One year ago, we discussed the State of Unreal 2023. This time, we would like to highlight the main announcements made by Epic Games at the State of Unreal during GDC 2024, which took place on March 20th, as we eagerly await the official release of Unreal Engine 5.4 by the end of this month. Let’s get started!
Nanite Tessellation
One of the most notable features discussed during the Unreal Engine 5.4 updates at the conference was adaptive tessellation with Nanite.
As we already know, Nanite is Unreal Engine’s virtualized geometry system for rendering pixel-scale detail and large quantities of objects. This notable enhancement will allow Nanite meshes to be dynamically modified at runtime using a displacement map or procedural material.
In other words, Nanite will tessellate the mesh at runtime to match the detail of the displacement map, generating only the necessary triangles for the current pixel density and achieving exceptional detail.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
Motion Machine
Another impressive feature is the new animation system integrated into this version. It provides an effective and straightforward way to animate characters through dynamic selection of animations based on the character’s pose and actions.
Additionally, Epic plans to release a learning project with over 500 free high-standard animations, allowing for full character animation using Control Rig and Sequencer without the need for any other software.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
Modular Control Rig
Utilizing the comprehensive Control Rig framework to build robust animation rigs ready for animating any skeleton. In this case, it will be possible to rig through modules, with the new tool featuring a Modular Rig editor and a new visual scheme for immediate feedback in the graphics window. Additionally, it will include a native library of Modules.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
Procedural Generation Framework
The PCG Biome Core has been announced, which is a systemic biome generator based on data and built entirely with the PCG Framework (Procedural Content Generation). Once the initial setup is done, artists and designers can easily define biomes within a world without the need to edit complex graphics or logic.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
Audio Insight
In addition, sound designers will have access to a new profiling tool for creating, analyzing, and debugging next-generation audio.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
UEFN
As we already know, UEFN (Unreal Editor for Fortnite) is a PC application released a year ago at GDC 2023, used for designing, developing, and publishing experiences directly to Fortnite. Significant improvements have been announced for 2024.
Now, creators have access to MetaHuman Creator and MetaHuman Animator, allowing them to bring NPCs to life on their islands.
Furthermore, MetaHumans’ wardrobe can be supplemented with Marvelous Designer integration, in addition to the Chaos Cloth function for animating clothing physics. As an additional bonus, UEFN creators will have access to a free 1-year license of Marvelous Designer.
Among other enhancements, UEFN will receive new Rocket Racing elements in May for creating racing tracks. Additionally, the collaboration between Epic Games and LEGO Group will allow the creation of islands with LEGO aesthetics.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
Epic Games Store
Among other news, it has been announced the intention to bring the Epic Games Store (EGS) to mobile devices later this year, being available for Android, iOS, PC and macOS. This will allow mobile developers to benefit from the same terms as the EGS for PC: an 88/12 revenue split. However, more details regarding this topic will be expanded upon shortly.
Image reference: State of Unreal | GDC 2024 | Epic Games
In summary, the aforementioned announcements encompass what we consider to be the most notable from the conference, especially those that further facilitate development in Unreal Engine and highlight the engine’s power. However, there are many other interesting updates that can be found in their public roadmap as well as their official blog.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this. Until next time!
