Unity vs Unreal Engine 5: Which One To Choose In 2024?

In 2024, the decision between Unity and Unreal Engine 5 remains a pivotal consideration for mobile game developers. Both engines have carved out significant niches in the gaming industry, offering distinct advantages tailored to various development needs.

Unity, renowned for its flexibility and ease of use, has long been the go-to choice for mobile game developers, providing a rich set of tools and a supportive community. Its optimized performance for mobile platforms and extensive asset store make it ideal for indie developers and small teams looking to create engaging mobile experiences. Conversely, Unreal Engine 5, with its unparalleled graphics capabilities and advanced features, is increasingly becoming a viable option for mobile game development, particularly for projects that aim to push the boundaries of visual fidelity on handheld devices.

As the mobile gaming market continues to expand and evolve, developers must carefully weigh the benefits of each engine to determine which one aligns best with their project goals and technical requirements. This blog explores the key aspects of Unity and Unreal Engine 5, focusing on their suitability for mobile game development in 2024.

What Is Unity Game Engine?

Unity Game Engine was developed by Unity Technologies and debuted at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June 2005. It was originally designed for Mac OS X. Over time, Unity has evolved to support a broad range of platforms, including desktop, mobile, console, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation make it a top choice for both novice and indie game developers, particularly for iOS and Android. 

Unity facilitates the creation of 3D and 2D games and interactive simulations, with its runtime built in C++ and its scripting handled by C#. Beyond gaming, Unity is widely used in fields like film, automotive, architecture, engineering, construction, and military applications.

Unity Platform Integrations: Unity supports a wide range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone 8, Android TV, Tizen, Xbox One and Xbox 360, Samsung SMART TV, Mac OS X, Windows PC, Web Player, Linux, HoloLens, WebGL, PS4, SteamOS, Wii U, and PlayStation Vita, 

Pros	Cons
Versatility and cross-platform support	Limited native performance
Large Asset Store	Graphics and rendering limitations
Strong community and documentation	Steep learning curve
Integration with popular tools	License costs for Pro version

What Is An Unreal Engine?

Unreal Engine is a robust and versatile game development platform renowned for its high portability and advanced real-time 3D capabilities. It is written in C++ and was developed by Epic Games. Unreal Engine supports a vast array of platforms, including desktop, mobile, console, and virtual reality. The latest iteration, Unreal Engine 5, was launched in April 2022 and continues to push the boundaries of interactive graphics. 

Widely adopted across gaming, film, architecture, and automotive industries, Unreal Engine empowers developers to craft high-fidelity and interactive experiences. Its extensive resources, including comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and active community forums, make it accessible to both novice and seasoned developers.

Unreal Engine Platform Integrations: Unreal Engine is compatible with various platforms such as Android, iOS, Linux, VR, Mac OS X, Windows PC, HTML5, SteamOS, PS4, and Xbox One.

Pros	Cons
High-quality graphics	Steep learning curve
Facilitates cross-platform development	Demands significant resources
Utilizes Blueprints visual scripting	Results in large file sizes
Active community and robust documentation	Imposes royalty fees
Diverse Marketplace and Asset Store	Not optimized for 2D game development
Strong support for VR development	Less suitable for smaller indie teams
Continuous updates and improvements	Steeper learning curve due to C++
Free-to-use and open-source model	Smaller asset store compared to Unity
Excellent 3D-realistic graphics	Smaller user base
Popular among AAA studios	Challenging to run on older hardware
Supports real-time multiplayer capabilities
Faster rendering than Unity

Considerations For Choosing Between Unity And Unreal Engine

Here are the things to consider before choosing Unity or  Unreal engine:

