Which game engine do you suppose is worth studying? If you’re a high school graduate, college student, or a professional planning to earn a second degree, why not study in a mobile game development school? Do you need more convincing? Or do you want a guide that’ll help you make a sound decision? Here’s a list of top engines you can use in game development, along with their upsides and downsides.
1. Unity
Developer: Unity Technologies
This multi-platform game engine offers wide-ranging effects and features, making it the most flexible and most popular among developers that create both simple and complex games. Among the famous games developed with the Unity engine are Pokémon GO, Angry Birds 2, Rust, Kerbal Space Program, and Temple Run.
Its ability to support both 2D and 3D game development and create interactive 3D contents explains Unity’s versatility. Further, what’s good with video games built with Unity is that they run on mobile gadgets, desktops, consoles, and web sites. So what makes it a top choice among developers? It has unparalleled visual editing tools, great community support, and simple configuration requirements. This game engine, which has released its fifth version, asks for just a onetime license payment. Unity’s biggest weaknesses, though, are the unavailability of the engine’s source code and difficulty of group effort among developer teams.
2. Unreal Engine
Developer: Epic Games
Since its release in 1998, Unreal Engine has become one of the most popular game engines. Developers choose it for its excellent feature set and graphic output it gives to games. Created games with this engine are Infinity Blade; Squad; Batman: Arkham City; and Mass Effect.
What must you expect when you use Unreal Engine? Like Unity, it offers a huge support from other developers, more so for plugins and contents. Its ability to fit into key operating platforms and ease of using its tools are its edge. Yet, its old-fashioned graphic output and high cost discourage many from using this engine. In the same way, it features a few complex tools, making learning a poor experience for beginners.
3. CryEngine
Developer: Crytek
Full of advanced features that make games functional and striking to the eyes, CryEngine proves it’s the most powerful engine. These dozens of features help create amazing graphic and visual outputs. Developed games are Far Cry; Warface; Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2; Wander; and Special Force 2: Tale of the Truthful Pledge.
With the many user friendly tools for 3D games, CryEngine makes great work in the realistic rendering of landscapes, and water and weather effects. It supports virtual reality and a few platforms, and even next-gen consoles. Yet using CryEngine demands a solid knowledge of Flash, C++, and Visual Studio if you’re making a game other than a first-person shooter genre.
4. GameMaker: Studio
Developer: YoYo Games
Most neophyte programmers choose this game engine because of its simple interface and ease of use. Plus, it doesn’t demand a thorough knowledge of programming. Games developed with GameMaker: Studio are Gunpoint, Nuclear Throne, Super Crate Box, and Downwell.
Unlike other game engines, this one has practical shortcuts to a few 2D project styles. Though it works well in making 2D games, it falls short on 3D (graphics) because of its limited tools and features. A free version of the engine may not be enough to produce a great output; thus, forcing users to go for paid versions.
Which game engine is grander in almost every feature? What do you want to master or which one fits your skills well?
As a mobile game development school, CIIT can hone you for a job as a game designer. Interested? Find out more details on our enrollment and registration procedures.
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The Pros and Cons of Top Mobile Game Engines [Infographic]
Ten Best Game Engines for Mobile Game Developers
Sources: crawlist.net | behance.net | gamedesigning.org | slant.co
