I’ve seen a few posts about this but they’re all a bit old (1-3 years) and I’m aware game engines update their features, so possibly things have changed. Which engine would be better for strictly 2D development? This may sound ridiculous, but I spent ~5 years on Roblox as a child using Lua 5.1 creating games, so I have some experience for what it’s worth. My first game will probably be a bit basic (think Space Invasion, Asteroids, etc.), but I want to start off with the best engine, especially for when I expand my scope. I’ve also looked at Game Maker Studio 2 but I’m not sure on that one either.
One thing I’ve heard a lot about are assets? What exactly are these? Are they talking about sprites? Can’t I just make my own (I’m new to digital art, but practice makes perfect)? Apparently Unity requires the purchasing of these but Unreal doesn’t, so I’m a bit confused. Any light shed on the situation would be appreciated!
" but I want to start off with the best engine, especially for when I expand my scope. I’ve also looked at Game Maker Studio 2 but I’m not sure on that one either."
There is no such thing as “The best engine” I came from Unity to Unreal all engines are the same. All engine are the same except for the learning curve I have to admit Unreal is much harder to learn if you’re just going for C++ programming with Blueprint, but if you’re just making games with Blueprint alone then it should be easy for you. Just a bit warning Blueprint cannot do what you can do in C++ programming such as networking and different hardware to work through. Another thing about both engine is that they all work on different platforms that includes consoles and mobile other than programming you’d have to worry about 3D modelling, animation, rigging, texturing, sound effects, graphics, and many more about game-developing and it’s no easy task.
Think of this way I’m developing my game as an investment I have already spend $1,700 on hardware alone and $1,000 on software licensing. So yes you better be hard press on financing your way through if you’re turning 2D game into a business this goes the same way for Unity.
NOTE: There are a lot of Unreal and Unity tutorials out there so go with the one that is easy for you to learn. Unity has a huge community while I’m going to be honest here Unreal lacks that community friendly atmosphere because Unity has been around before UE4 was release for free. My suggestion is to find that community that you know has plenty of people to help you because like I said game-developing is no easy task or at least take a course even if you have to pay your way through. Right now I am thinking online course on Udemy from Ben Tristrem here’s the link to that page.
NOTE: Ben Tristrem also has a Unity course if you’re interested on Unity engine all that matters is for you to make that decision of either Unreal or Unity. Please watch the YouTube video hopefully it will encourage you that way I am doing now to always learn more.