An Evaluation of Contemporary Game Engines

Abstract

The paper deals with a close examination of several contemporary game engines regarding their usability for architectural visualisation that was conducted by third to fifth year students in a seminar context. The study examines the technology of these game engines with the main focus on graphic quality and adaptability to architectural purpose. The evaluation included not only the workflow of importing the 3D model into the engine but also general handling of the software and its user interface. The documentation of the test process and the evaluation of the various engines have been documented in a wiki compiled and written by the students. The information therein and the cost-benefit analyses provided for every engine should assist future users to quickly find the most suitable game engine for their specific purposes.