At Walker Labs, we don’t just create games; we build worlds. And Unreal Engine is our weapon of choice to help us do just that. 

The latest version by Epic Games, Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) is a game-changer that’s rewriting the rules of what’s possible. It’s been nearly two years since UE5 launched, so our studio has had plenty of time to explore its technical capabilities and test the limits of what’s now possible.  

Today, we’re sharing everything we’ve discovered and how the Walker Labs team is harnessing UE5’s powerful engine. 

But first, who are we? 

Walker Labs is a team that combines AAA experienced veterans from DICE, Epic Games, Microsoft, Mojang, Ubisoft, Remedy, Sony, and EA with best-in-class Web Tech developers. We’re driven by a singular mission: to pioneer the future of interactive digital experiences. 

We believe in setting trends, not following them, and that starts with choosing the right tools and people for the job.

What Makes UE5 Different?

Unreal Engine 4 was already super-powerful, but as an industry, we must continue to innovate and improve. Here’s how UE5 has done that:

Next-Level Visual Fidelity

Lumen and Nanite work together to render breathtaking visuals with dynamic global illumination and billions of polygons. The cutting-edge technology pushes the limits of graphical fidelity.

Immersive experiences have never felt so alive, with sprawling landscapes and intricate details that allow us to craft experiences that captivate and amaze players. 

Streamlined Development

Unreal Engine 5 streamlines the development process without over-simplifying it. 

It provides powerful tools, such as its robust level editor, intuitive Blueprints scripting, and advanced animation tools to bring your vision to life.

Blueprints, in particular, make game development more accessible, empowering non-programmers to contribute and collaborate, while experienced developers can fully delve into the code for ultimate control.

Maximized Reach

With cross-platform functionality and optimized performance, you can meet your audience wherever they’re at, leaving no one out. 

You can develop for PC, consoles, mobile, and VR seamlessly, reaching players across platforms with minimal effort.

UE5 also makes it possible to achieve smooth gameplay on various hardware configurations through built-in optimization tools and best practices.

Real-Time Collaboration

UE5 enables you to collaborate with your team in real time, regardless of location, to streamline development and enhance efficiency.

The engine’s tools and features are intuitively designed to allow you to focus on your creative vision without worrying about technical limitations. It’s your own personal, high-tech playground.

A Vibrant Community

As one of the leading engines, Unreal Engine’s active community of developers and creators is unparalleled. Finding answers and advice is easier than ever, with Epic Games making it simple to learn and collaborate with fellow game devs.

Plus, the Unreal Engine Marketplace gives you access to a vast library of high-quality assets, plugins, and tools that can help accelerate and inspire your development process.

How Our Team Uses UE5

We want to take a moment to make one thing clear. While UE5 is a powerful tool, it demands skill, vision, and a healthy dose of collaborative spirit. 

That’s where our diverse team shines. We’re developers, artists, storytellers, and innovators, all united by a passion for testing the limits of what we can create. 

And when we say impact, we mean it. We’re not just talking about stunning visuals – though Unreal Engine 5 certainly delivers on that front. Lumen’s dynamic global illumination paints our worlds with breathtaking realism, while Nanite’s billion-polygon detail lets us create environments so intricate, that you can practically feel the moss growing on the ancient ruins.

But for us, visual fidelity is just the foundation. It’s the Gameplay Ability system that truly unlocks our creative potential. This powerful tool allows us to craft dynamic, flexible mechanics that bend the rules of traditional gameplay. 

Imagine a world where character abilities evolve and adapt based on player choices, where environments react in real time to your actions, and where the possibilities for emergent gameplay are truly limitless. That’s the future we’re building, and we believe Unreal Engine 5 is the key that unlocks it.

Speaking of unlocking, forget pre-baked lighting limitations. With Lumen, we’re bringing real-time, dynamic lighting to our worlds. Imagine exploring a moonlit forest, the dappled light filtering through leaves or witnessing a climactic battle illuminated by flickering torches – all happening in real-time, adding a whole new layer of immersion and emotional impact.

But our ambition doesn’t stop there. We built our in-house asset management system on top of the engine’s robust framework, and it has optimized workflow and collaboration like never before. This allows us to iterate faster, experiment more, and ultimately, deliver even more groundbreaking experiences to our players.

Beyond the Technical Capabilities

Unreal Engine 5 is more than just a technical game-changer. It’s a catalyst for change. With this platform, we’re empowered to:

• Craft immersive worlds that feel alive: Imagine exploring a bustling marketplace, the sounds of haggling merchants and clanging blacksmiths filling the air, or venturing into a forgotten tomb, the flickering torchlight illuminating ancient secrets. With Unreal Engine 5, these worlds become more than just visuals; they become sensory experiences that pull you in and refuse to let go.
• Tell stories that resonate: Dynamic lighting and real-time environments aren’t just visually appealing; they’re powerful tools for storytelling. Imagine a character’s emotional state reflected in the changing hues of their surroundings, or a pivotal plot point unfolding as the sun sets over a breathtaking vista. Unreal Engine 5 gives us the power to weave narratives that are both visually stunning and emotionally impactful.
• Build communities based on connection: We believe that shared experiences are the future of social interaction. Unreal Engine 5’s robust multiplayer capabilities allow us to create immersive online worlds where our players can meet, play together, and forge lasting bonds. 

Final Thoughts

This is all just the tip of the iceberg. Every day we aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible with Unreal Engine 5. Our ultimate goal? To create seamless, interconnected digital worlds where players can truly lose themselves in the stories we tell.

That’s why Unreal Engine 5 is our engine of choice. It’s more than just a powerful tool; it’s a gateway to the future. It’s a platform that empowers us to create experiences that connect, inspire, and, if we do it right, leave a lasting impact on the world.

We’re just getting started, and we invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Are you a developer, artist, or innovator with a passion for pushing boundaries? We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Check out our open roles and apply today.