Is Unreal Engine 5 Open Source? Is It Completely Free?

The landscape of game development is constantly evolving, and Unreal Engine 5 is at the forefront of this evolution. A burning question for many aspiring developers is: Is Unreal Engine 5 open source? Does it come completely free of charge?

Unraveling the complexities of its licensing model and accessibility is crucial for those navigating the realm of game development tools.

In this exploration, we delve into the intricacies of Unreal Engine 5, shedding light on its openness, costs, and the balance it strikes between accessibility and commercial considerations.

Table of Contents

Is Unreal Engine 5 Open Source?

No, Unreal Engine 5 is not open source. It operates under a source-available license, allowing developers to access and modify the source code, but with restrictions.

Commercial products made with Unreal Engine are subject to royalties, and contributions to the source code must be approved by Epic Games.

Getting Inside the Engine: Source Code Access

Imagine you have a fancy toy, and you’re allowed to see how it’s made and even change its parts. That’s kind of what Unreal Engine 5 lets developers do.

If you sign up with Epic Games, they let you peek inside the engine’s “source code” on a platform called GitHub. It’s like opening up the hood of a car and checking out the engine.

But here’s the catch: this isn’t the same as open source. You can play around with the engine, but there are rules.

>>>Read more: Can You Make VR Games in Unreal Engine? If Yes, How To Make One?

Money Talks: Licensing Terms

Now, if you make something awesome using Unreal Engine and start making money from it, Epic Games wants a slice of the pie.

They have a rule saying, “Hey, if you earn a certain amount, you need to pay us a bit.” It’s like having to give a small part of your earnings back to the toy maker because you used their special toy parts to create something popular.

So, while you can make your games and apps, just know that once you hit a certain money milestone, you’ll be sharing a bit of that success with Epic Games.

Teamwork, but Epic’s the Boss: Contributions

Picture building a giant LEGO castle with friends. Unreal Engine lets developers add their own LEGO pieces to improve the engine. That sounds great, right?

Well, it is, but there’s a catch; the boss of Unreal Engine, Epic Games, has to say, “Yes, you can add that piece.” It’s like getting permission to add your cool LEGO bricks to the group castle.

They want to make sure everything stays awesome and fits together perfectly.

So, even though it’s a bit like a team effort, Epic Games is the team captain, making sure the game engine stays amazing and doesn’t turn into a messy mishmash.

>>>Read more: Is Unreal Engine Better than Maya? Which Should You Use?

Not Quite Open, Not Fully Closed: Unreal’s Unique Position

Unreal Engine 5 is like a mix of two things: it’s not fully open source like some free software projects, but it’s also not a closed-off secret. It sits in the middle, letting people learn, tweak, and work together but still following some rules set by Epic Games.

It’s a bit like having a special clubhouse where everyone can hang out and contribute, but there’s a set of guidelines to keep everything running smoothly.

Unreal Engine 5 is not your typical open-source game engine, but it’s not a total mystery either; it’s got its own unique style.

>>>Read more: Is Unreal Engine 5 Easy? How Long Does It Take To Learn UE5?

Is Unreal Engine 5 Completely Free?

Yes, Unreal Engine 5 is essentially free for most uses, making it an attractive option for game development. There’s no upfront cost to access and use the engine, which is advantageous for independent developers and small studios.

However, if a project created with Unreal Engine 5 becomes commercially successful, generating over $1 million in revenue, a 5% royalty fee applies to future sales.

This means that once a project reaches a certain level of financial success, Epic Games, the creator of Unreal Engine, requires a small percentage of the earnings as a royalty fee in return for the continued use of their technology.

How Many GB Is Unreal Engine 5?

As of version 5.02, Unreal Engine 5 occupies a considerable amount of storage space, requiring nearly 115 gigabytes (GB).

This means that when you download and install Unreal Engine 5 on your computer, it will consume approximately 115 GB of your storage capacity. It’s important to consider this requirement, especially for users with limited storage space on their devices.

Is It Worth Downloading Unreal Engine 5?

Yes! Unreal Engine 5 is a powerful and advanced game development platform, offering cutting-edge graphics and robust tools.

If you’re a game developer looking to create high-quality, visually impressive games or simulations, Unreal Engine 5 is a fantastic choice. It’s free for most uses, making it accessible to a wide range of developers.

However, considering its substantial storage requirement of nearly 115 GB, ensure you have sufficient disk space.

If you’re new to game development, Unreal Engine 5 might have a steeper learning curve, but its capabilities make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking top-tier game development tools.

Conclusion

Unreal Engine 5 emerges as a powerful game development tool, but it does not fit the traditional open-source mold. While it generously provides source code access, the licensing terms introduce nuances that distinguish it from fully open-source platforms.

The absence of an upfront cost makes it attractive for many developers, yet the imposition of royalties on successful projects underscores the commercial aspect.

Unreal Engine 5’s unique position, offering accessibility with controlled conditions, exemplifies the evolving landscape where innovation coexists with pragmatic considerations.

–

Animost – Vietnam 3D Animation Studio