TL;DR
Arjan Brussee, co-founder of Guerrilla Games, is developing ‘The Immensive Engine,’ a fully European-hosted game engine designed to challenge US-centric engines like Unreal. The project emphasizes European compliance and AI integration, with the goal of expanding options for game developers.
Guerrilla Games co-founder and former Epic Games tech director Arjan Brussee is developing a new game engine, called ‘The Immensive Engine,’ designed to serve as a fully European-hosted alternative to dominant engines like Unreal and Unity. The project aims to provide more development options aligned with European rules and guidelines, emphasizing AI integration.
Brussee, speaking to De Technoloog and reported by VGC, stated that no current game engine fully meets European hosting, development, and regulatory standards. ‘The Immensive Engine’ is intended to fill this gap by offering a platform built by Europeans for Europeans, with a focus on creating complex 3D worlds beyond gaming applications.
He highlighted that existing engines like Unreal are primarily designed for mouse-driven workflows, which can limit flexibility. Brussee also emphasized the importance of AI, noting that modern engines need to be developed differently to harness AI effectively. He believes that a well-structured AI framework can significantly reduce development labor, with AI capable of performing tasks that would otherwise require many people.
Why It Matters
This development matters because it aims to diversify the global game development ecosystem by providing a fully European alternative to US-dominated engines, aligning with regional regulations and standards. It also signals a growing interest in AI’s role in game development, potentially transforming how games and virtual worlds are created and managed. For European studios, this could mean greater independence and tailored solutions that better fit local policies and market needs.
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Background
Currently, the global game engine market is dominated by companies like Epic Games with Unreal and Unity Technologies. While these engines are widely used worldwide, they are primarily US-based and designed around US-centric workflows and regulations. Brussee’s initiative responds to a perceived lack of European-developed engines that meet regional standards. The push towards AI integration in game engines is also accelerating, with major companies investing heavily in this technology, although concerns about AI’s divisiveness remain.
“No one is currently making an engine that is fully European-hosted, built by Europeans, and complies with European rules and guidelines.”
— Arjan Brussee
“Creating usable 3D worlds is becoming increasingly important, certainly for purposes other than just gaming.”
— Arjan Brussee
“If you are smart and know how to put a good framework of AI agents to work, you can do the work of ten or fifteen people.”
— Arjan Brussee
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear when ‘The Immensive Engine’ will be available for commercial use or which studios might adopt it initially. Details about the engine’s technical specifications, licensing, and support ecosystem remain undisclosed. The extent of AI integration and how it will compare with existing engines is still in development.
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What’s Next
Brussee and his team are currently in the development phase, with no official release timeline announced. Future updates may include beta testing, partnerships with European studios, or demonstrations of AI capabilities within the engine.
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Key Questions
What makes ‘The Immensive Engine’ different from Unreal or Unity?
It is designed to be fully European-hosted, built by Europeans, and compliant with European regulations, aiming to provide an alternative that aligns with regional standards and priorities.
Why focus on AI in the new engine?
Brussee believes AI can significantly reduce development costs and time by automating complex tasks, offering a competitive edge and new creative possibilities.
Will this engine be available to all developers?
Details about licensing and accessibility are not yet available, but the goal is to create a platform that can serve a broad range of European and possibly global developers.
What is the timeline for this project?
Development is ongoing, with no specific launch date announced. It is unclear when the engine will be ready for commercial use.
Could this engine challenge the dominance of Unreal and Unity?
Potentially, if it successfully meets regional standards and offers compelling AI features, it could attract European studios seeking alternatives to US-based engines.