1. Identify platforms for your game and establish a clear release plan. Unity supports more platforms than Unreal.
2. Decide if your game needs 3D elements or if 2D is sufficient. Unity is better for 2D, while Unreal excels in high-quality 3D.
3. Choose based on your coding skills. Unity uses beginner-friendly C#, while Unreal offers Blueprint Visual Scripting and C++.
4. Unity has a larger community and more tutorials and provides extensive support for beginners.
5. Consider performance needs. Unity may have less optimal performance on some platforms, whereas Unreal is better for high-end graphics.
6. Compare costs for monetization on these search engines. Unity has licensing fees, while Unreal charges royalties. So, choose based on your project’s revenue potential.
7. Ensure the engine supports multiplayer and social features effectively. Both engines offer these capabilities.
8. Consider pre-built assets and templates. Unity’s asset store is extensive, while Unreal’s marketplace has fewer options.
9. Since both engines receive regular updates, choose an engine with a clear roadmap and active maintenance.
10. Consider your hardware and team size. Unreal may require more powerful hardware and a larger team, while Unity is suitable for smaller teams.
11. Assess the learning curve. Unity’s interface is intuitive but still challenging for beginners. Unreal has a steeper learning curve, especially with C++.
12. Decide if you need native code and OpenGL or prefer a third-party engine for cross-platform development. In this case, Unity offers more integrations.

Differences Between Unity vs Unreal Engine

Both Unity and Unreal Engine are giants in the game development industry, but they cater to different audiences and project types. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you choose the right engine:

1. Programming Language:

Unity primarily uses C#, which is a beginner-friendly and widely used language known for its clear syntax and ease of learning. This makes Unity approachable for those new to coding. On the other hand, Unreal Engine uses C++ as its core language. C++ offers more fine-grained control and might be preferred by experienced programmers, but it has a steeper learning curve. Unreal Engine also provides Blueprint, a visual scripting system that allows the development of game logic without writing code, making it accessible to non-programmers.

2. Graphics And Performance:

Unity is capable of producing beautiful visuals, but it might require more optimization to achieve the same graphical fidelity as Unreal Engine. However, Unity excels in mobile game development due to its focus on performance and resource efficiency. Meanwhile, Unreal Engine is well known for its smooth rendering technology and stunning visuals. It’s ideal for creating high-end, graphically demanding games that push the boundaries of what’s possible. However, this power comes at a cost, as Unreal Engine projects can be more demanding on hardware resources.

3. 2D vs 3D Development:

Unity offers a set of tools specifically designed for 2D game development, which makes it a popular choice for creating side-scrollers, platformers, and other 2D genres. On the other hand, Unreal Engine primarily focuses on 3D development and provides powerful tools for creating realistic characters, environments, and animations. While 2D development is possible in Unreal Engine, it might not be as intuitive as Unity.

4. Pricing and Licensing:

Unity offers a free version with basic features that are perfect for hobbyists and those learning the engine. It even has paid plans with additional features like advanced rendering and analytics available for professional use. In fact, there is a new royalty system that will be implemented for Unity this year for projects exceeding a certain revenue threshold. In contrast, Unreal Engine is completely free to use with no upfront costs. However, a 5% royalty fee applies to games that generate more than $1 million in revenue per quarter.

5. Asset Store and Community:

Unity has a vast asset store filled with pre-made 3D models, textures, animations, and code snippets that can significantly accelerate development. Unity also has a large and active community with forums, tutorials, and resources for learning and troubleshooting. Meanwhile, Unreal Engine’s asset store isn’t as extensive as Unity’s, but it still offers a good selection of high-quality assets. Unreal Engine also has a thriving community, though it might be slightly smaller than Unity’s.

6. Source Code Access:

Unity provides read-only access to the source code while limiting the level of customization for developers. On the other hand, Unreal Engine offers full access to the source code and gives developers more control and the ability to modify the Engine to their specific needs.

