So I have this small hobby project coming on (a third person adventure shooter). 3 artists (concept artist + 2 modelers) and me as programmer. We have decided to go either for Unity or UE4, but it's really hard decision right now. We have played around with both and see some cons and pros in both. So if you could share your experience and honest opinion it might help as with this case.

What I want to know:

a) Most importantly performance stuff and scaleablity along low to high end devices. It is uber important, that the game with certain settings performs well on lower end devices (NS switch, older PC's, etc.) and still looks decent.

b) Some ****ups from personal experience with one or another engine.

c) Some positive experience.

d) Opportunities that engines offer.

c) Some other personal exp.

What I already know (no need to put here):

Programming language stuff (c# is easier to pick up bla bla), UE4 is for bigger teams bla bla. Pricing stuff if going commercial. Both can deliver awesome graphics bla bla. Supported devices. Availability of documentation and tutorials. Picking up easiness bla bla. Basically the stuff that is around the internet when googling UE4 vs Unity :D

trsh said:
a) Most importantly performance stuff and scaleablity along low to high end devices. It is uber important, that the game with certain settings performs well on lower end devices (NS switch, older PC's, etc.) and still looks decent.

This alone would tell you to go with Unity over Unreal. Even more so, Godot would be an even better choice if you need to target lower end machines. If that is your #1 then your choice has been already made.

I agree on the part where Godot would be the ideal choice but even so I would insist that you go with unreal engine if you have better knowledge on c++ than c# and the opposite

You should probably go with Unity, especially if you already know C#. If you dont know C# and are good with C++, then UE4 might be a better option.

@Rutin can you explain why? I think unreal games perform also good on low end devices with right settings. Godot is not an option, for some reasons I won't explain.

Guys. Please no comments about programming languages (i know both well) ?

@trsh You have a severe case of Analysis Paralysis. Thousands of people use either Unreal or Unity without regret. I don't think you will unearth any new issues with a ‘small hobby project’. Get off the fence.

trsh said:

Guys. Please no comments about programming languages (i know both well) ?

Then just go with Unity. It's easier to use IMO and has a large community of indie devs that can help, as well as a lot of assets and plugins to help get levels prototyped.

Even though i use Ue4 with c++ ? .

For what you are hoping to achieve, Unity should be what you are going for.

And i'm still going to say it , ?, its better for smaller scale stuff.

It depends how complex your game is going to be. Unity architecture isn't very scalable and you may find yourself needing to design around its limitations. Unreal, however, gives you more control over how you want to design the underlying game, at the expense of added overhead.

If your game is going to be 90% assets, then you might as well stick with Unity. If you are needing some complex systems under the hood, I would go with Unreal (actually, I'd go with Godot, but you've already excluded that for some reason).

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I would recommend doing what I did. Design a relatively simple version of your game (from scratch, with the same features) in both engines (or even all 3). Give each of them a week and see how far you get.

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