Need advice about which tool to choose?Ask the StackShare community!
Panda3D vs Unreal Engine: What are the differences?
1. Programming Language: One of the key differences between Panda3D and Unreal Engine is the programming language. Panda3D primarily uses Python for scripting and programming, while Unreal Engine utilizes its proprietary language, UnrealScript. 2. Artificial Intelligence and Networking: Unreal Engine provides built-in tools and support for artificial intelligence and networking capabilities, making it easier for developers to implement complex AI behaviors and multiplayer features compared to Panda3D. 3. Graphics and Rendering: Unreal Engine boasts advanced graphics rendering technology, including support for high-quality rendering techniques like physically based rendering (PBR) and real-time global illumination, giving games created with Unreal Engine a visually stunning appearance that may be harder to achieve with Panda3D. 4. Community and Support: Unreal Engine has a larger and more active community, as well as robust official support from Epic Games, which means developers using Unreal Engine have access to a wealth of resources, tutorials, and forums for help and collaboration compared to Panda3D users. 5. Platform and Compatibility: Unreal Engine supports a wide range of platforms, including consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and virtual reality systems, making it a versatile choice for developers looking to target multiple platforms. On the other hand, Panda3D has more limited platform support, primarily focusing on desktop platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux. 6. Licensing Model: Unreal Engine offers a more flexible licensing model, with options for free use with revenue sharing or a flat monthly/yearly subscription fee, while Panda3D is open-source and free to use for any purpose, making it a potentially more cost-effective choice for small indie developers or hobbyists.
In Summary, Panda3D and Unreal Engine differ in programming language, AI/networking support, graphics capabilities, community size/support, platform compatibility, and licensing model.
When I started to learn game development, I've tried to use Unity multiple times because it's the most popular option. But never get it worked because of the clunky UI which is very hard to understand for a new user. After some time, I've decided to try UE4 despite there was a lot of rumors that it's "heavy" or requires an AAA team. And suddenly it clicked, everything works as I expecting, UI is clear and much more powerfull, no need to build custom tools to work on the game itself. Blueprints are very helpful for beginners, C++ has a lot of "syntax-sugar" - macroses, a lot of convenient in-engine types for everything. Later while working with Unreal, I've realized it has very consistent roadmap with constant improvements and adding new features. At the same time, each major version update is painless so you can upgrade your project during development to get new features. UE4 is free to use with the full list of features and you only have to pay royalty after getting your first $1 million from the project (and that's just the default case, you can always discuss custom license with an upfront fee, if you want to).
I chose Unity over Unreal Engine because Unity has a more user friendly UI for beginners looking to learn game development. Additionally, as someone who uses a lot of online resources to learn new languages and tools, I found a lot of tutorials covering game development with Unity as the core engine. This doesn't mean Unreal is not a great choice for game development, I just personally found learning game development much smoother with the amount of resources available with Unity.
Pros of Panda3D
- Excellent software reliability2
- Supports browser deployment1
- Free, open-source, and permissive license1
- Powerful profiling and debugging tools1
- Supports most popular Physics Engines1
- Will be very easy for developers already familiar with0
Pros of Unreal Engine
- C++11
- Blueprints6
- PBR5
- Suitable for any projects4
- Source Available4
- Convenient and modern UI3
- Most Popular Game engine1
Sign up to add or upvote prosMake informed product decisions
Cons of Panda3D
- Direct3D Support is Behind1
- No Unified EditingProgram1
- Developer isn't Very Competent1
- Limited Tutorial1
Cons of Unreal Engine
- Heavy6
- A lot of "heaviness" myths around1
