Top 5 Selling Games Built in Unreal Engine

game development May 24, 2023

By now, most of the world has heard of Unreal Engine developed by Epic Games. It’s likely what brought you to a CG Pro blog, podcast, or stirred interest in our courses. However, I've found most folks don’t know that games are built using Unreal Engine or how many games are using it. More known in the filmmaking world for its powerful capabilities and stunning visual effects, Unreal Engine has also been the driving force behind many successful video games.

Fortnite (Epic Games, 2017)

Of course, we’re going to start with Fortnite! It put Epic Games on the map. A free-to-play battle royale game, Fortnite dominated the industry, bringing in over $1B every year. Fortnite showcased the power of Unreal Engine with smooth gameplay, dynamic environments, and constant updates which keep players engaged and excited. I dare say Fortnite was a bit of a phenomenon. You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing merch, too!

Gears 5 (The Coalition, 2019)

The 5th installment of the beloved Gears of War franchise, Gears 5 continued to raise the bar for 3rd person shooters. Robust multiplayer modes and captivating single-player modes coupled with a gripping storyline complete with stunning visuals and intense firefights led to The Coalition’s multi-award-winning game that sold more than 41 million copies! I’d call that a success!

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Ninja Theory, 2017)

If you enjoy psychological horror, this is the game for you. The storytelling and atmosphere are a masterpiece. With the help of Unreal Engine, Ninja Theory transports you into the mind of Senua, a Celtic warrior who suffers from psychosis. Once again, the environments reign supreme but add realistic characters and an immersive audio experience. These are typically my types of games, and this one is especially emotionally impactful. Hellblade: Senua’s sacrifice sold over 500k copies.

Rocket League (Psyonix, 2015)

Released in August of ‘15, Rocket League, developed by Psyonix, was the hit game no one saw coming. By the end of 2015, it had been downloaded more than 8 million times and had grossed over $50 million in sales. I’d say that’s a good 2nd half! Combining the thrill of soccer with high-octane vehicular mayhem, this game offered fast-paced multiplayer action, addictive gameplay mechanics, and seamless cross-platform play.

Bioshock Infinite (Irrational Games, 2013)

This critically acclaimed game is rife with detailed environments, realistic character animations, and breathtaking set pieces all leading first-person shooters through a mind-bending journey floating through the city of Columbia. Unreal Engine allowed Irrational Games’ developers to bring their vision to life creating a rich and immersive gaming experience in Unreal Engine that grossed more than $1.2B.