Epic Games Unveils Fab: A Comprehensive Marketplace for Digital Assets
Epic Games has officially launched Fab, an innovative platform that serves as a centralized marketplace where developers can explore, buy, sell, and share an extensive range of digital assets. This new marketplace is not just a retail hub; it’s designed to be the backbone for future metaverses, embodying Epic’s vision of streamlined content creation for developers.
An All-In-One Destination for Developers
Fab aims to unify previously disjointed offerings from Epic’s past platforms, including the Unreal Engine Marketplace and Sketchfab Store, along with assets from Quixel Megascans and Unity. By consolidating these resources, Fab allows content creators to access all the digital assets they need in one user-friendly destination.
For developers utilizing Unreal Engine, Fab can be accessed directly within the Unreal Engine 5 Editor. Those creating content for Fortnite can quickly find Fortnite-compatible assets through the Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), further simplifying the asset discovery process.
Extensive Library of Assets at Your Fingertips
As it opens its digital doors, Fab boasts an impressive collection of real-time-ready assets, encompassing everything from characters and animations to environments and VFX. Developers can find high-quality content from notable creators and studios like KitBash3D and Dekogon Studios, catering to a diverse range of project needs.
Users can easily browse through categories and utilize filters to discover the exact types of assets they require, while the site’s real-time 3D viewer allows potential buyers to assess products visually before committing to a purchase.
Inclusive Licensing Options and Free Access
Fab stands out by offering various licensing options tailored to meet different project needs, including a Creative Commons license and professional standards. Additionally, the platform provides unprecedented access to the Quixel Megascans library for free through 2024, allowing developers to claim over 17,000 assets, including packs with newly crafted scene files.
Moreover, developers will soon be able to redeem a free six-month subscription for Adobe Substance Painter and Modeler, enhancing their creative toolkit alongside the comprehensive asset library provided by Fab.
A Shared Vision for the Future of the Metaverse
The launch of Fab is just the beginning of Epic’s journey toward fostering a vibrant ecosystem for digital creation. Bill Clifford, vice president of Unreal Engine and Marketplaces at Epic Games, notes that this initiative has been in development for around 2.5 years and represents a significant evolution from previous asset platforms. He emphasizes the importance of coherence in accessing high-quality assets, stating that about 50% of active projects already utilize resources from the Unreal Engine Marketplace.
Looking ahead, Epic Games has ambitious plans to expand and refine Fab’s offerings. Upcoming updates will focus on enhancing the user experience and enabling greater interoperability with other platforms, ultimately revealing Epic’s long-term aspiration to contribute to the development of the metaverse as a comprehensive digital landscape.
By building a unified destination that welcomes multiple asset types and game engines, including Unity, Roblox, and Minecraft, Fab aims to reduce fragmentation in the buying experience for developers. This strategic shift signals Epic’s commitment to facilitating a collaborative environment for all creators, irrespective of the platforms they choose.
In summary, Fab represents a significant leap in the digital asset marketplace landscape, promising a rich repository of content, streamlined access, and ongoing growth designed to empower creators on their journey to build engaging digital worlds.
