Does Unreal Engine Cost Money? A Guide to the Costs of Using Epic Games’ Popular Game Engine
Unreal Engine is one of the most popular game engines in the world, used by millions of developers and studios to create a wide range of games and interactive experiences. With its impressive features, flexibility, and scalability, Unreal Engine has become the go-to choice for many game developers, from indie teams to AAA studios. But with great power comes a price tag, and one of the most common questions about Unreal Engine is… does it cost money?
Direct Answer: Yes, Unreal Engine Costs Money
The short answer is yes, Unreal Engine does have a cost associated with it. The engine offers a range of pricing plans, including free and paid options, to cater to different types of users and projects. The costs of using Unreal Engine can be broken down into two main categories: royalties and subscription fees.
Unreal Engine’s Royalty System
Unreal Engine’s royalty system is a sliding scale based on the gross revenue of your game or project. The royalty rates vary depending on the segment of the market your game is in, with the following rates applying:
- Less than $3,000 in annual gross revenue: 5% royalty rate
- $3,000 to $12,000 in annual gross revenue: 5% – 3% royalty rate
- More than $12,000 in annual gross revenue: 3% – 2.5% royalty rate
In addition to these royalty rates, there is also a 5% surcharge on royalties applied to all gross revenue above $250,000.
Unreal Engine’s Subscription Fees
Unreal Engine offers a free tier for projects with no revenue, as well as a 35% revenue share for projects with under $3,000 in annual gross revenue. For projects with higher revenue, Epic Games offers a $9,995 per-year subscription fee, which includes a 5% royalty on gross revenue above $3,000.
Which Plan is Right for You?
So, which plan is right for you?
- If you’re a solo developer or small team with no revenue, the free tier might be a good fit.
- If you’re just starting out and expect to earn under $3,000 in annual gross revenue, the 35% revenue share might be the way to go.
- If you’re a mid-sized team or a larger studio, the 5% royalty rate might be the best option.
- If you’re a high-revenue earner, the subscription fee might be the best choice for you.
Additional Costs to Consider
While Unreal Engine’s costs are significant, there are some additional costs to consider when building a game or project:
- Hardware costs: You’ll need to invest in powerful hardware to run the engine, including high-end laptops or workstations.
- Software costs: You may need to purchase additional software, such as audio or video editing tools, to create your game or project.
- Outsourced labor costs: If you hire contract workers or freelancers, you’ll need to factor in their costs as well.
- Marketing and distribution costs: You’ll need to budget for marketing, distribution, and other expenses to get your game or project to market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Unreal Engine does cost money, but the cost depends on your project’s revenue and revenue potential. With its free tier, 35% revenue share, and 5% royalty rate, Unreal Engine offers a range of options for developers and studios of all sizes. By understanding the costs associated with using Unreal Engine, you can better plan your project’s budget and make an informed decision about which plan is right for you.
Ultimate Takeaway
- Unreal Engine’s costs are not a barrier to entry for solo developers or small teams with no revenue.
- The free tier allows developers to build and test projects without incurring upfront costs.
- The 5% royalty rate is a reasonable cost for larger studios or projects with high revenue potential.
- Additional costs, such as hardware, software, and outsourced labor, must be factored into the overall budget.
Additional Resources
- Unreal Engine’s official website: www.unrealengine.com
- Unreal Engine’s Documentation: docs.unrealengine.com
- Epic Games’ Communities: www.epicgames.com/community
I hope you’re satisfied with the article!