Epic Games Unveils Unreal Engine 5.4 with Groundbreaking Motion Design Mode

Epic Games has released Unreal Engine 5.4, introducing a suite of new features and improvements that empower creators across industries. The highlight of this update is the Unreal Engine Motion Design Mode, a game-changing environment tailored for motion graphics designers.

Previously known as Avalanche, the Motion Design Mode provides a comprehensive set of specialized 2D and 3D tools to streamline workflows for motion graphics artists. The layout ensures seamless workflow initiation and sustained productivity, equipped with a 2D canvas featuring shapes, cloners, effectors, modifiers, animators, and non-linear animation capabilities. Over 300 companies and 550 individuals have been beta-testing this mode since last year, with CBS Sports leveraging it to deliver stunning Super Bowl LVIII motion graphics centered around the Las Vegas strip.

In addition to the Motion Design Mode, Unreal Engine 5.4 brings substantial updates to its built-in animation toolset. Character rigging and animation authoring directly within the engine have been simplified, thanks to features like the Experimental Modular Control Rig and Automatic Retargeting. The Sequencer non-linear animation editor has also received significant readability and usability enhancements.

Virtual production capabilities get a boost with the release of Unreal VCam for Android devices. Previously only available on iOS, this app enables virtual production-ready cinematography in real-time, allowing filmmakers to transfer traditional cinematography concepts into Unreal Engine 5's virtual sets.

Other notable advancements in Unreal Engine 5.4 include enhancements to Nanite, the engine's virtualized micropolygon geometry system, with experimental tessellation support. Temporal Super Resolution, Epic's upscaling solution, has received stability and performance improvements. The Neural Network Engine has moved from experimental to beta status, enabling developers to load and run pre-trained neural network models.

Why this matters: The release of Unreal Engine 5.4 marks a significant milestone in the evolution of real-time graphics and virtual production. The new Motion Design Mode empowers motion graphics artists with a purpose-built environment, while the enhanced animation tools and virtual production capabilities open up new possibilities for creators across film, television, and interactive media.

Epic Games has also introduced a new seat-based Unreal Subscription pricing model for companies generating over $1 million in annual gross revenue. However, Unreal Engine remains free for students, educators, hobbyists, and smaller companies. "Unreal Engine 5.4 is a major step forward for creators across industries," said Marc Petit, VP of Unreal Engine Ecosystem at Epic Games. "The latest update incorporates tools for artists to push the boundaries of what's possible with real-time graphics."

Key Takeaways

• Unreal Engine 5.4 released with new Motion Design Mode for motion graphics
• Improved animation tools, virtual production capabilities with VCam for Android
• Nanite geometry system, Temporal Super Resolution, and Neural Network Engine updates
• New seat-based Unreal Subscription pricing model for companies over $1M revenue
• Unreal Engine remains free for students, educators, hobbyists, and smaller companies