Free Version vs. Paid Version
Unreal Engine offers both a free version and a paid version. The free version is suitable for beginners or small indie studios who want to create simple games. It comes with limited features and can only be used for personal projects, non-commercial games, and educational purposes.
On the other hand, the paid version offers more advanced features that are ideal for large-scale commercial projects. There are three different versions available: Plus, Pro, and Enterprise. The Plus version is suitable for small teams, while the Pro version is designed for larger teams. The Enterprise version is customized to meet the specific needs of large enterprises.
Cost of Paid Version
The cost of the paid version of Unreal Engine depends on the size of your team and the features you need. Here are the pricing details:
- Plus: $24 per user per month
- Pro: $75 per user per month
- Enterprise: Customized pricing based on team size, features needed, and support required.
Additional Costs
Apart from the monthly subscription fee, there are additional costs you need to consider when using Unreal Engine. Here are some of them:
- Cloud hosting: If you want to use cloud hosting services like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, there is an extra charge for storage and computing resources.
- Third-party plugins and assets: Some features require third-party plugins and assets that come with an additional cost.
- Licensing fees: For some features like virtual reality development, you need to purchase additional licenses.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there is a cost to use Unreal Engine, but it’s not as expensive as other game engines in the market. The free version offers limited features and can be used for personal projects, non-commercial games, and educational purposes. The paid versions offer more advanced features that are ideal for commercial projects, with pricing starting at $24 per user per month. Additionally, there may be additional costs like cloud hosting, third-party plugins and assets, and licensing fees depending on your requirements. So, before using Unreal Engine, make sure you understand the costs involved and whether it meets your budget and project requirements.