State of Unreal 2025: MetaHuman, UEFN, RealityScan 2.0, and Unreal Engine 5.6

The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5.6 Tech Demo

Image credit: CD Projekt Red / Epic

Today, Epic Games has announced the release of Unreal Engine 5.6 during the State of Unreal event.

This version is designed to enable the creation of detailed, expansive open worlds running at 60 fps on the latest gaming hardware, including consoles, high-performance PCs, and modern smartphones.

Additionally, Epic unveiled MetaHuman 5.6, the latest and most advanced iteration of its digital human framework, which has moved out of early access within Unreal Engine 5.6. Importantly, the EULA now allows the use of MetaHuman assets across various engines and creative platforms. Insights gained from the AI used in Fortnite's Darth Vader NPCs are to be shared with developers, while the Epic Developer Assistant offers further AI-based support, albeit in its initial beta phase.

An update concerning the Unreal Editor for Fortnite was also provided. It reported that players have collectively spent 11.2 billion hours exploring 260,000 islands created by users. A variety of new tools and intellectual properties are anticipated to expand from June 17, including the ability to design Lego experiences. Partnerships with Squid Game, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and Star Wars are scheduled for later dates.

Moreover, the forthcoming release of RealityScan 2.0 will integrate desktop and mobile functionalities, featuring AI-driven masking, enhanced image alignment, and compatibility with aerial laser scans. This technology, employed by CD Projekt Red for the The Witcher 4 Unreal Engine 5 tech demo, enables high-fidelity capture of natural elements.

Epic also shared that since its inception, the Epic Games Store has paid over $2.1 billion to developers and publishers. Its mobile platform now boasts 70 games with a total of 40 million installations.

For a comprehensive overview, visit the Unreal Engine website for more information.