27.11.2023 - Session 01

Welcome to the first session of Engine Club. In this club, we will concentrate on Unreal Engine 5.

UE4 vs. UE5: Key Differences

• Graphics & Rendering: UE5 introduces Nanite for high-detail assets without LODs and Lumen for real-time global illumination, replacing the need for baked lighting. UE4 relies on pre-baked Lightmass and Reflection Captures for lighting and reflections.
• Lighting & Reflections: UE4 uses baked lighting and Screen Space Reflections (SSR), requiring re-baking for changes. UE5’s Lumen enables real-time lighting and reflections without precomputed data, though it’s more performance-intensive.
• Performance & Optimization: UE5 is built for next-gen hardware, with Virtual Shadow Maps and World Partition for seamless open worlds. UE4 is more backward-compatible and optimized for older systems.
• Workflow Enhancements: UE5 improves animation with Control Rig & Full-Body IK, integrates Quixel Megascans, and introduces MetaSounds for advanced audio.
• Compatibility: UE5 supports UE4 projects, but lighting and reflection setups may need adjustments.

What is Lumen and Nanite?

• Lumen: A real-time global illumination system that dynamically adjusts lighting and reflections without needing baked lightmaps or reflection captures. This allows for more realistic lighting that reacts instantly to scene changes.
• Nanite: A virtualized geometry system that enables film-quality assets with billions of polygons while maintaining performance. It automatically handles LODs (Level of Detail), removing the need for manual optimization.

Available Templates in Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine templates contain character controllers, Blueprints, and other features that work without the need for additional configuration. The templates in Unreal Engine are split into the following categories:

1. Games
2. Film, Television, and Live Events
3. Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
4. Automotive, Product Design, and Manufacturing
5. Simulation