal Engine 5?

“UE5’s fame is partially attributed to the stunning visuals achievable in games developed on it, as demonstrated by demos like The Matrix Awakens that leave us awestruck with their graphics. However, it isn’t just about impressive visuals; user-friendly functionality and a wealth of pre-made basic tools are equally crucial features.

It was indeed significant that this engine was particularly user-friendly. Easier to work with than its competitors – Aleksander Kauch, Senior Technology Lead at 11 bit studios.

In simpler terms, Bartosz Szczypka, a programmer from Techland studio, mentioned that this is an enormous piece of machinery, boasting numerous pre-made tools to its advantage.

One significant benefit lies in the accessibility of Unreal Engine 5. Users can effortlessly download it onto their personal computers and master its usage through educational videos available on platforms like YouTube. This facilitates the process for businesses when seeking professionals with prior experience, making it a valuable resource for both learners and employers alike.

Potential risk

The problem created by the increasingly widespread use of UE5 is market monopoly. Epic Games will be able to dictate terms to developer studios if other engines are marginalized or disappear at some point.

In simpler terms, Sebastian Topolski, a Lead Programmer at Render Cube, believes that the main issue could stem from insufficient rivalry. When there’s competition, individuals strive to surpass each other in some aspect, which ultimately propels the company forward.

One potential rephrasing could be: “A challenge lies in modifying UE5, originally designed for first-person shooter games and now being customized for Fortnite. This makes it more difficult to execute unique, out-of-the-ordinary concepts. Moreover, the engine comes equipped with pre-built solutions, which means that games developed using it may share certain similarities in their functionality.

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Game Devs Bet on Unreal Engine 5 but Warn of Risks from Lack of Competition

Author: Martin Bukowski

A graduate with a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications from the Gdańsk University of Technology, this individual has chosen to devote his life to the captivating world of video games. As a child, he would immerse himself in the enchanting labyrinth of Gothic’s Valley of Mines and amass wealth in League of Legends. Fast forward two decades, and his passion for games remains as vibrant as ever. Currently, he considers the Persona series and games from From Software, such as soulslike titles, to be his top picks. He eschews consoles and harbors a soft spot for PC gaming. During his leisure hours, he works as a translator, is in the process of developing his own game, or indulges in watching movies and series, particularly animated ones.

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2024-11-25 15:01