With constant communication with players, Psyonix has maintained a very responsive community. Despite fumbling the next-generation update launch, and pushing to next week; Psyonix is still upgrading Rocket League to be the best game it can be. There are still so many improvements in the works with the current patch on the horizon for next week. Yet, for its massive success, Psyonix doesn’t even use the latest industry hardware. Even being bought by Epic Games, Rocket League has always used Unreal Engine 3. According to recent statements from the developers and job listings at Psyonix, an engine shift is in their field of view. Rocket League is finally upgrading to Unreal Engine 5.
IT'S HAPPENING!!!! IT'S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!!!! pic.twitter.com/i5PCBBWLYy
— RyanGoldfish (@GoldfishRL) August 19, 2021
What Does an Engine Upgrade Mean for Rocket League?
While two generational jumps might not seem like a whole lot, making it to the latest engine is important. Not only has Psyonix been limited by UE3, but many requested features have required a more sophisticated engine. While the performance and visual gains will be stellar, it’ll also allow Psyonix to implement more customization. Things like floodlights underneath vehicles aren’t possible because of UE3. The change is also a slight inclination that Psyonix is working on Unreal Engine 5. Speculation first arose when the former pro player and map creator Lethamyr noticed something new about the western map.
Also, look at those shadows. The map in-game feels dead compared to the lighting quality from these cinematics. The area with the ball is 100% UE5 if anything, which leads me to believe that whatever they work on for UE3, they have an equally ready UE5 version already done pic.twitter.com/tBqeGlviRh
— SSG Lethamyr (@Lethamyr_RL) August 11, 2021
The cinematic for season 4 uses a different stage than the one presented in the game. Not to mention the new ball graphic presented outside the stage is of a much higher polygonal count than any other. Speculation has ensued over whether or not Psyonix is already testing Rocket League in UE5 to make assets and trailers for the upcoming seasons. All the added effects and upgrades certainly would make Psyonix want Unreal Engine 5 much more. Be sure to check back for more news and updates on Rocket League’s inevitable move to Unreal Engine 5.
So do you think Psyonix’s Unreal Engine 5 will make it to Rocket League this year? Let us know in the comments down below!