Introduction

When a new game engine hits the market—especially one backed by a veteran like Arjan Brussee, co-founder of Guerrilla Games and former Epic Games technical director—it's worth a closer look. His latest project, The Immense Engine, is being positioned as a “European alternative” to Unreal and Unity, with a heavy focus on generative AI and defense-industry applications. But how do you separate hype from genuine potential? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of evaluating a new game engine, using The Immense Engine as a case study. Whether you're a developer, investor, or studio head, these steps will help you make an informed decision.

What You Need

• Basic understanding of game engine architecture (rendering, physics, scripting)
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts, especially generative AI
• Knowledge of the current game engine market (Unreal, Unity, Godot, etc.)
• Access to industry news sources and analyst reports
• A list of your specific project requirements (platform, genre, budget, team size)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Research the Team and Their Track Record

   The first thing to investigate is who is building the engine. In this case, Arjan Brussee has a storied career: he co-founded Guerrilla Games (known for the Killzone series and the Decima engine) and served as technical director at Epic Games, where he contributed to Unreal Engine development. His connections and experience are a strong signal of technical competence. However, a solo or small-team effort can still face resource constraints. Look for the full team roster, their past projects, and any advisory board members. A team with diverse skills (rendering, AI, tooling) is more likely to deliver a complete product.

2. Step 2: Examine the Engine’s Unique Selling Points

   Every new engine needs a differentiator. The Immense Engine is touting two main ones: “full” generative AI integration and a European alternative to US-dominated engines. For the AI aspect, ask: Does it mean AI-assisted asset creation, runtime NPC behavior, or procedural world building? Verify if the AI is built into the core pipeline or just bolted on as a plugin. For the European angle, consider regional advantages: data sovereignty, EU funding, or local talent pools. But caution: “European alternative” is a branding move—assess if it translates to technical or licensing benefits for your team.

3. Step 3: Analyze Target Applications – Gaming vs. Simulation

   Brussee has mentioned possible applications for the defense industry, where game engines are often used for simulation and training. This is a smart move to diversify revenue, but it also adds complexity. For game developers, this means the engine might prioritize features like real-time physics, sensor simulation, and data security over artistic tools. Evaluate if the engine's design leans more toward combat simulation or interactive entertainment. If you're building a narrative RPG, defense-heavy features may be overkill. Conversely, if you work in military simulation, this could be a perfect fit.

4. Step 4: Evaluate Licensing and Business Model

   Unreal uses a royalty-based model (5% after $1M revenue), while Unity has subscription tiers. The Immense Engine hasn't announced its pricing yet, but watch for news. A European alternative might offer more favorable terms for indie developers or EU tax incentives. Also consider support and training: Will they provide documentation, forums, or on-site support? A new engine lacking tutorials can slow down your development. Keep an eye on whether they plan a royalty-free or open-source model—this could be a game-changer for small studios.

   

5. Step 5: Check for Early Adopters and Community Feedback

   Even before a full release, look for beta testers, early showcase videos, or third-party reviews. Has any studio publicly committed to using The Immense Engine? If no one else is on board, that's a red flag. Seek forums, Discord servers, or Reddit discussions. Early adopters often share honest feedback about stability, learning curve, and performance. If the community is active and positive, it's a good sign. If not, wait for a more mature version.

6. Step 6: Consider Long-Term Sustainability

   New engines often struggle to survive beyond initial hype. Investigate funding sources: Is the engine backed by venture capital, government grants, or a sustainable business model? Brussee's reputation may attract investors, but the engine's long-term development depends on financial stability. Also check the update cycle and roadmap. Frequent releases with clear milestones indicate a healthy project. Lastly, evaluate the engine's dependency on cutting-edge hardware or specific platforms. If it only runs on high-end GPUs, it may limit your target audience.

Tips and Conclusion

• Start small. Before committing to The Immense Engine, build a prototype or a single level. This will reveal practical issues like loading times, tool fluency, and community support.
• Keep an eye on AI developments. Generative AI in engines is moving fast. What The Immense Engine offers today might be standard in two years. Look for how they plan to stay ahead.
• Don't be swayed by patriotism alone. A “European alternative” is only valuable if it delivers better performance, lower costs, or unique features. Compare apples to apples with Unreal and Unity.
• Network at industry events. Meet the team at GDC or Gamescom. Personal conversations often reveal more than press releases.
• Plan a migration path. If you switch engines mid-project, you'll need to retrain your team and convert assets. Ensure The Immense Engine supports common formats like FBX, GLTF, or USD.

In conclusion, evaluating a new engine like The Immense Engine requires a methodical approach. By following these steps—from vetting the team to testing the AI features—you can decide whether this bold European contender deserves a spot in your development stack. The game industry needs competition, and Arjan Brussee’s project is definitely one to watch.