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Are all unreal engine 5 games starting to look alike?

A growing debate heats up among gamers as chatter on forums questions the visual consistency of Unreal Engine 5 games. Players are divided on whether the technology stifles creativity or if performance issues hinder their gaming experience.

By

Chloe Kim

Apr 28, 2025, 04:07 PM

Updated

Apr 28, 2025, 06:03 PM

2 minutes of duration

A collage showing various characters and environments from different games created with Unreal Engine 5, highlighting their visual similarities.
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Engine Performance Under Fire

Recent critiques highlight performance as a major concern. One gamer voiced frustration, stating, "Whenever an UE5 game is announced, the first thing that comes to mind is terrible performance and fuzzy upscaling." This sentiment resonates across the community, particularly against games built on proprietary engines, like Space Marine 2, which is praised for its optimization.

Interestingly, another comment adds, "Saying f--- UE5 is a bit intense. I'm sure over time devs will learn how to use it better." A sense of hope remains for future developments, especially with upcoming titles like the next Gears game from The Coalition, known for their expertise with Unreal.

Artistic Choices vs. Engine Limitations

Developers stress that their creative direction is still in their hands. "Fortnite still looks absolutely gorgeous with Lumen!" one user noted, highlighting that stunning art can coexist with engine constraints. Recent titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Indiana Jones showcase growing design diversity, pushing against the notion of uniformity.

Unique User Experiences

Comments shine a light on exceptional world-building, particularly in Expedition 33, which some users believe outmatches the immersive quality of Elden Ring. Yet, opinions vary; one player remarked, "When in third person, I cannot shake the feeling that it looks like those cash grab UE5 games." This highlights a divide within the community regarding perceived quality and authenticity in UE5 offerings.

"It has to do with the temporal processing used in many modern games; it really takes me out of the game every time." - User highlight.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”ถ Performance complaints persist, especially regarding optimization with UE5.

  • ๐Ÿ”ท Developers argue for artistic freedom amidst engine constraints.

  • ๐Ÿšฉ "Fortnite still looks absolutely gorgeous with Lumen!" - User comment emphasizing artistic potential.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Others feel, "Sorry I couldnโ€™t tell, they all looked like unreal engine games."

As discussions intensify, can developers push past Unreal Engine 5's design hallmarks? The community actively ponders whether the future of gaming will rely more on developer ingenuity than on technology.