Unity vs Unreal Engine: A Comparison Table

Here is the brief comparison table:

Parameter	Unity	Unreal Engine
Developer	Unity Technologies	Epic Games
First Appearance	2005	1998
Source Code as a Reference	No	Yes
Ideal For	PC games	Console games
Developed In	C# and C++	C++
Languages Used	Bolt, C#, and Prefab	C++ and Blueprint
Graphics	Physically-Based Rendering, Volumetric lights (with plugin), Global Illumination, Post Processing	Physically-Based Rendering, Global Illumination, Volumetric lights (out of the box), Post Processing, Material Editor
Unique Features	Rich 2D support, AI, Network Support	AI, Network Support
Performance	Does not scale well, unlike Unreal Engine	Has support for distributed execution
AI Support	ML-Agents toolkit	Behavior trees
VR/AR/XR Support	Yes (faster, and easier to use, supports more platforms)	Yes (more advanced graphics)
Targeted User Base	Independent developers and hobbyists	Independent developers and AAA game developers
Supported Platforms	Android, Android TV, HoloLens, iOS, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Samsung Smart TV, SteamOS, Tizen, WebGL, Web Player, Windows, and Xbox	Android, HTML5, iOS, Linux, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, SteamOS, Windows, and Xbox
Community	More than 200k members on the official subreddit	About 100k members on the official subreddit
Popular Games	Alto’s Adventure, Among Us, Norco, and Pokémon Go	Borderlands 3, Fortnite, Street Fighter 5, Tekken 7, Unreal, and Unreal Tournament
Pricing	Personal, Plus, Pro (Free until the product earns more than $100k in the last 12 months)	Free (5% commission for titles accumulating more than $1 million gross revenue)
Social Media Presence	Instagram 272k, GitHub 22,803 public repositories and 4.2k followers, Twitter 473.5k, LinkedIn 558k	Instagram 951k,GitHub 350 public repositories and 13k followers, Twitter 561.5k,LinkedIn (as Epic Games) 579k

Similarities Between Unity And Unreal Engine

Unity and Unreal Engine share numerous features that make them standout choices for game development:

• Both engines enable developers to create games for multiple devices.
• They integrate various game elements such as sound, graphics, and AI, allowing for the creation of complex and immersive games.
• Both engines cater to diverse project needs by supporting the development of both 2D and 3D games.
• With large communities and a wealth of tutorials and resources, both engines make it easier for developers to learn, innovate, and troubleshoot.
• Unity and Unreal Engine provide sophisticated tools for developing virtual reality experiences.

Unity vs Unreal Engine 5: Which Is To Choose In 2024?

Choosing between Unity and Unreal Engine 5 is crucial for everyone – from large-scale metaverse companies to indie creators. Unity excels in mobile and AR/VR projects and offers extensive cross-platform support, making it ideal for beginners and indie developers. Unreal Engine 5 stands out for high-quality visuals, with advanced rendering capabilities like Nanite and Lumen. It allows shader customization without coding and provides rapid post-processing. Both engines have their strengths and weaknesses, but the final decision depends on several factors:

Choose Unity if you are:	Choose Unreal if you are:
new to coding	up for a challenge
developing a 2D mobile game	creating a first-person shooter
aiming to release on multiple platforms	focused on high-quality visuals
seeking a job where Unity is used	seeking a job where C++ or Unreal is used

Top 5 Mobile Games Made Using Unity Engine

Here are some of the top mobile games made using Unity Engine:

1. Honkai: Star Rail: 

Developed by Hoyoverse, this game utilizes the Unity game engine. It has received acclaim for its engaging combat, endearing characters, and meticulously designed worlds. Unity’s versatility and robust tools have empowered the developers to create a rich and immersive environment for players to explore.

2. LEGO Bricktales: 

This game is created using the Unity engine, allowing the developers to implement a distinctive brick-by-brick construction style, setting it apart from other games in the Lego series. The game features beautifully crafted Lego renditions of real-world locations, challenging players to solve various puzzles.

3. Hello Kitty Island Adventure: 

Developed by Sunblink in collaboration with Sanrio, this game is built with the Unity engine. The Unity platform has enabled the creation of an open-world exploration game that integrates crafting, cooking, and puzzle-solving elements.

