Epic Games CEO Sheds Light on Unreal Engine 5 Performance Issues in PC Games

In the vibrant realm of PC gaming, where debates often rage over hardware rivalries and control schemes, one topic consistently draws broad agreement: the perceived poor performance of games built with Unreal Engine 5. Epic Games has previously attempted to address these criticisms, but the conversation persists. Recently, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney offered a candid explanation, pinpointing the development process as the core issue behind the less-than-stellar optimization of UE5 titles on personal computers.

During a recent Unreal Fest event in Seoul, Sweeney directly confronted questions about Epic's efforts to enhance the optimization of UE5 games. He asserted that the fundamental problem lies in how games are created, noting that many developers commence their projects targeting high-end systems and only attempt to optimize for less powerful machines much later in the development cycle. This delayed approach often results in a rushed and incomplete optimization process, as insufficient time is allocated to thoroughly fine-tune the game for a diverse range of hardware configurations. Another contributing factor, according to Sweeney, is when developers use console hardware as their performance benchmark, which can lead to complications when porting to PC, despite underlying architectural similarities.

Recognizing the significant manual effort required for optimization, Sweeney outlined Epic's commitment to delivering automated optimization tools for various devices, aiming to streamline the development workflow. Furthermore, Epic plans to offer comprehensive training on testing and optimization procedures. Crucially, Sweeney emphasized the importance of integrating optimization into the early stages of development, indicating that Epic's engineers are prepared to intervene directly to provide technical assistance and raise awareness about effective optimization strategies. This proactive stance highlights Epic's dedication to improving the reputation of UE5 games, even as challenges such as developers using older engine versions—like in the case of 'Stalker 2'—continue to affect overall performance perception.

Ultimately, the performance of games developed with Unreal Engine 5 hinges on diligent and proactive optimization by studios. While Epic Games is actively providing resources and guidance, the responsibility also lies with developers to adopt best practices throughout their projects. By embracing early optimization and leveraging the tools provided, the gaming community can anticipate a future where UE5 titles consistently deliver exceptional performance across all PC configurations, fostering a more positive and equitable gaming experience for everyone.