Unreal Engine 5.6 Is Out: What's New

Epic Games has just dropped a bombshell at the State of Unreal event, unveiling a treasure trove of new features for Unreal Engine 5.6. From the integration of MetaHuman Creator directly into the engine to The Witcher 4 showcasing its jaw-dropping capabilities, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dig into these exciting announcements and examine how they're reshaping the landscape of game development.

Unreal Engine 5.6: A Game-Changer for Developers

The release of Unreal Engine 5.6 isn't just another update. It's a seismic shift in the world of game development. This new version brings a host of features that promise to revolutionize how developers create and players experience games. Let's break down some of the most significant updates:

Metahuman Creator: Now at Your Fingertips

One of the most significant announcements is the integration of Metahuman Creator directly into Unreal Engine. This is huge. Why? Because it means developers can now create Metahumans from within the engine itself. No more switching between platforms or waiting for cloud-based systems. It's all right there, at your fingertips.

But Epic didn't stop there. They've taken Metahuman to the next level with body customization and a new clothing system. Developers can now use body sliders and modifiers to create truly unique characters. Want to input real-world values like weight, height, and muscle mass? Go for it. The new clothing system will automatically shape and fit the outfit to your custom Metahuman's body. It's like having a virtual tailor right in the engine.

Metahuman Animator: Bringing Characters to Life

The Metahuman Animator has received a significant boost in this update. You can now animate Metahumans using just a 2D video. That's right, no need for fancy motion capture suits or expensive equipment. Even more impressive? You can use a consumer-grade webcam for live motion capture with minimal latency. This opens up a world of possibilities for indie developers and small studios who previously couldn't afford high-end motion capture technology.

Metahumans: Breaking Free from Unreal Engine

In a move that's sure to send ripples through the industry, Epic has updated the license for Metahumans. Now, these incredibly detailed digital humans can be used in any software or program outside of Unreal Engine. This is a game-changer for creators across various platforms. Imagine the possibilities for film production, virtual reality experiences, or even educational software. The potential is vast.

Reality Scan 2.0: The Future of Asset Creation

Reality Scan, the mobile and PC scanning app that creates detailed photorealistic scans of assets, is getting an upgrade. Reality Scan 2.0 is set to release later this month, promising even better scanning capabilities. This tool has already been a boon for developers looking to create realistic environments quickly and efficiently. With version 2.0, we can expect even more impressive results.

The Witcher 4: Showcasing the Power of Unreal Engine 5

CD Projekt Red, the developers behind the critically acclaimed Cyberpunk and The Witcher series, unveiled their new Witcher 4 game built in Unreal Engine 5. This reveal wasn't just about a new game in a beloved franchise. It was a showcase of what Unreal Engine 5 is capable of.

A World Beyond Imagination

The first thing that caught everyone's eye was the massive, stunningly detailed open world map. Unreal Engine 5's capabilities shine through in every blade of grass, every rocky outcrop, and every atmospheric effect. It's a world that feels alive and breathing, pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible in game environments.

Lifelike Characters and Creatures

CD Projekt Red didn't stop at the environment. They showcased some truly impressive character and creature work:

• Chaos flesh simulation for realistic horse muscles
• Motion matching for seamless character mounting
• Advanced NPC interaction system using state trees

The level of detail in NPC interactions is particularly noteworthy. In one demonstration, they showed a fish market scene where NPCs physically pick up fish, hand them to other characters to cut, and place them in baskets. This level of interaction and detail creates a world that feels genuinely alive and responsive.

Pushing the Boundaries of Realism

One of the most impressive features showcased was the updated Nanite Foliage system with voxel-based optimization. This system allows for incredibly detailed and realistic vegetation that responds dynamically to the environment. Imagine walking through a forest where every leaf and branch moves realistically in the wind. That's the level of detail we're talking about.

Epic Games Store: A New Era for Developers

Epic Games isn't just focusing on the engine itself. They're also making significant changes to the Epic Games Store, creating new opportunities for developers.

A More Developer-Friendly Revenue Model

Starting June 1st, developers can keep 100% of the net revenue on the first $1 million when using their own payment system. This is a significant shift in the industry standard and could attract more developers to the platform. It's a move that shows Epic's commitment to supporting developers, especially smaller indie studios.

Epic Games Store Web Shop: Expanding Horizons

Epic is introducing a new system allowing developers to create in-app or in-game purchases where they can keep 100% of the net revenue. This isn't just good for developers. Players can accrue Epic rewards and redeem them on purchases storewide, creating a more integrated and rewarding experience for gamers.

Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UFN): The Future of Gaming?

Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UFN) is getting some exciting updates that could change how we think about game development and player experiences.

Popular IPs Join the Fray

UFN is expanding with popular IPs like Squid Game, Avatar, and Star Wars. This means developers can create experiences within Fortnite using these beloved franchises, opening up new possibilities for crossovers and unique gameplay experiences.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, shared his vision for the future of Unreal Engine and UFN. It's a vision that aligns closely with the concept of a metaverse - a persistent, interconnected digital world.

Unifying Unreal Engine and UFN

Sweeney envisions combining Unreal Engine and UFN into Unreal Engine 6. This would create a single, powerful platform for game development and interactive experiences.

Cross-Platform Deployment

The future of Unreal Engine includes cross-platform deployment for games. This means developers could potentially create a game once and deploy it across multiple platforms with minimal additional work.

A Unified Item Economy

Perhaps most intriguingly, Sweeney talked about a unified item economy. This would allow players to use cosmetics across different games. Imagine buying a skin in Fortnite and being able to use it in other Unreal Engine games. It's a concept that could revolutionize how we think about in-game purchases and digital ownership.

The announcements from the State of Unreal 2023 event paint a picture of a future where the lines between different games, platforms, and even reality itself become increasingly blurred. As Unreal Engine continues to evolve, it's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game development and interactive experiences. The future of gaming is looking more exciting than ever.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

When will Unreal Engine 5.6 be available?

Unreal Engine 5.6 is available for download right now. You can get it from the official Epic Games website.

Can I use Metahumans outside of Unreal Engine now?

Yes, Epic has updated the licensing for Metahumans, allowing their use in any software or program outside of Unreal Engine.

What is the new revenue share model for the Epic Games Store?

Starting June 1st, developers can keep 100% of the net revenue on the first $1 million when using their own payment system on the Epic Games Store.

When will Reality Scan 2.0 be released?

Reality Scan 2.0 is set to be released later this month (June 2025).