Unity vs Unreal Engine: Which Is Free to Use?
Unity
Unity is a popular game engine widely used in the gaming industry. It offers a free version of its software called Unity Personal Edition, suitable for beginners and small-scale projects.
With this version, you can create 2D and 3D games, as well as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences. One of the biggest advantages of Unity Personal Edition is that it allows you to export your game to multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
However, there are some limitations to the free version of Unity. For example, it only supports up to 10 users and does not have advanced features like those found in Unity Professional or Unity Enterprise editions. Additionally, you will need to include a splash screen that displays your game’s logo and a link to the Unity Asset Store in your game if you use any assets purchased from there.
Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is another popular game engine used by many developers. It offers a free version of its software called Unreal Engine Starter, designed for beginners and small-scale projects.
With this version, you can create 2D and 3D games, as well as VR and AR experiences. One of the biggest advantages of Unreal Engine Starter is that it allows you to use the full range of features available in the paid versions of the engine, including physics simulation, animation tools, and visual effects.
However, like Unity Personal Edition, there are some limitations to the free version of Unreal Engine. For example, it only supports up to four users and does not have access to the full range of assets available in the paid versions of the engine. Additionally, you will need to include a splash screen that displays your game’s logo and a link to the Epic Games Launcher in your game if you use any assets purchased from there.
Summary
In conclusion, Unity Personal Edition is free to use for beginners and small-scale projects, but it has limitations on the number of users and advanced features. Unreal Engine Starter is also free to use, but it only supports up to four users and does not have access to the full range of assets available in the paid versions.
If you are a beginner or working on a small-scale project, both engines offer free options that can help you get started with game development. However, if you need more advanced features or plan to work with a larger team, you may need to consider purchasing one of the paid versions of Unity or Unreal Engine.
