By Godwin UDU
For years, the lines between video games and traditional media like film and television have been blurring. One of the most significant factors driving this convergence is the increasing use of game engine technology in the production of movies and TV shows.
These powerful tools, originally designed for creating interactive game worlds, are revolutionizing filmmaking and television production in profound ways.
According to a 2021 report by Grand View Research, the global game engine market size was valued at USD 2.18 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.6% from 2021 to 2028.
This growth is indicative of the expanding influence of game engines beyond gaming into other industries, including film and TV production.
What are Game Engines?
Game engines are comprehensive software frameworks that provide developers with all the necessary tools to create interactive experiences. They handle complex tasks like:
- Rendering: Generating 2D and 3D graphics in real-time.
- Physics Simulation: Simulating realistic physics interactions between objects.
- Animation: Creating and manipulating character and object animations.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Controlling the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs).
- Audio Processing: Handling sound effects, music, and voice acting.
- Networking: Enabling multiplayer functionality.
Popular examples include Unreal Engine, Unity, and CryEngine.
How Game Engines are Used in Film and TV
Game engines are being utilized across various stages of film and TV production:
- Previsualization (Previs): Traditionally, storyboarding and animatics were used for previs. Game engines offer a more dynamic and interactive approach. Directors can create virtual sets, experiment with camera angles, and even block out scenes in a 3D environment, allowing for greater creative exploration before principal photography begins.
- Virtual Production: This is where game engines truly shine. Virtual production involves using real-time rendering to create virtual sets and environments that can be interacted with on set. Actors can perform in these virtual environments, and directors can see the final result in real-time on monitors, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustments. This significantly reduces the need for extensive post-production VFX work.
- Real-Time VFX: Game engines enable real-time visual effects, meaning VFX can be created and viewed instantly during filming. This allows for more creative control on set and can reduce post-production costs and time.
- Virtual Scouting: Instead of physically traveling to locations, filmmakers can use game engines to virtually scout locations, exploring different environments and finding the perfect setting for their scenes.
- Motion Capture and Performance Capture: Game engines are tightly integrated with motion capture systems, allowing for the capture of actors’ performances and their real-time application to digital characters. This is crucial for creating realistic CGI characters.
Advantages of Using Game Engines
The adoption of game engine technology offers numerous advantages for film and TV production:
- Increased Creative Control: Directors and filmmakers have greater control over the visual aspects of their projects, allowing for more experimentation and artistic expression.
- Reduced Costs and Time: By streamlining the production process and reducing the need for extensive post-production VFX work, game engines can save significant time and money.
- Improved Collaboration: Real-time feedback and visualization facilitate better communication and collaboration between different departments, such as directors, cinematographers, and VFX artists.
- Enhanced Realism: Game engines are capable of producing highly realistic graphics and simulations, leading to more immersive and believable visual experiences.
- Flexibility and Iteration: Changes and adjustments can be made quickly and easily in a virtual environment, allowing for greater flexibility and iteration throughout the production process.
Examples of Game Engine Use in Film and TV
Several high-profile productions have leveraged game engine technology:
- The Mandalorian: This Disney+ series extensively used Unreal Engine for its virtual production, creating highly realistic virtual sets and environments.
- Westworld: This HBO series has utilized game engines for previs and virtual scouting.
- Avatar: James Cameron’s groundbreaking film utilized motion capture and virtual production techniques that have heavily influenced the current wave of game engine adoption in film.
The Future of Game Engines in Entertainment
The use of game engine technology in film and TV is only expected to grow in the future. As these tools continue to evolve and become more powerful, they will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of entertainment.
We can expect to see even more innovative and immersive visual experiences as filmmakers and TV producers continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with game engines.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Godwin Udu is passionate about creating immersive experiences that captivate and engage audiences. He is an AR and VR enthusiast, XR content developer, and a 3D generalist.