Key Takeaways
1. Multithreading Adoption: Unreal Engine 6 will fully utilize multithreading, improving performance and scalability for games by leveraging modern multi-core processors.
2. Verse Programming Language: The introduction of Verse, a new programming language, aims to unify development tools for both professionals and hobbyists, ensuring backward compatibility and continuous evolution.
3. Delayed Release Timeline: A public preview of Unreal Engine 6 is expected in 2027, with the first games launching around late 2028 or early 2029, likely coinciding with the PlayStation 6 release.
4. Community Skepticism: There is significant skepticism within the gaming community regarding Unreal Engine 6, with concerns about unresolved issues in Unreal Engine 5 and fears of mere rebranding.
5. Potential for Innovation: Despite skepticism, there is optimism about the advancements Unreal Engine 6 could bring, particularly if true multithreading support is realized, which could enhance game development significantly.
On April 30, 2025, Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic, was featured on the Lex Fridman Podcast. During an extensive discussion lasting almost four hours, various subjects were touched upon, including Fortnite, the Metaverse, and the ongoing legal conflict with Apple. He also shared some initial insights regarding the upcoming phase of Unreal Engine’s evolution. A notable five-minute portion of the conversation (beginning at 3:21:09) gives an exciting preview of what’s to come in game development and raises expectations for groundbreaking technological advancements.
Major Changes in Multithreading
One of the most important improvements in Unreal Engine 6 is its complete adoption of multithreading. Currently, Unreal Engine 5 operates on a single CPU core for game simulations, which doesn’t take full advantage of the features offered by today’s 16-core processors. Sweeney pointed out that multithreading has long been too complicated for developers to implement successfully. However, Unreal Engine 6 aims to change this limitation. The potential benefits could be significant – offering steadier frame rates, fewer performance hiccups, and enhanced scalability, particularly for demanding games like Remnant II or Lords of the Fallen, which have faced engine-related challenges in the past.
Introduction of Verse Programming Language
Unreal Engine 6 will also bring Verse, a new custom programming language developed by Epic. This language is already being utilized in the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN) and is crafted to accommodate both professional developers and hobbyists. The goal is to establish a standardized, backward-compatible platform that will keep evolving with new features, laying the groundwork for UE6 in the long run. With this initiative, Epic intends to combine two previously distinct development tracks – the creator tools and the conventional Unreal Engine – creating a cohesive system that enhances consistency and efficiency across various projects.
Anticipation for Unreal Engine 6 Release
For those eager to get an early glimpse of Unreal Engine 6, patience will be required. A public preview is not anticipated until 2027, with the first games expected to launch around late 2028 or early 2029—coinciding with the expected release of the PlayStation 6. Given that Sony holds a 1.5% stake in Epic Games, a strong technical partnership with the PS6 seems likely, potentially featuring exclusive functionalities or first-party titles that fully utilize the new engine from the outset.
The announcement prompted heated discussions on Reddit, resulting in over 500 comments within just 24 hours—most of which were critical or sarcastic. Many users voiced their concerns about the timing, claiming that Unreal Engine 5 has not yet resolved significant problems like shader stuttering, lengthy loading times, excessive VRAM usage, and subpar performance on high-end PCs. There’s widespread skepticism about Unreal Engine 6, with some fearing it might just be a rebranding of “UE5.5” filled with jargon but lacking real enhancements. Nevertheless, others remain optimistic, particularly if genuine multithreading support materializes. A few defenders of Epic’s drive for innovation noted that several performance issues arise from inexperienced developers instead of the engine itself.
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