Unreal Engine is a complete set of tools that allows developers and video game designers to create realistic, interactive environments across desktop, mobile, and console platforms as well as in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Development on the first Unreal Engine began back in 1995 by Tim Sweeney ofEpic Games, with the first video game built on the engine, first-person shooterUnreal, released in 1998. The game was a critical success, and Epic Games began licensing the use of Unreal Engine to other developers, allowing them to design creations of their own using what quickly became known as one of the best tools for building life-like video games.

The first three versions of Unreal Engine were written inUnrealScript, an object-oriented scripting language developed by Sweeney specifically for the Unreal Engine. Unreal Engine 4, released in 2014, brought about major change by switching its code to be written in C++, allowing for easier upgrading, debugging, customization and growth. Another major change with the release of Unreal Engine 4 wasmaking the engine free to the public, with fees limited to shipped games earning revenue. By allowing open access to theUnreal Engine source code, everyone from novice developers with beginner C++ skills to experienced video game developers can utilize the engine for game development and bring their imaginations to life!

Why are so many of the world’s most popular games developed with Unreal Engine? The answer lies in thenumerous featuresthat allow developers to make the most realistic games with compelling action. The engine performs physically-based rendering, creating settings with photorealistic lighting and shadows. Feel free to create extensive environments with life-like terrain and foliage for players to explore. And add depth and complexity to non-player characters with the engine’s advanced artificial intelligence system. On top of the features that define the visual grandeur and gameplay complexity of Unreal Engine developed games, a scalable multiplayer framework allows game developers to create an interactive environment amongst players across the world.

Some of the latest developments with Unreal Engine have focused on the increasingly popular arenas of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). Unreal Engine 4 was designed for the complex rendering at high framerates which is required for realistic virtual reality, and Epic Games releases frequent updates for the latest VR/AR hardware and software including Facebook’sOculus Rift,Samsung’s Gear VR, andApple’s ARKit.

Are you ready to bring your creations to life and develop new worlds with Unreal Engine? Get started with theUnreal Engine documentationthat explains system requirements, how to install the engine, and how to utilize its different functionality. This10 part series on Unreal Engine 4 for beginnersis an excellent resource as well.

Want to check out some amazing video games created with Unreal Engine? See this list ofUnreal Engine games in development in 2018includingNintendo’s Yoshi,Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts 3, andBandai Namco’s Dragon Ball FighterZ.

If you are looking to brush up your C++ skills before diving into game development with Unreal Engine, check out ourLearn C++ course!

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