Blizzard Entertainment is a name that most gamers are familiar with. The company has delivered some of the most iconic games in the industry, such as World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. Each of these games has its unique gameplay mechanics and visuals that have been praised by players all over the world. However, one question that has always intrigued the gaming community is – what engine does Blizzard use to develop their games?
The game engine is the backbone of any game. It is responsible for running the game, handling the physics, animations, graphics, and more. The choice of the game engine is critical as it directly affects the game’s performance, speed, and quality. Blizzard has been using their in-house game engine called the “Blizzard Engine” for most of their games. While this engine has been around for many years, it has undergone several modifications to meet the demands of modern games.
Blizzard Engine is a proprietary engine built from scratch by Blizzard’s developers. It is primarily designed to support their game development needs, and it is well-tailored to handle games with large worlds, massive multiplayer capabilities, and stunning visuals. The engine has been used in most of their games, including the newly released World of Warcraft: Shadowlands. With Blizzard’s relentless focus on quality and attention to detail, it is no surprise that they have invested so much in their game engine, making sure that their games are always visually stunning and highly efficient.
Types of Game Engines
A game engine is a software framework that allows game developers to create and run video games on various platforms with ease. These engines can handle the basics like graphics rendering, physics simulation, and network communication. There are different types of game engines available, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Proprietary Game Engines
- Proprietary or in-house game engines are developed by game studios themselves. They are tailored to meet the specific needs of their games.
- The advantage of using a proprietary engine is that developers can optimize it according to their needs.
- Another advantage is that these engines can make their games stand out from the competitors.
Third-Party Game Engines
- Third-Party game engines provide pre-built engines that come with many features, enabling developers to create games from scratch, with ease.
- These engines are easy to use because they come with pre-built tools and functionalities, and developers don’t need to write code for everything from scratch.
- The disadvantage of using a third-party engine is that the game’s features and functionalities are limited, and game studios may need to customize it to meet their specific needs.
Open Source Game Engines
Open-source game engines are those in which the source code is open and available to anyone. These engines allow developers to create and modify games freely and also share their enhancements and snippets with others.
The benefits of using an open-source engine are numerous. Developers can modify the engine’s source code to their heart’s content, and they don’t have to pay royalties or licensing fees. Moreover, open-source engines are often used by smaller game studios, as they are cheaper to use than proprietary engines.
Browser-Based Game Engines
Browser-based game engines allow developers to create games that can be played entirely in a web browser without downloading the game.
| Advantages of using browser-based engines: | Disadvantages of using browser-based engines: |
|---|---|
| Browsers are nearly universal, meaning developers can reach a wider audience. | Browser performance can limit the game’s graphics quality and speed. |
| Brower-based games are easily accessible to players, and it’s easy to get started playing them. | Browser games have limited storage limits, meaning they can only be used for small games. |
Benefits of Using Game Engines
Game engines are software frameworks that game developers use to create video games. They are designed to accelerate the game development process, usually by providing a suite of development tools and pre-built functionalities. Using game engines offers numerous benefits to game developers that result in lower development costs, faster development times, and improved game quality. Here are some of the major benefits of using game engines.
Increased Productivity
- Game engines offer highly optimized and tested tools that can significantly boost productivity and streamline the development process.
- Developers can focus on creating content instead of reinventing the wheel, as most common features like rendering, physics, and audio are already built into the game engine.
- Access to pre-built game assets and libraries allows developers to quickly create complex game mechanics, animations, and simulations without having to create them from scratch.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
One of the major advantages of using game engines for developing games is that they provide cross-platform compatibility. This means games can easily be made available on multiple platforms like PC, mobile, or consoles.
Game engines enable developers to create a game once and then deploy it to multiple platforms with ease. This saves developers significant time and effort as they don’t have to create different versions of the game for each platform.
Cost-Effective Game Development
Game engines offer powerful features and tools that would be very expensive to create from scratch. Developing a game engine in-house would require high levels of expertise in programming, engineering, and design, which is costly and time-consuming.
By using a game engine like the one used by Blizzard, developers can leverage the power of existing software to reduce the costs of development. This means game developers can produce high-quality games faster and at a lower cost, which ultimately results in higher profits and better value for consumers.
