Technological advancements in online games are there for all to see. Try a racing or a combat game, and you get features like gesture control, immersive augmented reality experience and in-game assets. With a rummy game download, you get features like free tournaments, massive prize money events and in-game chatting, making your experience wholesome. Behind these advanced features are some equally advanced game development tools and technologies.
One such tool at the disposal of the game developers is the game engine. It is the software framework behind the ideation, creation and execution of many online games in today’s gaming ecosystem. It acts as the operation table where games are developed, the game mechanics are put in place, the features are integrated, and the cross-platform compatibility is enabled. It is their versatile offering that makes game engines immensely popular among most game developers.
Game Engine: A Platter of Gaming Possibilities
With a game engine in place, creating a game becomes a fully streamlined endeavour, from ideation to execution. It helps a developer to build the game world, its characters and assets, and structure them. Development tools, scripting languages and asset management systems are part of the game engine framework.
Complex game systems like physics simulation and collision detection are managed through game engines. Many game engines also offer physics engines that are used to simulate the physical interactions within the game.
It is also used to integrate the graphics and audio and ensure the visual appeal and immersive qualities of the game. Graphic design tools are used by 37% of developers, while 47% of developers use 3D game engines in their work.
The game is not ready as long as it is not compatible with all targeted operating systems. The game engine facilitates the compatibility of the game across different devices and operating systems.
The user experience defines the success of the game, and game engines have a role to play here as well. They facilitate the integration and smooth handling of input systems, starting from keyboard and mouse to motion sensors. It also offers networking APIs and multiplayer support as last-mile benefits.
Thanks to all these features, 60% of game developers prefer the use of game engines.
Trends in Game Engine Use
If we look at the game engine market, it has standout names like Unity and Unreal. Unity, in particular, is a clear favourite among developers, with 38% preferring it as a part of game development. Unreal has 15% of developers as a dedicated user base.
Another pattern observed among developers is the use of multiple game engines. Around 64% of developers use two or more engines, while 38% use three or more. The developers using a smaller engine often end up using several of them as they are not feature-rich like Unity and Unreal. This is where an engine like Godot must be mentioned. While 20% of developers use Godot, only 5% of them use it as their primary engine.
Talking of Godot, it must be noted that it is an open-source engine. Developers get accessible source codes, which they can modify and customise as needed. Engines like Unity and Unreal, on the other hand, are commercial game engines that provide comprehensive tools support. Gaming studios sometimes also opt for in-house game engines that are fit for their tailored needs.
Top commercial and open-source engines and numerous other engines make the game engine industry a vibrant segment.
A Market of its Own
The game engine market is estimated to grow at 14.1% CAGR and is likely to be a $2.17 billion market by 2028. The major players in this segment are the forces behind the latest technologies that we see in games. Unity 3D engine, for instance, is used partly or fully to develop 60% of the Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) games. It is also used to develop nearly 50% of all mobile games.
Rummy game downloads amount to millions in India every year. Chances are that if you are playing rummy online on your mobile, Unity may have had a role in its development. The same goes for the multiplayer online battle arena game you play using your VR gear!
However, if 60% of developers prefer using a game engine, it also means that 40% of them don’t.
Developers to Decide
Without a game engine, the developer has to write codes for every aspect of the game, including graphics, physics, audio, etc. A broad level of expertise is required to meet all these diverse needs. A game engine, on the other hand, simplifies the effort and saves time and cost. It frees up more time for the developer to focus on providing a quality gaming experience to the gamer. Besides, game engines are only getting better with time and innovation, making the choice easier for developers.