Did Unreal Just Start A New Real-time Development Revolution? What Did You Miss?

July 07, 2025
4 min read

Epic Games used the stage at Unreal Fest in Orlando to deliver the 2025 announcements that reframe how game studios, simulation developers, and enterprise creators will work in the years ahead. From advancements in AI and animation to a more open and creator-driven ecosystem, the direction is clear: the tools are becoming more powerful, accessible, and flexible.

The implications are significant for professionals working in gaming, virtual production, training, or real-time digital experiences. This article breaks down the announcements that matter most and explains how they align with the kind of work we do at ASSIST Software through our Interactive Technologies department. Our team specializes in building games, digital twins, and military-grade simulations using Unity and Unreal Engine.

MetaHuman Moves Beyond Unreal

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MetaHuman Moves Beyond UnrealOne of the most impactful announcements was the expansion of MetaHuman tools to support other engines. Until now, MetaHuman was exclusive to Unreal Engine, limiting its reach despite offering some of the most advanced digital human systems available. That changes with this update. Developers can now integrate MetaHuman assets into their pipelines using Unity or other platforms.

MetaHuman content is also available in the Fab marketplace, allowing creators to license and distribute characters more easily. This move simplifies access to high-fidelity avatars and opens up monetization opportunities for creators. 

For cross-platform projects, this opens the door to more cohesive development. At ASSIST, we often build digital twins for industrial environments, simulations for defense, and gamified systems for education. Now we can implement realistic, high-quality avatars across various platforms, regardless of the client's preferred engine. Whether a virtual production scenario or a medical training module, the result is greater flexibility and visual fidelity.

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Epic introduced two new AI-based systems that streamline development and expand design possibilities. The first is the Persona Device, which allows creators to build non-player characters with distinct personalities, speech behaviors, and dynamic responses. This tool brings intelligent interactions to games and simulations without requiring complex AI engineering.

The second is the Epic Developer Assistant, a contextual tool embedded in the editor that helps developers find documentation, debug code, and accelerate workflow. It reduces the learning curve for newcomers and improves productivity for experienced teams.

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We see these tools as game-changers. In our simulation and training projects, we often need to create dynamic environments populated by lifelike digital agents. The Persona Device can add interactive characters who respond to users based on context and scenario-specific logic. These AI-driven behaviors can provide immersion without adding engineering overhead in a training simulation for emergency response or combat operations. Meanwhile, the Developer Assistant helps our teams spend less time searching for solutions and more time delivering value to our clients.

The Witcher 4 Demo Sets a New Benchmark

One of the most anticipated moments of the keynote was the reveal of The Witcher 4 technology demo by CD PROJEKT RED. Running at 60 frames per second on PlayStation 5, the demo showed off open-world rendering with Nanite foliage, Fast Geometry Streaming for seamless loading, Mass AI for crowd simulation, and MetaHuman-powered characters using realistic muscle deformations via ML Deformer.

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The partnership between Epic and CD PROJEKT RED also signals a broader trend. Moving away from a proprietary engine toward shared infrastructure reflects a new industry mindset where collaboration and community-driven tooling take precedence over building everything in-house.

The technologies featured in the Witcher 4 demo are now available to all Unreal Engine users, enabling us to deliver immersive, high-performance applications with greater speed and scalability.

“We want to build tools that empower creators to make the best games possible, without Unreal standing in your way.”

- Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, during The Witcher 4 showcase at State of Unreal 2025.

Strategic Outlook

The State of Unreal 2025 keynote highlights a clear direction for the industry: more open tools, more intelligent systems, and more sustainable business models.

At ASSIST Software, this is an opportunity to expand the value we bring to clients further. With deep experience in Unity and Unreal and a strong track record in interactive technology, we are ready to help organizations build the next generation of real-time digital experiences, whether that means a high-stakes simulator, a scalable digital twin, or a game that reaches a global audience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ASSIST Software's development process?  

The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) we employ defines the following stages for a software project. Our SDLC phases include planning, requirement gathering, product design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance.

2. What software development methodology does ASSIST Software use?  

ASSIST Software primarily leverages Agile principles for flexibility and adaptability. This means we break down projects into smaller, manageable sprints, allowing continuous feedback and iteration throughout the development cycle. We also incorporate elements from other methodologies to increase efficiency as needed. For example, we use Scrum for project roles and collaboration, and Kanban boards to see workflow and manage tasks. As per the Waterfall approach, we emphasize precise planning and documentation during the initial stages.

3. I'm considering a custom application. Should I focus on a desktop, mobile or web app?  

We can offer software consultancy services to determine the type of software you need based on your specific requirements. Please explore what type of app development would suit your custom build product.   

  • A web application runs on a web browser and is accessible from any device with an internet connection. (e.g., online store, social media platform)   
  • Mobile app developers design applications mainly for smartphones and tablets, such as games and productivity tools. However, they can be extended to other devices, such as smartwatches.    
  • Desktop applications are installed directly on a computer (e.g., photo editing software, word processors).   
  • Enterprise software manages complex business functions within an organization (e.g., Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)).

4. My software product is complex. Are you familiar with the Scaled Agile methodology?

We have been in the software engineering industry for 30 years. During this time, we have worked on bespoke software that needed creative thinking, innovation, and customized solutions. 

Scaled Agile refers to frameworks and practices that help large organizations adopt Agile methodologies. Traditional Agile is designed for small, self-organizing teams. Scaled Agile addresses the challenges of implementing Agile across multiple teams working on complex projects.  

SAFe provides a structured approach for aligning teams, coordinating work, and delivering value at scale. It focuses on collaboration, communication, and continuous delivery for optimal custom software development services. 

5. How do I choose the best collaboration model with ASSIST Software?  

We offer flexible models. Think about your project and see which models would be right for you.   

  • Dedicated Team: Ideal for complex, long-term projects requiring high continuity and collaboration.   
  • Team Augmentation: Perfect for short-term projects or existing teams needing additional expertise.   
  • Project-Based Model: Best for well-defined projects with clear deliverables and a fixed budget.   

Contact us to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each model. 

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