Easy Collaboration and Flexibility
An important aspect of game development is collaboration, as game development teams are usually comprised of multiple individuals working together on a single project. Game engines offer unique collaboration features and streamlined workflows for this purpose.
Game engines provide real-time collaboration tools that allow developers to work simultaneously on the same project. This means developers can develop, test, and iterate faster on game assets, scripts, and levels without latency or versioning conflicts.
| Collaboration Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Version Control | Game engines provide reliable version control mechanisms that allow developers to keep track of changes and collaborate effectively. |
| Asset Management | Game engines provide powerful asset management systems that enable developers to easily manage assets like textures, models, sounds, and animations. |
| Real-Time Collaboration | Game engines allow developers to work simultaneously on the same project, resulting in faster development times and easier collaboration. |
Finally, game engines offer flexibility that allows developers to customize and modify the engine to suit their specific needs. This means developers can easily add new features and mechanics to the game engine to extend its functionality and create unique gameplay experiences, resulting in engaging and fun games for consumers.
Game engine comparison
Game engines are the foundation of any video game, and Blizzard Entertainment, one of the biggest names in the industry, has developed some of the most popular games using their own in-house engine. However, they have also used third-party engines for some of their games. Let’s compare the engines Blizzard uses.
- Blizzard Proprietary Engine: This engine was developed by Blizzard Entertainment itself and is used for some of their most popular games like World of Warcraft, Diablo III, and Overwatch. It is a highly optimized engine, designed to run smoothly on a variety of platforms. The engine is also flexible enough to accommodate different types of games, which is why Blizzard has been using it for over 20 years now.
- Unity Engine: Blizzard has used the Unity engine for Hearthstone, a popular free-to-play digital collectible card game. Unity is a versatile engine that supports a wide range of devices (PC, consoles, mobile, etc.) and is known for its ease of use and flexibility. Unity has a vast community of developers that contribute to its ecosystem by developing and sharing plugins and tools.
- Modified Warcraft III Engine: Blizzard used the modified Warcraft III engine to develop Dota 2, a multiplayer online battle arena game. The engine was heavily modified to accommodate the unique gameplay mechanics of Dota 2. The engine allowed Blizzard to create complex maps and customize game mechanics at a lower level than what is typically possible in other engines.
Blizzard Entertainment’s proprietary engine is a solid choice for many of their games as it is optimized for their specific needs; however, sometimes third-party engines are a better option. Unity engine is versatile and easy to use, which made it a great fit for Hearthstone. On the other hand, the modified Warcraft III engine allowed Blizzard to create a unique game like Dota 2 with customized mechanics.
Here’s a comparison table summarizing the features of the three engines used by Blizzard:
| Engine | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Blizzard Proprietary Engine | Highly optimized for Blizzard games, flexible enough to accommodate different game types | Not available to third-party developers |
| Unity Engine | Versatile, easy to use, supports a wide range of devices | License fees, may require purchasing additional plugins or tools |
| Modified Warcraft III Engine | Allows for customized game mechanics, capable of creating complex maps | May require more resources and programming expertise to modify compared to other engines |
In conclusion, choosing the right engine for a game depends on the specific requirements of the game. Blizzard Entertainment has used a combination of their proprietary engine and third-party engines to create some of the most popular games in the industry. Their experience shows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to game engines.
Popular game engines in the industry
Game engines are software frameworks used in the video game industry to create video games for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. With so many game engines available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your specific needs. In this article, we will discuss some of the popular game engines in the industry.
Unity
- Unity is a widely-used game engine that supports multiple platforms, including PC, mobile, and consoles.
- It has a vast community of developers and provides a user-friendly interface with powerful features and support for 2D and 3D game development.
- Unity offers various features like real-time global illumination, physics engines, and animation tools that make game development easier and more accessible.
Unreal Engine
- Unreal Engine is a popular game engine developed by Epic Games, known for games like Fortnite, Gears of War, and Infinity Blade.
- This engine is widely used due to its robust features and capabilities that allow developers to create AAA-quality games.
- Unreal Engine offers advanced physics and rendering systems, asset management tools, and visual scripting tools that make game development more manageable.
CryEngine
CryEngine is another popular game engine that has been used to create games like Far Cry and Crysis.
It offers features like real-time lighting, advanced physics systems, and full source code access to allow developers to make customizations.
