"Unreal Engine 4 is now free for educators"

[TopWargamer]

Source: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-04-unreal-engine-4-is-now-free-for-educators?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialoomph

 

In a shocking move Epic has decided to release Unreal Engine 4 to schools and universities for free.

 

"This new initiative sets up the academic community to take advantage of everything game engine technology has to offer and be a part of game development in its purest form," the developer said in its announcement, where it touted Unreal Engine 4 as "the most accessible, beginner-friendly version of the engine ever created."

 

Reading the fine print on the FAQ, it appears that students will have to sign up for a personal subscription if they want to release a commercial product. [Editor's note: Epic has since issued the following correction: Students can release commercial product. They don't have to worry with the $19 subscription fee, and pay the five per cent royalty once they exceed $3000 in revenue per game per quarter.]

 

I honestly was not expecting this from Epic. So now colleges and universities don't even have to worry about paying for those Unreal Engine licenses. All they have to do is fill out a small amount of information, and Epic will give them the licenses. That's really awesome of them. Not only that, but students using the Unreal Engine through their college/university will be able to come out with commercial products!

 

Epic is even willing to waive the subscription fee and the 5% royalty once their product exceeds $3,000 in revenue. If that's not one awesome company, I don't know what is. 

[UnknownEngineer]

I thought this was already a thing with the previous Unreal?

This is a really smart move though, having their engine be the go-to option for education will almost guarantee usage when those students graduate.

[Bloodyvalley]

this is old news

[PopReference]

retoast'em both and let the mods sort it out.

 

no spamarino tho

[TopWargamer]

retoast'em both and let the mods sort it out.

 

no spamarino tho

My thread was posted just a minute before his thread though. 

[totjup5]

That's pretty cool.

[WelshDdraig]

My thread was posted just a minute before his thread though. 

He was close though, got to give it to them.

OT: I think this is a great idea. MY school would never teach animation ect, because of the licencing costs and know that students wouldn't be able to afford the software for home use. So good move Epic. Some of my most favorite games were made in the Unreal Engine, *cough, cough* Batman *cough, cough*. Man I got to get this cough seen to by a Doctor.