Unreal Engine Versions
There are three main versions of Unreal Engine: Epic Games Launcher, Starter Kit, and Enterprise. The Epic Games Launcher is the most widely used version and includes a wide range of features for game development and interactive applications. It requires an active subscription to Epic Games’ services, which can cost $19.99 per month.
The Starter Kit is a free alternative to the Epic Games Launcher that provides a limited set of features for creating simple games and applications. It does not include access to Epic Games’ services or support, but it’s a good option for beginners who want to learn about Unreal Engine without committing to a paid subscription.
The Enterprise version is designed for larger organizations and includes additional features and support. The pricing for the Enterprise version varies depending on the size of the organization and the specific features required.
Free Alternatives to Unreal Engine
While Unreal Engine is not available at no cost, there are some free alternatives that you can use for certain types of projects. These include:
- Construct 3: This is a game development platform that allows users to create 2D games and applications using drag-and-drop tools. It’s free to use, but it has limited features compared to Unreal Engine.
- Blender: This is an open-source 3D modeling and animation software that can be used for game development. While it’s not a game engine itself, you can use it in conjunction with other tools to create games and applications. It’s free to use and has a large community of users who provide support and resources.
- Godot: This is another open-source 2D and 3D game engine that allows users to create games and applications for various platforms. It’s free to use and has a growing community of users who contribute to its development.
Conclusion
Unreal Engine is a powerful tool for creating immersive and interactive applications, but it does require a subscription or purchase to access its full range of features. While there are some free alternatives available for certain types of projects, they may not have the same level of functionality as Unreal Engine. If you’re serious about using Unreal Engine for your project, it’s worth considering the different versions and pricing options to determine which one is right for you.