Blizzard Engine
Blizzard Entertainment is one of the leading game development companies in the world, and they have created some of the most popular games like World of Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch.
Blizzard does not use a commercial game engine like Unity or Unreal Engine. Instead, they have developed their in-house engine known as the ‘Blizzard Engine.’
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Customizability | The Blizzard Engine is tailored to the specific needs of Blizzard games, allowing them to customize the engine to suit their games’ requirements. |
| Scalability | The Blizzard Engine is highly scalable and can handle massive amounts of player data and activity. |
| Stability | The engine is known for its stability, allowing Blizzard to release large-scale games with minimal bugs and glitches. |
Blizzard’s decision to develop its in-house engine has paid off in terms of performance, stability, and customizability.
History of Game Engines
Game engines have come a long way since the creation of the first video game in 1958. They’ve evolved to be more powerful, customizable and flexible, providing developers with numerous options to create the next best video game. Let’s take a closer look at the history of game engines.
- First-Generation Game Engines (1972-1983): During this era, game engines were created from scratch for each individual game. Pong, one of the first video games, was created in 1972, and the graphics and sound were directly programmed into the machine hardware.
- Second-Generation Game Engines (1983-1995): During this era, game engines were designed to work across multiple games. They were called “platforms,” and these game engines were the backbone for multiple games. For example, the Super Mario Bros games were built on the same engine.
- Third-Generation Game Engines (1995-2005): This period saw a shift from 2D to 3D games, and game engines became more sophisticated as a result. Developers used engines like the Quake engine to create games like Half-Life. These game engines allowed developers to create more realistic and immersive environments.
Since 2005, game engines have continued to evolve with the introduction of open-source game engines like Unreal Engine and Unity. With these engines, developers no longer need to create everything from scratch. They can use pre-existing tools and assets, and focus on designing innovative game mechanics. Nowadays, the success of a game depends heavily on the quality of the engine used to create it.
Blizzard Entertainment, one of the world’s largest game developers, has used a variety of game engines over the years. Take a look at the table below to see which engines Blizzard has used to create some of its most popular games.
| Game | Engine Used |
| Warcraft: Orcs & Humans (1994) | Custom engine |
| Diablo (1996) | Custom engine |
| Starcraft (1998) | Custom engine |
| World of Warcraft (2004) | Custom engine |
| Hearthstone (2014) | Unity engine |
| Overwatch (2016) | Modified version of the engine used for Heroes of the Storm |
For Blizzard, creating and modifying game engines has been essential in providing unique and immersive gaming experiences for their players. With the use of sophisticated game engines, Blizzard games have become synonymous with cutting-edge graphics, smooth gameplay, and immersive worlds.
Cost-effective game engines
Developing a video game is a massive undertaking, and choosing the right game engine can make all the difference. A game engine is a software framework that game developers use to create video games. Game engines have come a long way, and many of them offer features that help cut development time, reduce cost, and improve game performance. In this article, we’ll explore some of the cost-effective game engines that Blizzard uses.
- Unity: Unity is a powerful, cross-platform game engine that is popular among developers for its ease of use, flexible pricing model, and extensive documentation. Unity offers a free version of its engine, which is perfect for introductory game development. The engine’s Pro version provides access to more features and costs $1,800 per year. While Unity is not the most affordable game engine on the market, it is an excellent value for the money and is widely used in the industry. Blizzard used Unity in its game Hearthstone.
- Unreal Engine: Unreal Engine is a AAA game engine that has been used to develop many blockbuster games. The engine’s flexibility, versatility, and robust toolset make it ideal for developing high-end games. Unreal Engine offers a royalty-based pricing model, where developers pay a 5% royalty on all gross revenue that exceeds $1 million. This pricing model allows developers to get started with the engine for a lower upfront cost while scaling costs as their game grows in popularity. Blizzard used Unreal Engine in its game Overwatch.
- Godot Engine: Godot Engine is an open-source game engine that is gaining popularity among indie game developers. The engine’s lightweight nature makes it perfect for creating 2D games, and its node-based visual scripting system allows developers to create games quickly and easily. The engine is entirely free, which makes it an excellent choice for developers on a tight budget. Blizzard used Godot Engine in its game Heroes of the Storm.
