The Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) is a powerful game engine that is used by professionals in the gaming industry to create high-quality games, virtual reality experiences, and other interactive applications.
One of the biggest advantages of the UE4 is that it offers a free version for personal and commercial use. However, there are some limitations to the free version, and users may need to upgrade to the paid version if they want to access certain features or tools.
Free Version vs Paid Version
The free version of the UE4 is available to anyone who wants to create games and applications using the engine. It includes a wide range of features and tools, such as physics simulation, animation, and scripting. However, there are some limitations to what you can do with the free version:
- You cannot sell or distribute your game or application without permission from Epic Games (the creators of the UE4).
- You cannot use certain advanced features and tools, such as the Virtual Production module or the Physics Simulation module.
- You are limited to 50,000 devices per month for testing and deployment.
On the other hand, the paid version of the UE4 is designed for professionals who need more advanced capabilities and greater flexibility. The paid version offers a range of options, including:
- The Epic Games Launcher, which provides easy access to all your Unreal Engine projects and assets.
- Advanced physics simulation tools and features, such as soft body physics and fluid dynamics.
- Virtual Production module for live-action filmmaking and VR production.
- Unlimited devices per month for testing and deployment.
- Priority technical support from the Epic Games team.
System Requirements
The minimum system requirements to run the free version of the UE4 are:
- Windows 7 or later
- Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX 8350 or better
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7970 or better
- 8GB RAM or more
- 120 GB free hard disk space
The minimum system requirements to run the paid version of the UE4 are:
- Windows 7 or later
- Intel Core i7-3770K or AMD FX 8350P or better
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 or better
- 16GB RAM or more
- 120 GB free hard disk space
Summary
In conclusion, the Unreal Engine 4 is available for free to anyone who wants to create games and applications using the engine. However, there are some limitations to what you can do with the free version, and users may need to upgrade to the paid version if they want to access certain features or tools. The UE4 has gained popularity due to its advanced graphics capabilities, user-friendly interface, and wide range of features and tools. It is designed for both personal and commercial use, making it a versatile tool for game developers, artists, and other professionals in the gaming industry.