Unreal Engine 4 is now free for everyone to use
Epic Games has made Unreal Engine 4 available for anyone to download and use, for free.
Unreal Engine 4 is now free. Anyone can download it and start using it, the developer announced today in a blog post. The download features the the full set of tools used by Epic, and includes 100% of the C++ source code. All future updates will also be added at no extra cost.
Epic only takes a 5% cut from the gross revenue beyond the first $3,000, per product, per quarter. The move allows even more developers access to one of the most robust game engines available, and is a step forward from last year's $19 per month subscription.
The Unreal Engine download gives developers access to development forums, wiki, and a marketplace where they can purchase, or sell their work, for other developers to use. In addition, video tutorials, documentation, and game templates will also come with the download.
"The past year has been a whirlwind for everyone at Epic Games. Our community has grown tremendously. The quality and variety of creative work being done has been breathtaking. When we asked people to submit their projects to be shown this year at GDC, we had the challenge of picking just 8 from over 100 finalists that were all good enough to show," said Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney.
"The state of Unreal is strong, and we’ve realized that as we take away barriers, more people are able to fulfil their creative visions and shape the future of the medium we love. That’s why we’re taking away the last barrier to entry, and going free."
Epic will be issuing pro-rated refunds to current subscribers for the payment of their most recent month. A $30 Unreal Engine Marketplace credit will also be sent to anyone who has ever paid for a subscription.
Here's Sweeney announcing the new scheme.
