Unreal Engine at GDC ’24: Major Announcements
Unreal Engine 5.4 Preview 1 Released
The highly anticipated Unreal Engine 5.4 Preview 1 was released during the event, offering developers a glimpse into the future of game development. This preview introduces a host of rendering performance improvements, including the revolutionary Nanite Tessellation technology, Motion Matching for enhanced animation, and Multi-Process Cooking for faster compilation times.
Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Unveiled by Skydance New Media
One of the standout moments of the event was the unveiling of “Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra” by Skydance New Media. Award-winning writer and director Amy Hennig, along with her team, presented an exclusive look at this ensemble adventure, showcasing groundbreaking features and captivating storytelling.
MetaHumans Integration in UEFN
A significant announcement was the integration of MetaHumans into Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). Creators now have access to MetaHuman Creator and MetaHuman Animator, empowering them to design lifelike NPCs effortlessly. This integration opens up new possibilities for storytelling and character development within the Fortnite universe.
Expansion of Fortnite Creative with Rocket Racing and Fall Guys
Fortnite Creative received a substantial expansion with the introduction of Rocket Racing islands and Fall Guys integration. Creators can now build exhilarating race tracks and frantic obstacle courses using these new assets, enriching the Fortnite experience for players worldwide.
LEGO Elements Introduced in Fortnite Creative
Upcoming Features for UEFN
Looking ahead, Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN) is set to receive a slew of new features and enhancements in 2024. From improved camera and control systems to a revamped itemization system and enhanced creator pages, Epic Games is committed to empowering creators and pushing the boundaries of creativity within the Fortnite ecosystem.
Transition to UEFN and Verse
In a bold move, Epic Games announced plans to transition Fortnite development entirely to Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN) and Verse by the end of 2025. This strategic shift underscores Epic’s dedication to innovation and ensuring that Fortnite remains at the forefront of the gaming industry. Stay tuned for more updates as these exciting developments continue to unfold in the gaming world!
Expansion to Mobile Platforms
Epic Games announced its intention to launch the Epic Games Store on mobile platforms later this year. This move will make EGS the first game-focused, multi-platform store, accessible across Android, iOS, PC, and macOS. Mobile developers can expect to benefit from the same fair terms offered on EGS for PC, including an 88/12 revenue share and various programs such as Epic First Run and Now On Epic, which enable developers to retain 100% of revenue from in-app purchases using their own payment systems. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting development!
More Unreal Engine Developer News
The State of Unreal event also featured insightful presentations from various developers:
- Funcom: Funcom provided insights into the mechanics of their open-world survival game, Dune: Awakening, inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films. They showcased how Unreal Engine was utilized for planning and pre-production of Dune: Part Two, highlighting the convergence of storytelling processes between films and games. Check out the behind-the-scenes video, “Dune: Awakening – Creating Worlds, From Book to Film to Game,” for a deeper dive into their creative process.
- Natural Motion Games (Zynga): Natural Motion Games offered a fresh look at Star Wars: Hunters, their upcoming arena-based online multiplayer game set in the Star Wars universe. They demonstrated how Unreal Engine is being leveraged to deliver high-quality visuals and gameplay across Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android platforms.
- Chrono Studio: Chrono Studio unveiled a new trailer for Chrono Odyssey, their MMORPG set in the expansive world of Setera. The game promises players unique control over battles and progression through a distinctive time travel mechanic. Chrono Odyssey, published globally by Kakao Games, will be available on PC and consoles, with an announcement that it will also be released on the Epic Games Store.
Epic Games reiterated its commitment to fostering a vibrant ecosystem of AAA games, indie titles, and creator-made experiences to support the development of the open metaverse. The showcased updates, including Unreal Engine 5.4 and new Fortnite creator tools, aim to empower developers and creators on their creative journey. The community’s support and participation are deeply appreciated as Epic Games continues to push boundaries in the gaming industry.
Image Credit: unrealengine.com
Source content: https://www.unrealengine.com/en-US/blog/all-the-big-news-from-the-state-of-unreal-at-gdc-24