Unreal Engine is an open-source game engine that provides developers with the tools they need to create immersive and interactive games for various platforms.
Two of the most commonly used languages with Unreal Engine are C++ and C. While C++ is the primary language for engine development, C is also a supported language that can be used to develop games and applications within the engine.
C++ with Unreal Engine
One of the most famous games created with Unreal Engine is Fortnite, developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. Fortnite is a multiplayer battle royale game that has become incredibly popular among gamers of all ages. The game’s developers chose to use C++ as the primary language for engine development because of its performance-oriented features and low-level memory management capabilities, which were essential for creating a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
Another example of a game created with Unreal Engine’s support for C++ is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. This game was developed by Bethesda Softworks and released in 2016. It is an open-world role-playing game set in the fantasy world of Tamriel, and it features stunning graphics and immersive gameplay. The developers chose to use C++ as the primary language for engine development because of its ability to handle complex systems and high-performance requirements.
C with Unreal Engine
While C++ is the primary language for Unreal Engine development, C is also a supported language that can be used to develop games and applications within the engine. One example of a game created with Unreal Engine’s support for C is Minecraft: Education Edition. This game was developed by Mojang and released in 2016. It is an educational version of the popular Minecraft game, which has been modified to include additional features and content that are suitable for use in classrooms. The developers chose to use C as the primary language for engine development because of its ease of use and developer productivity features.
Another example of a game created with Unreal Engine’s support for C is The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series. This game was developed by Telltale Games and released in 2012. It is an episodic adventure game based on the popular comic book series “The Walking Dead.” The developers chose to use C as the primary language for engine development because of its ability to handle complex storytelling and interactive elements, which were essential for creating an engaging and immersive gaming experience.
Expert Opinions on Unreal Engine’s Language Preferences
Now that we’ve looked at some real-life examples of games created with Unreal Engine’s support for C++ and C, let’s hear from some experts in the field to get their opinions on which language is best for your development needs.
Epic Games, the developers of Unreal Engine, recommend using C++ as the primary language for engine development because of its performance-oriented features and low-level memory management capabilities. They also note that while C is a supported language, it may not be suitable for all types of games and applications.
However, some developers prefer to use C with Unreal Engine because of its ease of use and developer productivity features. For example, Unity Technologies, the developers of Unity (a competing game engine), recommend using C as the primary language for their engine because of its strong type checking, garbage collection, and automatic memory management capabilities.
