Unreal Engine 6 Targeting 2028 Release, Will Blend UE5 and Fortnite Tech
TOKYO, JAPAN – Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney revealed a potential 2028 release window for Unreal Engine 6 during Unreal fest Japan, signaling the next evolution of the company’s industry-leading game engine. The announcement comes despite ongoing scrutiny of Unreal Engine 5’s performance in several high-profile titles.
Sweeney stated that UE6 will emerge from a convergence of the “best parts of UE5 and the Fortnite ecosystem” over the next two and a half years. While details remain scarce, the timeframe suggests a launch in 2028. This announcement arrives as some developers continue to utilize older engine versions – Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, released in February 2024, was built using Unreal Engine 4.
The move to discuss a successor engine is notable given criticisms leveled against UE5 regarding stuttering and performance issues in recent games. Though, Epic appears focused on leveraging the technology developed for Fortnite – a game built on Unreal Engine - to shape the future of its core engine offering.
UNREAL ENGINE 6 – PERHAPS EXPECTED IN 2028
Tim Sweeney at Unreal Fest Japan: “Over the next two and a half years, the best parts of UE5 and the Fortnite ecosystem will merge, resulting in the birth of UE6”
(Quote might potentially be slightly off due to translation) pic.twitter.com/DqDfinZMPs
– China (@ChinaBR) November 15, 2025