Blizzard has used a variety of game engines over the years to develop its games, and the company is continually evaluating new engines to find the best fit for each project. The cost, ease of use, and features of a game engine are all critical factors in the decision-making process. By choosing the right engine, Blizzard can cut development time, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality games for its fans.
| Game Engine | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Unity | Easy to use, flexible pricing, extensive documentation | Pro version is costly |
| Unreal Engine | Versatile, robust toolset, low upfront cost | Royalty-based pricing can be expensive for popular games |
| Godot Engine | Lightweight, node-based visual scripting, entirely free | Not ideal for developing high-end, 3D games |
Choosing a cost-effective game engine is essential for game developers who want to create high-quality games on a tight budget. The game engines mentioned above offer a range of features and pricing models, making them ideal for game development at different scales. As Blizzard has demonstrated, choosing the right engine can make all the difference in delivering a successful game to fans worldwide.
Open-source game engines
Open-source game engines are software development kits (SDKs) that allow developers to create video games with a set of pre-built tools and features. These engines are developed by a community of developers and are available to use for free under open-source licenses, meaning that their source code can be viewed, modified, and distributed by anyone.
Blizzard Entertainment has utilized various open-source game engines throughout its history, including:
- Quake III Arena engine: This engine was used for the development of World of Warcraft before Blizzard developed its own engine, and was also used to create Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne.
- Id Tech 3 engine: This engine was used for the development of Diablo III and Heroes of the Storm.
- Unreal Engine 4: Blizzard licensed this engine for Overwatch.
While using open-source game engines can save time and resources, they may also limit developers in terms of customization and freedom. However, by using these engines, developers can focus on creating unique game content and features instead of building the entire game engine from scratch.
The benefits of open-source game engines
- Cost-effective: As open-source game engines are free to use, developers can save money on software development costs.
- Flexible and adaptable: The source code of open-source game engines can be modified and customized to fit the specific needs of the game being developed.
- Community support: Open-source game engines have large communities of developers who contribute to their development, fix bugs, and add new features, making keeping up with current trends and technology easier.
- Stable and secure: Open-source game engines generally offer stable and secure development environments, as they are subject to regular testing by the community of developers who use them.
The challenges of open-source game engines
While open-source game engines offer many benefits, they also have some drawbacks which can make their implementation challenging:
- Documentation: Open-source game engines may lack proper and up to date documentation compared to their proprietary counterparts, making it difficult for developers to seek help and troubleshoot.
- Integration: Open-source game engines may not integrate well with proprietary software, making developers use third-party software for integration purposes.
- Intellectual property concerns: Open-source licensing can be complex, and some developers may be concerned about protecting their own intellectual property when using open-source game engines.
Despite the challenges, the use of open-source game engines remains a popular choice among developers, including those at Blizzard Entertainment.
FAQs about what engine does Blizzard use
1. What engine does Blizzard use to develop their games?
Blizzard has developed its own game engine called the Blizzard Engine, which is used to create games such as World of Warcraft, Diablo III, and StarCraft II.
2. Is the Blizzard Engine available for other game developers?
No, the Blizzard Engine is proprietary and not available for licensing to other game developers or studios.
3. What programming languages does Blizzard use to develop their games?
Blizzard primarily uses C++ and Lua programming languages to develop their games using the Blizzard Engine.
4. Can modders use the Blizzard Engine to create content for Blizzard games?
No, the Blizzard Engine is not available for modders or user-generated content creators to use.
5. Does Blizzard use any other engines for their games?
In addition to the Blizzard Engine, Blizzard has also used the Havok physics engine for some of their games.
6. How does the Blizzard Engine compare to other game engines in the market?
Since the Blizzard Engine is proprietary and not available for licensing, it cannot be directly compared to other game engines in the market.
7. How has the Blizzard Engine evolved over time to improve game development?
The Blizzard Engine has gone through multiple iterations and updates over time, improving its graphics capabilities, performance, and ease of use for developers.
Closing thoughts: Thanks for reading!
Thanks for taking the time to learn about what engine does Blizzard use to create their games. As one of the world’s most successful game studios, Blizzard’s use of the proprietary Blizzard Engine showcases their commitment to creating high-quality games that are both immersive and visually stunning. If you’re interested in learning more about Blizzard and their upcoming game releases, make sure to check back here for more updates in the future.