Unreal Engine 5.2: Procedural worlds have never been simpler and more beautiful

Epic Games has provided a preview of upcoming updates to its Unreal Engine. One feature in particular stood out at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) presentation, taking place this week in San Francisco: a procedural content generation (PCG) framework, which localizes the tools used to create procedurally generated content.

In Unreal Engine 5.2, developers can define the framework conditions for how the game world should look, after which the game engine takes control: it creates a forest with predefined trees and plants, and lays out paths and rock formations if desired.

Customizable and scalable

Individual items can then be moved manually, with the entire environment changing accordingly. Factory density can also be modified if desired – Unreal Engine displays all changes in real time. All previous features of Unreal Engine 5 are included.

Everything works in conjunction with the so-called megascans from the acquired company Quixel – these are models with a particularly realistic look and texture of all kinds of objects and surfaces scanned with cameras. This way, 3D levels can be created in no time at all and adapted to your specific needs with just a few clicks.

In a tech demo, Epic Games showcases a 3D environment that is first hand-generated and then largely procedurally generated. Both approaches can be combined at will.

the Unreal Engine 5.2 with PCG framework is currently available as a preview. Those interested can try out the version; However, Epic Games recommends that you do not create productive work with them.

(Master’s)