- It comes with a slew of new tools and technologies enabling the creation of amazing photorealistic visuals
- Some studios like CD Projekt Red have already started using it
- Users can download the new engine from the Epic Games launcher
Almost two years in the making, the next-generation game engine Unreal 5 is finally being released by Epic Games.
Epic Releases Unreal Engine 5
We may see games in the next five years being made with unprecedented detail thanks to the newest Unreal Engine 5 that was recently released for developers by Epic Games. The new engine offers game designers a slew of new tools and upgrades. However, the biggest game-changer comes from a handful of technologies designed for more photorealistic visuals.
For example, Lumen is a “fully dynamic global illumination solution” for more true-to-life lighting. Another new tool is Nanite, which Epic says “gives you the ability to create games and experiences with massive amounts of geometric detail.”
Other new tools include the ability to partition off sections of an open world to make it easier for teams to work on areas independently. These tools should make it easier for developers to create large-scale games at high fidelity.
Studios Are Already Starting to Use the New Technology
Although the engine has just been widely introduced, some developers have already started using it. Fortnite moved to Unreal Engine 5 last December, and CD Projekt Red has confirmed it’s using the tool to build the next Witcher.
“As developers from independent teams to AAA powerhouses create their next-generation games, Epic has confirmed that over 85 game studios are already part of the UE5 community, with more on the way, ” wrote Epic Games in the official announcement, “representing a deeply talented pool of creative and technical talent around the world. This group includes The Coalition, CD PROJEKT RED, Crystal Dynamics, and many other world-class teams.”
Epic Games released an impressive tech demo that merged the likenesses of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne around the time Fortnite transitioned to the new engine. Epic CTO Kim Libreri said it was good the company could experiment with the new tools early on. “So actually, it’s very valuable to our customers because it means they don’t have to go through that,” he explained. “We don’t end up putting super unthought-out workflows in front of all users. It’s great from that perspective, especially with something as big as the Matrix demo and as big as Fortnite.”
Unreal Engine 5 is available to download now. Those interested can find it in the Epic Games Launcher, and more information and details about its features and tools can be found on Unreal Engine’s blogpost.
