The future of VFX isn’t in Hollywood—it’s in a video game engine.
The future of visual effects is no longer solely in the hands of traditional Hollywood studios. Thanks to the revolutionary power of Unreal Engine 5 (UE5), real-time rendering technology is completely changing the VFX landscape. Shows like The Mandalorian and House of the Dragon have already begun using this game-changing software to deliver jaw-dropping visuals—on set, in real-time, without the need for long post-production processes.
Unlike traditional VFX, which requires extensive rendering time after filming has concluded, UE5 allows filmmakers to edit and modify complex scenes as they shoot them. With the real-time rendering capabilities of Unreal Engine, directors and artists can see the final look of their visual effects instantly, making decisions on the fly and adjusting elements as needed. This approach not only cuts down on costs—by eliminating the lengthy post-production process—but also empowers creativity in ways previously unimaginable.
ILM (Industrial Light & Magic), one of the pioneers in embracing UE5, has been at the forefront of this shift. Artists at ILM have noted how real-time rendering has drastically changed their workflow. Instead of waiting for weeks to see how VFX shots turn out, the team can make instant adjustments to lighting, textures, and environments during filming. This has allowed for a more collaborative and adaptive approach to the creative process, giving directors and actors more freedom and flexibility on set.
The efficiency of this technology is also a game-changer for the budget-conscious entertainment industry. By shifting much of the VFX workload to real-time engines like Unreal, production costs are lowered, and studios can create blockbusters without the enormous post-production bills that typically come with them.
As technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that Unreal Engine 5 is not just a tool for video game development—it’s becoming the future of VFX, opening new possibilities for filmmakers, while making traditional VFX pipelines and techniques feel outdated in comparison. In a sense, the future of visual storytelling is now being written not by Hollywood’s VFX giants, but by a video game engine.
