Back at GDC 2014 Epic Games demonstrated its new Unreal Engine 4 features as well as an entirely new business model. It is now a subscription based product. Anyone can access all UE4 engine, editors and source code for $19.99 per month. Today Epic Games released the first major update for Unreal Engine 4 since its public launch at the Game Developers Conference.
WIth today’s release all subscribers who are registered Xbox or PlayStation developers, as well as members of the ID@Xbox indie developer program, can get access to the engine’s complete source code for respective console platforms at no additional cost.
Apart from adding support for both next-generation gaming consoles, Sony PlayStation 4 and the Microsoft Xbox One, the Unreal Engine 4.1 update also brings SteamOS and Linux support as well as refined iOS and Android workflow. It includes new game templates for C++ programmers and designers using Blueprint visual scripting. The engine gets over 100 improvements based on feedback from the community.
By launching UE4 Epic Games gave independent developers an amazing opportunity to tap into the technology that was previously only limited to AAA developers as the license alone could cost $1 million just for access to the source code and limited support. Now that it supports even more platforms, this will certainly help even more developers develop more high-quality games.
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