4. Rider Worlds: 

As a sequel to the classic Rider game, this version features 3D graphics and numerous unique vehicles. Built with the Unity engine, the game offers a visually impressive and highly addictive gameplay experience.

5. My Lovely Planet:

“My Lovely Planet” is a unique mobile game that combines environmental activism with engaging gameplay. Developed using the Unity game engine, it offers high-quality graphics and cross-platform compatibility. Players engage in match-3 puzzles and island-building activities, contributing to real-world environmental causes. The game partners with NGOs for tree planting and ocean cleaning. It’s a great example of how games can transcend traditional boundaries and contribute to larger causes, all while providing an immersive gaming experience.

Top 5 Mobile Games Made Using Unreal Engine

Here are some of the top mobile games made using Unreal Engine:

1. PUBG Mobile: 

This popular battle royale game is developed using the Unreal Engine, which supports high-quality graphics and smooth performance on mobile devices. The developers optimized Unreal Engine 4 specifically for the mobile platform. In 2024, PUBG announced plans to transition to Unreal Engine 5, which promises new features and enhancements.

2. Fortnite Mobile: 

Another widely played battle royale game, Fortnite Mobile, also uses the Unreal Engine. This engine provides cross-platform compatibility, high-quality graphics, and immersive gameplay. Additionally, the developers introduced the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), enabling creators to develop content using a familiar interface.

3. ARK: Survival Evolved Mobile: 

This survival game is built with the Unreal Engine, offering a vast open-world experience with high-quality graphics and complex mechanics. The developers successfully adapted the desktop version for mobile devices while preserving its graphical quality.

4. The Baby In Yellow: 

A horror game developed with the Unreal Engine, The Baby In Yellow features immersive gameplay and high-quality graphics. The developers are currently porting the game to Unreal Engine 5, aiming to introduce new features and improvements.

5. Creative Destruction 2: 

This battle royale game, developed with the Unreal Engine, features a fully destructible environment that adds a dynamic element to the gameplay. Players can destroy and rebuild the game world, offering a unique and engaging experience. Unreal Engine’s capabilities ensure high-quality graphics and smooth performance and enhance the overall gaming experience. The game demonstrates Unreal Engine’s power in creating diverse and captivating mobile games, making it a great choice for fans of battle royale games with a twist.

Other Great Video Game Engines

Apart from Unity and Unreal Engine, various other game engines are suitable for developing video games across different platforms. Here are some of the top game engines currently available:

1. GameMaker

GameMaker is known for its simplicity and efficiency. It is ideal for both beginners and seasoned developers looking for a straightforward tool to create 2D games. The 2023 update has introduced a reworked compiler and runtime toolchain that will enhance the performance and simplify the coding process.

Key Features:

• It allows game development for cross-platform applications like Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and more.
• It offers better support for multiple languages, including shader languages.
• It can be integrated with mod.io, which facilitates game mod creation.
• There is a Prefab library that integrates reusable components into projects.

2. CryEngine

CryEngine was introduced by Crytek, and it is renowned for its stunning graphical capabilities and advanced physics simulations. This feature makes it ideal for developers aiming for high realism. CryEngine supports DirectX 12 and voxel-based global illumination (SVOGI) to ensure photorealistic visuals that set a high standard for next-gen game development.

Key Features:

• Real-time dynamic global illumination that ensures realistic lighting.
• Physically based rendering for accurate material depiction.
• Sandbox tool, i.e., WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor.
• Audio translation layer for flexibility in choosing audio middleware.

3. AppGameKit

AppGameKit is designed for rapid development across multiple platforms. It can build games for mobile devices and desktops while making it accessible to developers at all levels. Its ease of use and extensive feature set make AppGameKit a versatile tool for diverse game projects.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive tools for various game types (2D and 3D support).
• It features advanced rendering techniques and supports Vulkan and OpenGL.
• It includes AR features for innovative game development.
• It offers cross-platform deployment functionality.

