Engines are complex tools used to create games. They essentially create an enviorment that you can slot your ideas in. They handle the heavy programming aspect of it but still requires deep knowlege on how to build games from the beginning. Game engines are the heavy lifters when it comes to making modern games and big game companies still use them to this day. There are multiple engines but I will only cover 3 that anyone can use. They vary in complexty, usability, and price.
| Engine | Complexity | Usability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Unreal Engine
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Unreal Engine is ranked 1st in terms of complexity. The reason being is that it allows for realistic graphics and overall does have more complicated implementation of the art, programming, and sound design. | Unreal Engine is ranked 3rd since it requires deeper knowledge of the engine to correctly implement ideas. It is also by far the most resource intensive as it requires a powerful computer to reliably operate the engine. Even though this is the case, it is most used for realistic ideas in video games. | Unreal Engine 5 is free unless your game manages $1,000,000 dollars in lifetime sales which they will take a 5% royalty after. |
Unity
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Unity would be ranked 2nd in Complexity. It was considered on the more lightweight and easily accseible engines but has matured over they years. The added features has caused it to become more complex but able to handle more complicated ideas in video games. It was the prime engine for solo developers to create their games as it was easier to use than Unreal Engine. | Unity would be ranked 2nd in terms of Usability. Unity is a constantly updated program which has caused it to become a stronger engine at the cost of ease of use. It is still by far easier to operate than Unreal Engine, but constant updates has made Unity a solid choice in making games. |
Unity has 3 basic models.
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Godot 4
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Godot is rank 3rd in terms of Complexity. The primary goal of Godot is to be user friendly without compromising too many ideas to allow a game to flourish. This engine is meant for games without strong ideas or concept as it is limiting with what it can allow. It is simple to use but loses features to Unreal and Unity. | Godot is ranked 1st in Usability. Godot can be downloaded on almost any machine and be used to actually work on a game. Unreal project can take up to 5-10 minutes just to start the program but Godot does not have this issue. The interface is extremely easy to work with and has a strong commmunity to reach out for help with. | Godot 4 is free regardless of what your game makes |