Unreal Engine 4.20 (Wikipedia)
Author: VANAS Team
The Most Popular Games Created with Unreal Engine
Table of Contents
- What Makes Unreal Engine a Game Changer?
- Fortnite: The Battle Royale Phenomenon
- Gears of War: A Legendary Franchise
- Final Fantasy VII Remake: AAA Excellence
- The Mandalorian and Real-Time Production
- Rising Stars: New Unreal Engine Games
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
What Makes Unreal Engine a Game Changer?
If you're into video games, you've probably played something built on Unreal Engine—whether you knew it or not. Created by Epic Games, Unreal Engine has become one of the most powerful and flexible game development platforms in the world.
What makes it so special? Let's break it down: Unreal offers cutting-edge graphics, industry-standard tools, incredible performance optimization, and a massive community of developers sharing resources. From indie studios to AAA powerhouses, developers choose Unreal because it delivers next-gen quality without compromising flexibility.
The engine isn't just for games anymore either. It's been used for film production, architectural visualization, training simulations, and more. But today, we're focusing on the games that made Unreal a household name.
Fortnite: The Battle Royale Phenomenon
Let's start with the obvious: Fortnite. This isn't just a popular game—it's a cultural phenomenon. Launched in 2018, Fortnite has generated over $30 billion in revenue and fundamentally changed how the gaming industry approaches free-to-play mechanics.
Built entirely on Unreal Engine, Fortnite showcases what's possible when you combine powerful technology with brilliant game design. The game features:
- Massive online battles with 100 players
- Constant seasonal updates and fresh content
- Cross-platform play across PC, console, and mobile
- Stunning graphics that have only improved over time
- A thriving competitive esports scene
What's impressive isn't just how many people play Fortnite—it's how the game has become a social hub. Concerts, movie premieres, and brand collaborations happen inside Fortnite. The Unreal Engine powers all of that seamlessly.
Gears of War: A Legendary Franchise
Before Fortnite dominated the landscape, Gears of War was already proving that Unreal Engine could deliver blockbuster experiences. Launched in 2006, the original Gears of War revolutionized third-person shooters and set a new standard for console gaming.
The franchise has produced multiple sequels, spin-offs, and even a Netflix animated series. Each game in the series has pushed Unreal Engine's capabilities further:
- Gears of War (2006) – The original that set the bar
- Gears of War 2, 3, and Judgment – Expanding the story and mechanics
- Gears 5 (2019) – Modern graphics and innovative multiplayer modes
- Gears of War: E-Day (2025) – The prequel bringing the franchise full circle
What makes Gears special is its satisfying combat mechanics, jaw-dropping visuals, and memorable characters. The Locusts vs. Humans conflict has captivated millions of players for nearly two decades, all running on Unreal.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: AAA Excellence
When Square Enix decided to remake Final Fantasy VII, one of gaming's most iconic titles, they chose Unreal Engine 4. The result? A stunning achievement in visual storytelling and game design that redefined what a remake could be.
Released in 2020, Final Fantasy VII Remake proved that Unreal Engine could handle massive, story-driven RPGs with:
- Cinematic graphics rivaling film quality
- Deep combat systems requiring strategic thinking
- Massive explorable worlds filled with detail
- Emotional storytelling that resonated with millions
- Performance optimization for smooth gameplay
The game earned numerous awards and critical acclaim. It showed that Unreal Engine wasn't just for shooters or battle royales—it could deliver intricate, character-driven narratives with production values that rival AAA film studios.
The upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth continues the legacy, pushing the engine even further.
The Mandalorian and Real-Time Production
While not a traditional game, this deserves mention because it changed how television and film are created. The Mandalorian, the Star Wars series on Disney+, uses Unreal Engine to power real-time virtual production environments.
Instead of filming on traditional sets, actors perform in front of massive LED walls running Unreal Engine graphics. This real-time rendering technology, called StageCraft, has revolutionized production:
- Faster filming schedules
- More creative control for directors
- Cost savings compared to traditional methods
- Higher quality visuals with minimal post-production work
While The Mandalorian isn't a game, it demonstrates how Unreal Engine's capabilities extend beyond gaming and influence the entire entertainment industry.
Rising Stars: New Unreal Engine Games
The new generation of games built on Unreal Engine is equally impressive. Here are some rising stars:
Avowed
The spiritual successor to The Outer Worlds, Avowed is an action RPG from Obsidian Entertainment that's generating massive hype. Built on Unreal Engine 5, it features rich storytelling and immersive world-building.
Dragon's Dogma 2
Capcom's action RPG sequel delivers stunning graphics and engaging gameplay. The improved Unreal Engine iteration brought smoother performance and more detailed environments.
Tekken 8
Fighting game enthusiasts rejoiced when Bandai Namco's latest Tekken title arrived on Unreal Engine, delivering crisp visuals and ultra-responsive gameplay.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
MachineGames' upcoming first-person adventure promises to bring adventure gaming to new heights using Unreal Engine's capabilities.
Why Game Studios Choose Unreal Engine
After looking at these games, you might wonder why Unreal Engine is so popular. Here's the breakdown:
- Performance – The engine is optimized for high frame rates and detailed graphics
- Scalability – Works on everything from mobile to high-end PC and console
- Tools – Blueprints visual scripting makes development faster
- Cost – Free to use until your game makes serious revenue
- Community – Massive support, tutorials, and asset libraries
- Innovation – Constant updates with cutting-edge technology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Unreal Engine better than Unity?
Both are excellent. Unreal shines with AAA graphics and performance, while Unity is often easier for beginners and mobile games. Many studios use both depending on the project.
Can indie developers use Unreal Engine?
Absolutely. The engine is free until your game generates significant revenue. Many successful indie games have been built on Unreal.
How long does it take to learn Unreal Engine?
Beginners can create simple games in a few weeks. Becoming proficient takes months to years, depending on your background and dedication.
What programming languages does Unreal use?
Primarily C++. However, Blueprints (visual scripting) allows developers to create games without coding.
Is Unreal Engine suitable for VR games?
Yes. Unreal Engine has excellent VR support and has powered many acclaimed VR titles.
What's the difference between Unreal Engine 4 and 5?
Unreal Engine 5 brings better performance, advanced lighting (Lumen), improved nanite technology for detailed geometry, and enhanced tools. Many studios are actively migrating to UE5.
Key Takeaways
Unreal Engine has fundamentally shaped modern gaming. From the cultural juggernaut of Fortnite to the artistic masterpiece of Final Fantasy VII Remake, the engine powers some of the most important games of our time.
Whether you're interested in game development, visual effects, or understanding how the games you love are made, Unreal Engine is absolutely worth learning. The skills you develop translate across industries—from games to film to interactive experiences.
VANAS Online Education offers comprehensive Video Game Development and Digital Arts programs. To start your journey in game development with Unreal Engine, visit https://www.vanas.ca
The future of gaming is being built right now on Unreal Engine. Why not be part of it?
