Are Most Desktop Computer Games Developed Using Unity?

In the world of game development, the choice of engine can significantly impact the final product. While Unity is often highlighted as an accessible and powerful option, especially for indie developers, the reality is that many of the most prominent game developers opt for custom-built engines. This article explores why these big names choose their own engines, and what this means for indie developers when it comes to choosing between Unity and Unreal Engine.

Why Big Studios Prefer Custom Engines

The biggest game studios like Rockstar, EA, Ubisoft, and others typically develop their games using proprietary engines rather than third-party engines like Unity or Unreal. This approach offers several advantages:

Adaptability: Custom engines allow for more flexibility in game design, enabling developers to tailor the software to the unique requirements of their projects. No Revenue Sharing: Using a proprietary engine means that developers retain full control over their intellectual property and can avoid paying royalties or sharing revenue with third-party developers. Control and Optimization: With a custom engine, developers have the ultimate control over performance and can fine-tune the engine to optimize performance specifically for their game.

For example, Digital Extremes developed the Warframe engine for the hit game Warframe. Similarly, Insomniac Games created the Insomniac Engine for their famous Ratchet Clank series. These custom solutions are designed to meet the unique needs of each title, ensuring the best possible game experience.

Exceptions and Alternatives

While custom engines are the norm, there are exceptions to this rule. One notable instance is Kingdom Hearts 3, which was developed using Unreal Engine 4. However, this represents a rare case, as most major games are still developed using proprietary engines.

The decision to use a third-party engine, such as Unity or Unreal, is often influenced by factors like the developer's existing skill set and the specific needs of the project. For indie developers who lack the resources to build their own engine, Unity and Unreal offer valuable alternatives. Unity is particularly popular among C developers due to its straightforward learning curve and comprehensive feature set. Unreal Engine, with its powerful visual scripting tools and suite of assets, is preferable for C# developers.

The Landscape of Game Development Engines

While Unity and Unreal Engine are prominent in the indie game development community, the landscape of game engines is continuously evolving. Unity has made significant strides in recent years, particularly with the introduction of DOTS (Developers Over Time System), which brings many advanced features to the platform. However, Unreal Engine remains a serious contender and offers an array of advanced tools and features that can be essential for large-scale, high-performance games.

Ultimately, the choice of engine depends on the specific needs of the project and the expertise of the development team. For indie developers, both Unity and Unreal offer viable options, but the decision should be based on a thorough understanding of the project's requirements and the developers' strengths.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Unity and Unreal Engine play significant roles in the game development industry, the overwhelming majority of big studios opt for custom engines to achieve the best possible outcomes for their projects. Indie developers have the flexibility to choose between Unity and Unreal, but they should carefully consider the project's requirements and their team's expertise before making a decision.