Unity VS Unreal

If you're considering developing commercial or personal XR applications, there's no better time than now. Thanks to the availability of 3D game engines like Unity3D and Unreal Engine, even newcomers without prior XR development experience can swiftly dive into creating AR/VR applications. Originally designed for crafting 3D electronic games, these software platforms have seamlessly transitioned into the XR development arena, given the striking parallels between VR/AR development and game creation.

So, the question arises: which engine should you opt for? In the realm of XR development, Unity3D and Unreal Engine 5 reign supreme, although alternative choices like CryEngine and ApertusVR also exist. The standout feature of those two prominent game engines is that the developers can experiment with them at no cost.

This article aims to assist you in making an unbiased selection of the most appropriate engine. While it primarily approaches the subject from the standpoint of a virtual reality developer, its insights can also serve as a source of inspiration for those in the game development sphere.

About Them

Unity Overview

First introduced in 2005, Unity3D has grown to become one of the foremost 2D and 3D development platforms worldwide. Here are some noteworthy statistics:

• Unity3D powers a staggering 60% of AR/VR content and fuels the creation of 50% of mobile games.

• In the year 2021, it has been installed over 240 billion times.

• This versatile platform extends its support to 28 different platforms, spanning from iOS to Oculus to Windows Mixed Reality, and beyond.

• Apple has fully embraced Unity, announcing that its VisionPro platform will now utilize Unity3D as its primary development tool.

Despite its extensive usage in mobile development, there have been misconceptions that Unity3D is exclusively suited for mobile projects. This notion primarily stems from Unity3D's historical emphasis on the mobile market, particularly during the ascent of Apple and Google's app stores. Nevertheless, in reality, over the past few years, it has undergone a transformation, evolving into a comprehensive development platform capable of handling intricate XR (Extended Reality) projects with ease.

Stereotype: Unity3D is only good for mobile AR/VR applications

Actually, Unity is also good at cross-platform solutions and complex xR projects (e.g. Audi is using Unity to develop their training system).

Unreal Engine 4/5 Overview

Unreal, as a game engine, boasts a rich history dating back to 1998. It has played a pivotal role in the development of numerous AAA titles such as "Unreal Tournament" and "Final Fantasy." Over the years, it has undergone multiple generations of upgrades, with the most recent iteration being UE5. Notably, UE5 continues to offer free access for small studios and educational purposes.

Keep in mind: Unreal Engine usually charges enterprise customers $1,500 per seat per year, but it offers a free starting point for creators and publishers who don't need premium support or customized terms. It's also a suitable option for students and educators. Additionally, Unreal Engine offers custom licensing options tailored to specific industry needs. (Please be aware that the fee policy may have undergone changes - see here).

An increasing number of independent developers and major studios are turning to Unreal Engine 5 for crafting projects spanning gaming, education, and business solutions. Unreal Engine 5 has gained widespread recognition as a potent tool for constructing top-tier projects, particularly within the electronic gaming domain, solidifying its status as a powerhouse for AAA-level endeavors.

Over the past few years, we've witnessed a consistent flow of exceptional games developed using UE, including blockbuster titles like "Fortnite" and "Black Myth: Wukong." The entity behind UE, Epic Games, is actively diversifying its presence in the mobile gaming arena, launching initiatives like the "Unreal Engine Developer Grant Program." Concurrently, the company is making significant strides in the world of VR gaming, such as "Firewall Ultra".

Stereotype: UE is only good at the development of AAA-level games

Actually, UE5 has made significant advancements, rendering it suitable for creating VR/AR and/or developing 2D/3D mobile applications.

Unity3D and Unreal Engine have been persistently working to improve their individual shortcomings, making the decision between them a complex endeavor. In the upcoming chapter on XR development, we will delve into the distinctions between these two engines in the next chapter. Stay tuned!