Game engines

A game engine is software used to create video games. It manages environments, characters, movement, collisions, animations, sound, the user interface, and often the export of the game to PC, mobile, or console. On BeFreelancr, a freelancer can help you use a game engine to create a prototype, develop gameplay, or finalize a more complete project.

A game engine is used to run the game, whereas 3D modeling software is primarily used to create 3D objects, characters, or environments. Generally, 3D software is used to create the visual elements, and then the game engine integrates them, animates them, and makes the game playable. The two can therefore be complementary, but they do not serve the same purpose.

Creating a video game without building everything from scratch is precisely one of the major advantages of a game engine. Many engines offer templates, resource libraries, physics systems, ready-to-use interfaces, and sometimes asset marketplaces. This allows you to work faster, test an idea more easily, and launch a project without starting from a blank page.

It all depends on the game engine and the level of customization you want. Some tools let you create simple mechanics with visual systems without much coding. However, as soon as the project becomes more ambitious, knowing how to program is often a real plus. If you don’t code, you can also hire a freelancer on BeFreelancr to develop the technical features of your game.

A freelance game developer can create a complete game using a game engine, especially for an indie project, a mobile game, a PC game, or a highly polished prototype. It all depends on the scope of the project, the level of polish expected, and the requirements for graphics, sound, multiplayer, or content. On BeFreelancr, you can hire a freelancer to develop the entire game or just a portion of it.

A game engine allows you to create many different formats. It could be a platformer, a racing game, a strategy game, an RPG, a puzzle game, a shooter, an educational game, or even a simulation game. Some engines are very versatile, allowing you to adapt the project to the target platform, graphic style, and game mechanics.

A game engine isn’t just for making a game playable. It also handles animations for characters, objects, interfaces, and sometimes even cameras or visual effects. Animations can be imported from other software and integrated into the engine to be triggered at the right moment in the game.

A game engine allows you to integrate music, sound effects, and various audio elements. This helps enhance the atmosphere, clarify actions, and improve the player’s experience. A freelance developer can also help you adjust volume, sound triggers, music loops, and audio integration based on the game’s scenes.

A video game developer can certainly fix bugs in an existing game. This could involve a display issue, a collision problem, a script that isn’t working, a performance bug, or abnormal behavior in a game mechanic. On BeFreelancr, you can find a freelancer capable of analyzing the project, identifying the root cause of the problem, and proposing an appropriate fix.

The time required to create a game using a game engine depends primarily on the project’s complexity. A small prototype can sometimes be completed in a few days or weeks, while a more comprehensive game may take several months. The graphic style, number of levels, features, animations, sound, and testing also have a significant impact on the timeline. Through our platform, you can commission a prototype, a demo, or a more advanced game from a freelancer based on your needs.

A game engine is often a great choice for quickly testing a game idea. It allows you to create a prototype, test mechanics, see if the concept works, and adjust the gameplay without having to develop everything from scratch. This is useful for validating an idea before moving forward and investing more in the project.

Before entrusting a video game project to a freelancer, it’s most helpful to have a clear idea of the game type, target platform, art style, core mechanics, and the project’s current stage of development. Even a simple brief can be a big help. If you have visual references, a concept document, assets, music, or an early prototype, that’s even better. On BeFreelancr, this helps the freelancer understand your needs more quickly and offer you a more tailored solution.

It’s entirely possible to assign only part of a game project to a freelancer. For example, you can ask them to create a prototype, develop a specific mechanic, fix bugs, integrate animations, add sound design, or optimize performance. This is often the best solution when you’ve already made progress on the project and need targeted support. On our platform, clients can order a specific service or request a quote for a more customized project.

The cost of creating a game with a game engine can vary significantly depending on the project’s complexity. A small prototype or simple mechanic can sometimes cost a few hundred euros, while a more complete game can quickly run into several thousand euros. Among freelancers, some work on a flat-rate basis, while others charge a daily rate that can range from €150 to €600 or more, depending on experience, specialization, and country. The most important thing is to clearly define the requirements from the start to ensure a fair price.