There are many websites that allow you to hire Unreal Engine developers. With so many to choose from, it can be hard to discern which ones are the best. Luckily, our list will help you narrow down your search.
Originally created by Epic Games in 1988, today Unreal Engine is a popular programming language for creating RPGs, MMORPGs, stealth games, and fighting games. The game engine is useful for anything from creating the most basic concepts of a new game well into developing the features and even releasing the game to the public. Its wide range of available tools makes it easy to create, manage, and modify properties of games as necessary and includes a physics engine, graphics engine, sound engine, input, online module, and Gameplay Framework. The tool continues to draw in new users, making it easy for creators to hire Unreal Engine developers, as long as they know where to look and what to look for.
What are Unreal Engine Developers?
Simply put, Unreal Engine developers are responsible for using this tool to create new video games or other software related to gaming. You can hire developers to help you create prototypes, build the game, test it, and even release it for commercial production. In addition to the coding, which typically relies on C++, these developers animate the games, create adjacent media, and ensure that all games function correctly on the platforms they're meant to be played on.
Depending on which tasks you want your developers to work on, you may find that they have skills and qualifications such as degrees in computer science, software engineering, video game engineering or design, and certification in animation tools, graphics software, and more.
How To Hire Unreal Engine Developers
Before looking for an Unreal Engine developer for hire, it's important to determine what type of work you want them to do. Do you want help from start to finish, or do you need a dev to help only with certain aspects of the game design and build? Consider, too, whether you're willing to work with people who are new to the field or whether you prefer to hire seasoned professionals. After determining what types of developers you're interested in bringing on, you can begin searching for the best Unreal Engine developers for your project.
What Skills To Look For Before Hiring Unreal Engine Developers
When you're ready to hire Unreal Engine developers, first consider the developer's education. The right candidate will ideally have a degree in video game development or design. However, many excellent game developers also have software development or computer sciences degrees.
Obviously, you'll want your developer to be well-versed in Unreal Engine and all of its various tools. The right candidate should be fluent in C++, which is what UE runs on. Other soft skills are important as well. Developers must be punctual and have strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills to ensure your game is done on time, on budget, and with your ideas in mind.
How Much It Does It Cost To Hire Unreal Engine Developers
The cost to hire Unreal Engine developers varies greatly and depends on several factors. If you are willing to work with people who are just beginning their careers, then you can expect to pay less per hour than if you only want to work with people who have five or more years of experience. Consider the scope of your project as well. Are you developing a small indie game or do you have dreams of releasing the next Fortnite?
Other factors to consider include skillsets, where in the world you'll be working and how much time you expect your team to dedicate to your project each week. The more you expect from your developers, the more you can expect to pay. On the low end, budget for paying $20-$30 per hour per developer. If you only want the best of the best, numbers can jump to $200 or more per hour per developer. The average developer makes $66 per hour.
Things To Consider Before Hiring
There are several things that you should consider before you hire Unreal Engine developers:
- What is the concept of your game?
- When do you want to release your game?
- How wide of an audience do you expect to release it to?
- What is your budget like?
- Are you willing to work with new developers?
- How much time do you expect it to take to develop your game?
- Do you want developers to work only on your project or can they split their time between projects?
- Are the people you want to work with avid gamers themselves?
There are thousands of talented UE programmers around the world. Use this guide to help you with your task to hire Unreal Engine developers to make your dream project a reality.
Hiring Unreal Engine developers - FAQs
- Why Should You Hire an Unreal Engine Developer?
Approximately 3.26 billion people in 2023 are gamers, accounting for around 41% of the global population. 3D, immersive, real-time games are significantly more popular than 2D games.
Created in 1988 to power a video game, Unreal Engine now has a suite of advanced 3D creation tools suitable for additional uses. Unreal Engine developers can use these tools to create:
- Simulation, training and educational applications
- Linear television and film content
- Automotive and architectural visualization
- Live event and broadcast productions
- Menus and user interfaces
If your project needs to integrate interactive experiences, rendered animations, immersive virtual scenarios and other cutting-edge content, hire an Unreal Engine developer.
- Where can I find Unreal Engine developers for hire?
- Toptal
- ViitorCloud
- Truelancer
- Upstack
- Upwork
Explore more sites in our comprehensive list of top companies.
- How Much Does It Cost To Hire an Unreal Engine Developer?
The average compensation for Unreal Engine developers in the U.S. is $104,840 per year or $50 per hour. Annual salaries vary between $18,000 and $180,000 depending on location, skills and experience. You can eliminate payroll and overhead expenses by hiring freelancers.
- How Do I Hire Unreal Engine Developers?
With the many potential uses for Unreal Engine tools, these developers often acquire expertise in other areas as well. Look for those whose additional skill sets and availability match your project’s requirements. First, define your project parameters:
- Timeframe, including duration
- Budget
- Desired skill sets
- Nature and scope
- The number of freelance, full-time or part-time Unreal Engine developers you need
You can find qualified candidates by posting your open positions, searching developer portfolios and profiles or utilizing talent-matching services using top sites.
- Are Unreal Engine Developers In Demand?
The number of gamers worldwide should increase by 17% by 2027, and the overall demand for visually appealing interactive digital experiences is also growing. According to projections, the high demand for Unreal Engine developers should grow by 122% by 2031.