Tim Sweeney: Unreal Engine 6 Could Launch as Early as 2028

At Unreal Fest Japan, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney shared the first details about the upcoming Unreal Engine 6. According to him, the new version of the engine could be launched in roughly two and a half years — so potentially by 2028.

Despite its impressive graphics, UE5 has faced criticism for unstable performance in many large projects built on it, creating a mixed perception compared to the successful Unreal Engine 4.

Sweeney stated that UE6 plans to combine the best elements of UE5 and the Fortnite ecosystem, likely referring to integrating the strongest features of UEFN — the developer-focused version of Fortnite. The details of this integration are still unclear, but the concept has already sparked a lively response from the community.

It’s important to note that 2028 is likely a rough target for the engine’s release, and mass-market games built on UE6 should be expected later. Many studios will continue to release projects on proven UE4 and UE5 versions until the new tools are fully ready.

Overall, the Unreal Engine 6 announcement highlights Epic Games’ long-term plans and sets a benchmark for the industry in the coming years, despite the current performance and optimization issues with UE5.

Meanwhile, the developers of Genshin Impact recently teased their new game on Unreal Engine 5. Judging by the first footage, it will be a fantasy game with ultra-realistic graphics.