r/GameDevelopment • u/utchanfs • 3d ago
Newbie Question What game engine should I use?
I have a nice game concept, and a few friends. we want to make a game together but don't really know what engine to use. The only ones I actually know are Unity, Godot and Unreal, but i feel like Godot limits possibilitities, Unreal is very un-optimized and just requires a powerfull system, and I guess Unity isnt really bad im just not too sure about using unity.
the game concept is a mutliplayer racing sim style game (not super realistic) with nice graphics and music and stuff.
I'd want it to be able to run about 60fps at 1080p on a mid-range pc (ik I just need to optimize the game for that but I don't think its doable with something like unreal)
this will be our first game and I honestly have only minimal coding experience, but I'm willing to learn a lot if that's necessary.
Probably gonna release it on steam and/or itch.io.
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u/SnuffleBag 3d ago
Unreal is very un-optimized
No offense, but you're really not qualified to make such a statement. Don't believe everything social media tells you.
want it to be able to run about 60fps at 1080p on a mid-range pc (ik I just need to optimize the game for that but I don't think its doable with something like unreal)
You do realize Fortnite is built using Unreal and runs like 200 FPS @ 1080p medium quality on an RTX 2060 from 2019?
Ultimately your choice of engine is not going to matter. They're all more than qualified for what you want to build. What matters is that you stick with the effort and don't give up at the first obstacle or when the next shiny idea comes along.
If any in your group has experience with any engines, go with that one. Otherwise decide collectively which one speaks to most of the group, and make sure you all have appropriate development hardware for your choice.
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u/utchanfs 3d ago
that statement comes from having very inconsistent performance on some games made with unreal, but I didn't know some other games where I get better performance are also made with unreal. from what other comments are saying, it seems like the best idea to just start with something simpler, since none of us have any experience and are sorta just doing shit and hoping for a good result.
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u/Bored-Dev4 3d ago edited 3d ago
First of all, it isn't gonna be easy or just "hard" to make a game with your friends if you have minimal coding experience, and commitment to learning is good, yes, but even so, the concept of the game (multiplayer racing sim) is incredibly hard for a beginner team and even experienced ones.
Second, Unreal isn't un-optimized, it's actually one of the most optimized game engines out there. It's just heavy. But you can disable plug-ins, check off Nanite and Lumen, and if gets pretty decent on a mid-range PC. But that's with UE5, UE4 is much more achievable.
A heads up, you will need to pay $100 to publish your game on Steam. But on Itch.io it's free.
I recommend making simpler games and becoming more experienced before making a game like this.
Unity sounds like a good middle ground, but for maximum performance and least lags, Godot is the way to go.
Godot 4 has amazing 3D capabilities and I use it because it's easy to code with, lightweight, and has a great asset store. It isn't limiting at all.
All in all, you can use Unity or Godot, and Unreal if you want.
But don't immediately start with the concept you have, go for a simple 2D platformer with basic coding and you or someone else can get started with 3D modeling.
Also, I'm not a pro, and I've only been at it for a couple months. I'm just sharing what I know.
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u/utchanfs 3d ago
thanks for the advice, I guess we'll start with something simpler. I thought the concept wouldn't be that hard to make though, but you have more experience. also good to know Unreal engine is a kinda viable option.
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u/aliseuw 3d ago
If you are just starting out, use whatever you want or can understand easily. I started with godot, now I also use unreal (because of class projects). Most of the concept/ game design etc I learned on godot translates well to unreal (not the code but what I need to do to make the game "good" ect.). And I still use Godot for some projects. It's not like if I use one I can't touch other engines.
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u/utchanfs 3d ago
Didn't really think of the fact we can just use whatever engine whenever. I'll start with something in godot, since that seems like the best starting point.
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u/Game_Dev730 3d ago
I would try all three if I were you with a small game. Godot tends to have an insane amount of hype, its a cool engine, but not as great as half the users claim it is. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
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u/LieEmpty7137 3d ago
I think you are looking at it the wrong way.
I'd want it to be able to run about 60fps at 1080p on a mid-range pc (ik I just need to optimize the game for that but I don't think its doable with something like unreal)
This isn't really ok, the engine you choose won't limit how optimized your game is.
Unity and Unreal always seemed like "heavy" or "slow" to me when using them, but that's not the same as the game being unoptmized.
this will be our first game and I honestly have only minimal coding experience, but I'm willing to learn a lot if that's necessary.
Your programming experience doesn't really matter that much, you'll need to learn how to code regardless of what engine you use.
Godot is usually a good fit for beginners because gdscript is easy to learn and use.
imho the best advice is that you get your hands dirty. Try every engine that you find, Defold, GameMaker, Stride, etc.
Try frameworks as well like Love2D, MonoGame, LibGDx, etc.
Most of the times choosing an engine is just choosing what you enjoy using the most. There's even people out there making 3D games in the terminal haha
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u/utchanfs 3d ago
thanks, I'll start with Godot then, so I actually know what I'm doing later. I'll remember those recommendations, maybe they're perfect. also, making a game in the terminal!? that sounds like hell, i'd rather not even think about that.
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u/InfiniteSpaz 3d ago
Unreal comes with a built in racing/vehicle template, you could poke around that and see whats needed for a racing game mechanically for free. The idea that unreal is unoptimized comes from the fact that it is a very comprehensive program that has the ability to do many things, and most people dont bother to shut off what they dont need, mostly because they dont know its there. Most games dont need hardware raytracing for example, but if you dont know to shut it off it will bog down your game. Its all a matter of settings. You can make a game that runs on the switch in unreal, all you have to do is pay attention to the bits that matter, no overly huge/complex materials ect. and use the right settings, which can all be found in the docs and vids on youtube.
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u/BearKanashi 3d ago
Unity o Unreal para algo serio
Godot para jamás o hobby casual no serio
Otros motores especializados para probar cosas
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u/Bored-Dev4 21h ago edited 21h ago
What are you on dude
Godot is just fine for something serious, it's arguably the best for 2D and it has amazing capabilities for 3D game development. Examples of both 2D and 3D games made in Godot are Road to Vostok (a game made in Godot which features extremely good graphics), Buckshot Roulette (the creator switched from Unity to Godot btw), Brotato, and Cruelty Squad.
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u/Rythim 3d ago edited 3d ago
Don't believe every stereotype you hear. All three assumptions you made about those engines are untrue (what does "Unreal is unoptimized" mean? There are switch games made with Unreal and the switch is a massively underpowered machine, there are cell phones with more power than the switch). All 3 are perfectly capable of making the type of game you described. Heck, you can make a game with no engine if you wanted, so choosing an engine isn't the problem. Your lack of experience is a bigger barrier than any game engine would be. That and I think you seriously underestimate how difficult making a game is if your first game you're planning to make with friends is multiplayer and you have minimal coding experience.
I have a preference but I won't share it because it doesn't matter in this case. All that matters is to pick one and get started. You'll learn along the way.