Upfront Costs
The first cost to consider when using Unreal Engine 5 is the upfront cost. This includes purchasing a license for the engine or subscribing to a monthly subscription service, such as Epic Games’ Unreal Engine Subscription Service.
For individual developers or small teams working on personal projects, the Unreal Engine Subscription Service may be an affordable option. The subscription costs $19.99 per month and allows access to all of Unreal Engine 5’s features.
For larger teams working on commercial projects, purchasing a license for Unreal Engine 5 can be more cost-effective in the long run. Licenses are available for individual developers or entire teams, with prices starting at $199 per year for a single user license.
Maintenance Costs
Once you have access to Unreal Engine 5, there are ongoing maintenance costs to consider. These include updates and bug fixes that Epic Games releases on a regular basis.
Epic Games provides free updates and bug fixes for all users of Unreal Engine 5. However, if you need additional support or priority bug fixes, you can purchase a Technical Support package from Epic Games. Prices start at $99 per year for the Basic Technical Support package.
Hardware Costs
Using Unreal Engine 5 requires powerful hardware, including a high-end computer with a dedicated graphics card and sufficient RAM. The hardware requirements for Unreal Engine 5 can be quite demanding, which means that you may need to invest in new equipment if your current setup is not up to the task.
If you are working on a commercial project, it’s important to factor in the cost of the hardware required to run Unreal Engine 5 when budgeting for your project.
Training and Support Costs
To get the most out of Unreal Engine 5, it’s important to have access to training and support resources. Epic Games provides a variety of training options, including online courses, tutorials, and webinars. These resources can be valuable for learning how to use Unreal Engine 5 effectively and efficiently.
In addition to the free training resources available from Epic Games, you may also need to invest in additional training or consulting services if you are working on a complex project. Prices for these services vary depending on the level of expertise required and the scope of your project.
Summary
Using Unreal Engine 5 can be a costly investment, but it can also provide significant benefits for developers and teams looking to create immersive, interactive experiences. Before deciding whether to use Unreal Engine 5 for your project, it’s important to carefully consider the upfront and ongoing costs involved and weigh them against the potential benefits of the engine.