3D Game Engines

The world of digital art and design has come a long way in recent years and has opened up a vast range of possibilities for creative individuals. However, this journey can also be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering the tools required for creating stunning designs.

When I started my career, my first step was to learn Adobe Photoshop and CorelDRAW. I spent countless hours learning the ins and outs of these two powerful tools, and gradually became proficient in both. I remember the satisfaction I felt when I was finally able to produce good-quality designs using Photoshop and CorelDRAW.

I started working with training institute in mulund, called Image Mac Academy. While my first role was to teach the technical skills required for design, I quickly realized that my students had valuable insights into their respective industries that I could learn from.

Many of my students were employed with well-known companies like Supressa graphics, Mudra Communication, and Creast Communication. Through their experiences, they had developed a deep understanding of the design industry and the technical requirements that came with it.

However, I soon realized that my own knowledge in these areas was not as robust as I had initially believed. I felt that I was unable to effectively teach them the software applications without a deeper understanding of their industries.

It was then I took on a part-time role as a helper for a draftsman, where I learned about technical drawing and drafting techniques. It was during this period that I developed a strong interest in 3D animation, which was a rapidly growing field at the time. Through my work as a draftsman, I saw the potential of using 3D animation in the design industry, and I knew that I had to explore this area further.

But Image Mac Academy introduced me to varioty of range of applications, from Publishing, 3d animation to visual effects and I was hungry for more. I wanted to explore the world of 3D design and animation, and that’s when I started learning 3D Studio Max. This application was a game-changer for me, as it allowed me to create three-dimensional models and animations with incredible detail and realism. I spent hours experimenting with the different features and functions of the application, and it was truly a thrilling experience.

Then came Maya, a new and exciting 3D design application that had recently been released. I was eager to learn Maya and add it to my arsenal of design tools. However, I soon discovered that my computer did not meet the high specifications required to install and run the application. This was a significant setback for me, as I was unable to access the latest and most advanced features in 3D design and animation.

Over the course of the next five years, I worked hard and established myself as a skilled programmer in several programming languages, including PHP, Java, and .NET.  Despite working in the software development field, my love for 3D animation continued to grow stronger. I was always fascinated by the power of 3D animation to bring imagination to life and create visual experiences that captivate and engage audiences.

Nowadays, there are countless 3D applications available in the market, but the definition of 3D has evolved significantly over time. In the past, 3D applications were primarily used to create stunning models and animations. However, the gaming industry has had a profound impact on the software industry, shifting the focus towards powerful 3D engines that are optimized for gaming.

These game engines, such as Unreal Engine and Unity, have revolutionized the way that 3D is used in software development. They offer a range of tools and features that enable developers to create immersive, interactive, and visually stunning games that can be enjoyed by millions of players worldwide.

Unreal Engine, for example, is one of the most popular and powerful 3D engines available. It offers a wide range of features, including a powerful editor, advanced scripting capabilities, and realistic physics simulations. With Unreal Engine, developers can create everything from simple 2D games to complex, open-world environments that push the boundaries of what is possible in 3D.

Similarly, Unity 3D engine that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. It offers a user-friendly interface, a range of tools for creating 3D models and environments, and robust support for a variety of platforms, including mobile devices, consoles, and desktop computers.

When you’re picking the right engine for your game or 3D application, it’s important to fully understand some of the critical parameters.

Rendering: Rendering in older 3D applications and new game engine rendering has undergone significant changes over the years. The primary difference lies in the approach and purpose of the rendering.

In older 3D applications, rendering was mainly used for creating static images and animations that could be viewed from different angles. The rendering process was time-consuming and often required specialized hardware to achieve high-quality results. These older applications were primarily used for architectural visualization, product design, and other similar applications that required high-quality visualization of static objects.

On the other hand, game engine rendering is designed to render dynamic and interactive content in real-time. The focus is on creating immersive and engaging gameplay experiences that respond to user inputs and events. This real-time rendering is achieved by using powerful hardware, such as GPUs, and optimizing the rendering process for speed and efficiency.

Game engines use a technique called rasterization to render 3D scenes in real-time. This involves converting 3D models into 2D images using a series of mathematical calculations. This approach allows game engines to render complex scenes with high levels of detail, including lighting, textures, and other effects.

Another key difference is that game engine rendering is highly optimized for specific platforms, such as desktop computers, consoles, and mobile devices. This allows game developers to create highly optimized and efficient games that can run smoothly on a wide range of devices.

Performance: Evaluate the engine’s ability to handle complex graphics, physics, and rendering tasks efficiently. Look for optimizations and performance benchmarks.

Interactivity: Old 3D applications were limited to creating static images, whereas game engines are designed to create interactive experiences that respond to player input and actions.

Platform compatibility: Determine whether the engine supports the platforms you intend to develop for, such as PC, consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox), mobile devices (iOS, Android), or virtual reality (VR) platforms.

Ease of Use and Learning Curve: Evaluate the engine’s usability and the learning resources available. A user-friendly interface, comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and an active community can greatly facilitate the development process, especially for beginners.

Programming Language and Scripting Support: Check the programming languages supported by the engine. Most game engines use languages like C++, C#, or scripting languages like Python or Lua. I like Unity because it supports c# language. 

AI support: Game engines are designed to support AI, which makes gameplay more immersive and engaging. Old 3D applications did not have such capabilities.

Asset pipeline: Examine the engine’s asset pipeline and evaluate its efficiency for importing and managing 3D models, textures, animations, and other game assets.

Physics and collision systems: Assess the engine’s physics simulation capabilities, including rigid body dynamics, collision detection, and response systems, to determine if they meet your game’s requirements.

Audio capabilities: Determine whether the engine provides the necessary audio tools and features for implementing sound effects, music, and other audio assets.

Networking and multiplayer support: If your game requires multiplayer functionality, ensure that the engine offers networking capabilities, such as multiplayer frameworks, server integration, and synchronization options.

Community and support: Research the engine’s community and support channels, such as forums, documentation, tutorials, and active user bases. A strong community can provide valuable assistance and resources throughout your development process.

Cost and licensing: Consider the engine’s pricing model, license terms, and royalty requirements. Some engines offer free versions or royalty-based models, while others require upfront payment or subscription fees.

Third-party integration: Evaluate the engine’s compatibility with third-party tools and plugins, such as modeling software, animation tools, or middleware for specific functionalities like artificial intelligence or physics.

These two are my faviourate 3D game engines I worked with. 

Unity has emerged as my favorite game engine due to its remarkable features and efficient workflow. One of the key factors that sets Unity apart is its swift start-up time. From the moment you open the Unity Editor, you’re greeted with a user-friendly interface that facilitates seamless navigation and a smooth development experience.

Moreover, Unity’s lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for developers seeking a fast and responsive environment. It optimizes resource usage, ensuring that the engine runs smoothly even on less powerful hardware. This not only enhances productivity but also allows for rapid iterations and testing of ideas.

One of the most impressive aspects of Unity is its ability to create stunning 3D environments with ease. The engine provides a comprehensive set of tools and features that enable developers to bring their creative visions to life swiftly. With a vast array of pre-built assets, a thriving community, and an extensive asset store, Unity empowers developers to focus on the artistic and innovative aspects of their projects.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced developer, Unity’s intuitive interface and accessible scripting language, C#, make it an ideal choice for all skill levels. The learning curve is manageable, allowing developers to quickly grasp the fundamentals and dive into creating immersive experiences.