First Look: Unreal Engine 3.0

Epic Games didn't release screenshots from the next version of Unreal today. However, it did do the next best thing--it released screenshots made with the Unreal 3.0 engine, its new game design framework. Underneath said framework is a whopping assortment of technologies and tools to help create physics, animation, artificial intelligence, custom in-game content, and other visual and audio features.

While some may not be interested in technical details, they will be interested in what the Unreal Engine 3.0 will create--games for the next generation of console and PC hardware. (The only current gaming machines that can handle it are DirectX9-equipped PCs.) Many of the most popular games on the market are based on the Unreal Engine--Rainbow Six 3: Athena Sword, Deus Ex: Invisible War, Thief: Deadly Shadows, Splinter Cell, Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow, the upcoming Star Wars: Republic Commando, and, of course, Unreal Tournament 2004. Given its current popularity, wide adoption of the new engine is all but assured.

Double-click the video window for a full-screen view. A complete breakdown of the Unreal Engine 3.0 can be found on the Unrealtechnology.com Web site. The technology itself is being demonstrated at this year's E3.