4. Godot

Godot is an open-source engine known for its flexibility and unique scene system, which allows for modular game design. It also has a strong, active community that makes it a reliable choice for indie developers.

Key Features:

• There’s a modular design with reusable components.
• It has multi-language support like GDScript (Python-like), C#, and C++.
• It allows visual scripting, i.e. a drag-and-drop interface for non-coders.
• There are low system requirements and broad export options.

5. Solar2D

Solar2D is formerly known as Corona SDK. It is perfect for fast and efficient 2D game development and uses the Lua scripting language. Its simplicity and speed, along with real-time testing, make Solar2D a top choice for mobile game developers.

Key Features:

• It allows real-time updates on connected devices.
• It offers easy integration of third-party services.
• It has multi-platform deployment functionality and supports iOS, Android, and desktops.

6. Defold

Defold offers a robust component-based system, optimal for both 2D and 3D game creation, with a focus on performance.

Key Features:

• Ensures modularity and efficiency.
• It supports animations like flipbook animations, bone animations, and more.
• There is both 2D and 3D physics for accurate simulations.
• It uses Lua Scripting language for game logic.
• It has the cross-platform capability.

7. Phaser

Phaser is a top choice for creating web-based 2D games, known for its flexibility and extensive feature set. It ensures seamless performance across different web browsers, and it is an ideal choice for online game developers.

Key Features:

• Integrated for realistic gameplay.
• There is comprehensive support for creating detailed environments.
• It simplifies development with clean, accessible code.

8. RPGMaker

RPGMaker is customized to create role-playing games by integrating with Unity for advanced development while maintaining its user-friendly essence.

Key Features:

• Native support for high-definition graphics.
• It offers an outline editor, which is an innovative tool for game design.
• There are guides for tuning game balance.
• It allows customizable C# scripts and flexibility for unique game mechanics.

Conclusion

When it comes to game development in 2024, the choice between Unity and Unreal Engine 5 is crucial. Unity excels in adaptability and the ability to create games for various platforms, including mobile and the growing AR/VR space, making it an excellent option for beginners and independent developers. On the other hand, Unreal Engine 5 stands out in delivering breathtaking visuals and cutting-edge rendering techniques, making it the preferred choice for studios working on high-end, graphically demanding games.

Both engines have distinct strengths and are suited to specific project needs. By exploring their features, community support, and cost models, you can make an informed decision. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your team’s expertise and the vision you have for your game.

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FAQ

Should I use Unity 5 or Unreal Engine 4 as a beginner?

For beginners in 2024, Unity is generally considered the more user-friendly option. Its intuitive interface, C# scripting (easier to learn than Unreal’s C++), and vast beginner resources make it easier to jump in and start creating. While Unreal Engine 4 is powerful, its steeper learning curve might be a hurdle for someone new to game development.

Is Unity lighter than Unreal?

In terms of overall system requirements, Unity tends to be lighter than Unreal Engine. This can be a major advantage, especially for developers creating games for mobile platforms or those with limited computing power. Unity allows you to focus on core mechanics without worrying about demanding hardware needs.

Is Unity better than Unreal for developers?

There’s no single “better” engine for all developers. Unity excels with its accessibility and versatility, making it a great choice for 2D, 3D, mobile, and VR/AR projects. Unreal Engine shines in creating high-fidelity, visually stunning games with its advanced rendering features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your project’s specific needs and your team’s skillset.

Is Unreal Engine 5 better?

Unreal Engine 5 boasts significant advancements over Unreal Engine 4, particularly in graphics fidelity and real-time rendering with features like Lumen and Nanite. However, this power comes at a cost. Unreal Engine 5 requires more powerful hardware and has a steeper learning curve. If your project prioritizes cutting-edge visuals and you have the resources, Unreal Engine 5 could be a great choice. However, for many developers, Unity might still be a more practical option.