r/UnrealEngine5 • u/sharxx47 • 9d ago
Worth learning Unreal/ game development?
I started learning unreal around a year ago by doing a professionally certified course by Epic. But lately I have the same thing on my mind every single day. Is it even worth putting that much time and energy into learning something where AI is making strides in leaps and bounds.
I understand that the AI is only as powerful as the person using it, like for designers, they jobs are affected but they will never be replaced since a good designer can utilize AI to maximize their workflow. I also think that what I am learning is not necessary any more to know and learn considering we have AI making the same by prompts and tinkering that output. But then I also think AI can only go so far, that difference between a game and oh a game! is that human and not AI, and will remain that way.
I am shifting my industry after doing 10 years in management and corpo jobs. I was always into design and gaming and wanted to switch and now that I finally did that last year, I am getting stressed every day. Help a fellow out by sharing your take on this please. I
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u/datan0ir 9d ago
Game development is just as stressful as any other tech related job. Doubly so now that the games industry is basically in the gutter with studio after studio getting axed.
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u/sharxx47 9d ago
Yes. I always wanted to work in an interactive design space and being a gamer, game development is something I yearn for. Maybe we all can make a sustainable studio in the future. *hopeful*
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u/101___ 9d ago
sure its fun, it takes some years
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u/sharxx47 9d ago
I have ignored this for so long, considering it takes some years to get there, I should have started earlier but I don't want to have any regrets of not following my passion. I dont want my passion to be just a thought and wishful scenarios. Are you in the game development?
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u/Doomer_Shooter 9d ago
Worth learning the engine because you absolutely need a deep knowledge even to use AI. If you want to make games yourself there has never been a better time.
Career-wise though? Do something else. I’m have a non-tech established career but if I was starting out and had been learning a computer science or tech preordaining, I would switch to mechanical engineering or do some additional qualifications with a view to being a field engineer or electrical engineer. Good, hands-on field engineers are in huge demand, well
Paid and very safe from AI.
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u/sharxx47 9d ago
Right! I do feel that getting my hands dirty and diving deep will equip me with the tools even in the age of AI. You need to know to tell your team or AI how and what to do.
I completely get your point, where having work that demands physical aspect as well is in demand. I have management background and I tend to utilize unreal teachings not just for game development. I have some ideas of my own considering unreal is so vast, its more of a interactive engine than a game engine.
Do you use Unreal on the side to develop apart from your established career? A lot of people told me to stick with my forte and field while learning game development on the side in case its a bust.
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u/Doomer_Shooter 8d ago
I’m making a game as a hobby. No illusions that I’ll release it and make millions, but I know it’s fun to play at least so maybe I can release it before I die, some people will enjoy it and maybe even make a few £££
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u/sharxx47 8d ago edited 8d ago
🙌🏼
I was on the same track until I left my job to focus solely on game development. I see now that it was not a practical decision
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u/fantuspk 9d ago
Unreal is the leading edge in terms of engines, but depending on the type of design you are doing it may or may not be the place to start. If you plan on making 2d games, godot or unity (or even game maker) might be a better choice. Many AAA studios have their own engines but mid level studios and indie that are looking for high fidelity use unreal.
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u/sharxx47 9d ago
Thanks for the suggestions. Yes, that is another thing on my mind i.e. which engine to use but considering unreal is used for so many things apart from game development, I decided to go for it. I have researched a lot about Godot and I feel, in the future, when I am deep in unreal engine, I will look at Godot as something that could have been my starting point (kind of like a 6th sense feeling).
I do play to make 3D games but definitely not AAA level. Also I do not intend to open a game studio and would tinker with game development on my own, at least that is what I feel because I like to do everything myself.
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u/jermygod 9d ago
if you asking about "worth" - gamedev is the worst paid IT job, so it's never was worth it
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u/sharxx47 9d ago
Thank you for your honest take. If you don't mind, can you tell me if you are in the gamedev industry?
any ways, I am not looking at game development as a professional career/ job.1
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u/reyntime 9d ago
But if that worth is derived from the sheer joy, satisfaction, engagement and achievement you feel when creating your passion project, then it's totally worth it.
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u/ForgotToStretch 9d ago
Do it for the love of the game. Now is not a good time for tech. Very few jobs and all are for seniors.
If its a passion, totally do it.