Unreal Engine vs. Unity
Before we dive into the reason behind Unreal Engine being free, it is important to compare it with another popular game engine, Unity. Both engines are similar in terms of functionality and capabilities, but there is a significant difference between them: Unreal Engine is free for personal use, while Unity requires a paid license for commercial use.
The Business Model
Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine, have chosen to adopt a different business model compared to other game engines. Instead of charging developers for using the engine, they generate revenue through their marketplace, where users can purchase assets and plugins to enhance their projects.
Additionally, Epic Games also makes money by offering paid services such as enterprise licensing, support, and training. This allows them to provide a free version of Unreal Engine that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget or skill level.
The Benefits of Being Free
Being free has several benefits for developers and users alike. For developers, it means they can experiment with the engine without worrying about the cost. They can use the engine to create prototypes, demos, and small projects without incurring any expenses. This allows them to focus on their creativity without being constrained by financial considerations.
For users, being free means that they have access to a powerful and feature-rich engine that they can use for free. This allows them to create interactive experiences that would otherwise be out of their reach. Additionally, the large community of developers and users who contribute to Unreal Engine makes it easier for newcomers to get started and find resources.
Summary
In conclusion, the reason behind Unreal Engine being free is a business model chosen by Epic Games that allows them to generate revenue through other means such as their marketplace and paid services. Being free has several benefits for developers and users alike, including allowing for more experimentation and creativity, and making powerful interactive experiences accessible to everyone.