Kingdom Come developer blasts Unreal Engine 5 and Witcher 4

Warhorse Studios Co-Founder Criticizes Unreal Engine 5 and Witcher 4

Warhorse Studios, the development team behind the critically acclaimed RPG "Kingdom Come: Deliverance," is making headlines once again. Co-founder Daniel Vávra recently took a controversial stance by criticizing the use of Unreal Engine 5 for open-world games and expressing strong opinions about CD Projekt Red's upcoming project, "The Witcher 4." In an interview with Windows Central, Vávra did not mince words, stating that using Unreal Engine for open-world games is a "bad idea" and raising doubts about the direction of one of the industry's most anticipated titles.

The Unreal Engine Controversy

In the interview with Windows Central, Vávra voiced his concerns about using Unreal Engine, a popular game development tool created by Epic Games, for large-scale open-world games like "Kingdom Come: Deliverance." Vávra argued that while Unreal Engine may be suitable for certain types of games, it does not offer the flexibility and customization options necessary for creating expansive and intricate worlds. According to Vávra, game engines like Unreal Engine are better suited for linear experiences, where designers have more control over the player's path.

Furthermore, Vávra criticized the technical limitations of Unreal Engine 5, claiming that it lacks the necessary tools and features to support the complex systems required for open-world games. He emphasized the importance of having a game engine that can handle large-scale worlds with interactive environments, dynamic AI systems, and intricate quest structures, which he believes Unreal Engine falls short in delivering.

Warhorse Studios' Approach to Game Development

Warhorse Studios has garnered a reputation for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to creating immersive historical experiences. The development team's philosophy revolves around crafting rich, living worlds that offer players a deep sense of immersion and agency. "Kingdom Come: Deliverance," their debut title, exemplifies this approach by presenting a realistic medieval setting with a focus on historical accuracy and player choice.

Through their proprietary engine, the team at Warhorse Studios was able to create a game world that is vibrant, reactive, and full of intricate systems that respond to player actions. This level of complexity and depth would have been challenging to achieve with off-the-shelf engines like Unreal Engine, according to Vávra.

The Challenge of Open-World Game Development

Developing open-world games presents a unique set of challenges for game developers, as they must create vast, seamless environments that offer players a sense of freedom and exploration. Unlike linear games, open-world titles require intricate systems for AI behavior, dynamic weather patterns, and emergent gameplay, all of which demand a sophisticated game engine to support their complexity.

According to Vávra, the limitations of engines like Unreal Engine become apparent when attempting to create expansive worlds with a high level of interactivity and detail. For Warhorse Studios, the decision to develop their proprietary engine was driven by the need for a tool that could cater to the specific requirements of their ambitious open-world projects.

The Impact on Game Development Trends

Vávra's criticism of Unreal Engine 5 and his stance on open-world game development could have broader implications for the industry. As game developers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of world size, interactivity, and immersion, the choice of game engine becomes a critical factor in determining the success of a project.

While engines like Unreal Engine offer powerful tools and capabilities, they may not always be the best fit for every type of game. Developers seeking to create highly detailed, interactive worlds may find that customization and control are more easily achieved through proprietary engines that are tailored to their specific needs.

Looking Ahead to "The Witcher 4"

During the interview, Vávra also shared his perspective on CD Projekt Red's highly-anticipated project, "The Witcher 4." As the next installment in the beloved franchise, "The Witcher 4" has generated significant excitement among fans of the series. However, Vávra expressed skepticism about the direction that CD Projekt Red may be taking with the game, particularly regarding the use of game engines and design choices.

Vávra's comments have sparked discussions within the gaming community about the potential challenges that CD Projekt Red may encounter in developing an open-world RPG of such caliber. With the immense success of "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," expectations are high for the next entry in the series, and the choices made in terms of technology and design will undoubtedly influence the final product.

Industry Response and debate

Vávra's bold statements regarding Unreal Engine 5 and "The Witcher 4" have ignited a debate within the gaming industry about the merits of different game engines and development approaches. While some developers may share Vávra's concerns about using off-the-shelf engines for open-world games, others may argue that tools like Unreal Engine offer valuable resources and support for creating diverse gaming experiences.

Ultimately, the discussion surrounding game engines and design philosophies highlights the complexities of game development and the diverse perspectives within the industry. As technology continues to evolve and push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, developers must navigate the challenges of choosing the right tools and approaches to bring their creative visions to life.