Using Unreal Engine 5 for Personal Projects
If you are a hobbyist or someone who wants to experiment with game development, you may be able to use Unreal Engine 5 for free. The platform offers a free version of its software called “Unreal Engine 5 Basic,” which includes a limited set of features and tools.
With this version, you can create simple games and experiences without any financial commitment. However, it is important to note that the Basic version has some limitations. For example, it only allows for the creation of projects with a maximum resolution of 720p and no support for advanced graphics effects like ray tracing.
Additionally, you cannot export your projects for commercial use or distribute them online.
Using Unreal Engine 5 for Commercial Projects
If you are a professional game developer who wants to create more complex games and experiences, you will need to upgrade to one of the paid versions of Unreal Engine 5. There are three different editions available: Unreal Engine 5 Standard, Unreal Engine 5 Pro, and Unreal Engine 5 Enterprise.
The Standard edition includes all the features of the Basic version, as well as additional tools for creating more advanced graphics effects like HDR rendering and motion capture. It also allows you to export your projects for commercial use and distribute them online.
The cost of this edition is $99 per month per user.
The Pro edition builds on the Standard edition and includes even more advanced features like support for virtual reality and augmented reality development, as well as tools for creating interactive advertising and marketing experiences. It also offers dedicated technical support from Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine 5.
The cost of this edition is $499 per month per user.
The Enterprise edition is designed for large-scale game development projects that require even more advanced features and tools. It includes support for enterprise-level security and scalability, as well as dedicated technical support from Epic Games.
The cost of this edition is customizable and will depend on the specific needs of your project.
Summary
In conclusion, Unreal Engine 5 can be used for free for personal projects, but if you want to create more complex games or experiences, you will need to upgrade to one of the paid versions. The Standard edition is suitable for smaller projects, while the Pro and Enterprise editions offer even more advanced features and tools for larger-scale projects. It’s important to carefully consider your needs before deciding which version of Unreal Engine 5 to use, as the costs can add up quickly if you need to upgrade or add additional features later on.