Licensing Fees
Unreal Engine is available in several different license tiers, each with its own set of features and pricing. The most affordable option is the Personal License, which allows users to develop for personal projects or small commercial projects with limited revenue. This license costs $99 per year.
For larger commercial projects, Unreal Engine offers a range of Enterprise licenses that come with additional features such as remote desktop, collaboration tools, and technical support. These licenses start at $149 per user per year and can be significantly more expensive depending on the size and scope of your project.
Hardware Requirements
Unreal Engine requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, especially when working with large 3D models or complex environments. The hardware requirements for Unreal Engine depend on the version you’re using and the complexity of your project. Here are the minimum system requirements for each version:
- Unreal Engine 4.27: Intel Core i5-7500U @ 2.7 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 1300X @ 2.6 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 2GB or AMD Radeon RX 460 2GB
- Unreal Engine 5: Intel Core i5-8200U @ 1.8 GHz or AMD Ryzen 5 2500U @ 2.7 GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 2GB or AMD Radeon RX 460 2GB
These requirements are just a starting point, and you’ll likely need a much more powerful computer to work on large-scale projects with high-quality graphics. For example, a computer with an NVIDIA GTX 1080 Ti GPU and an Intel Core i7-9700K CPU will be much more suitable for demanding projects.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
In addition to the initial licensing fees and hardware costs, there are also ongoing maintenance costs associated with Unreal Engine. These costs include bug fixes, security updates, and technical support.
Unreal Engine offers several different levels of technical support, depending on your needs. The Basic Support plan includes access to forums and documentation, while the Premium Support plan includes phone and email support, remote desktop assistance, and priority bug fixes. The Premium Support plan starts at $12,000 per year for up to 10 users.
Summary
Unreal Engine is a powerful tool for creating immersive 3D environments, but it comes with costs that must be carefully considered before making a purchase. Licensing fees vary depending on the size and scope of your project, while hardware requirements can be significant for larger projects. Additionally, there are ongoing maintenance costs associated with Unreal Engine that must be budgeted for. By carefully considering these expenses, you can make an informed decision about whether Unreal Engine is the right tool for your needs.