Epic Games Acquires Sketchfab | 3D Model Platform

Sketchfab Acquired by Epic Games

The company responsible for Fortnite and Unreal Engine, Epic Games, has finalized the acquisition of Sketchfab, a New York-based startup. Sketchfab specializes in a platform designed for the uploading, downloading, viewing, sharing, selling, and purchasing of 3D assets.

Financial details concerning the deal have not been disclosed by Epic Games. However, it has been confirmed that Sketchfab will continue to function as an independent brand and service. Existing integrations with various third-party tools, including Unity, will also be maintained.

Strategic Alignment with Epic Games’ Vision

This acquisition represents a logical step for Epic Games, given its ongoing development and procurement of leading creative tools. Unreal Engine has established itself as a dominant force in the video game engine landscape for the last two decades.

Recently, the applications of Unreal Engine have expanded beyond traditional gaming. It is now utilized in areas such as visual effects production, immersive 3D virtual world exploration, and mixed reality projects.

The Importance of a Robust Asset Ecosystem

A powerful engine is significantly enhanced by access to a diverse range of assets. Consequently, creators often either design their own 2D and 3D assets, outsource the creation process, or directly purchase pre-made assets.

This demand has fostered a thriving ecosystem of both assets and the creators who produce them. While Epic Games operates its own Unreal Engine marketplace, Sketchfab has been diligently constructing a comprehensive 3D marketplace for years, built upon three core principles: technology, reach, and collaboration.

Sketchfab’s Technological Capabilities

Sketchfab’s technology allows for the viewing of 3D models across a wide variety of platforms. The Sketchfab viewer is compatible with all major web browsers on both desktop and mobile devices, and can be experienced directly on Sketchfab’s website.

Furthermore, it supports VR headsets. Users can upload 3D models created in popular software such as Blender, 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, and Substance Painter.

Sketchfab also facilitates the conversion of files into the glTF and USDZ formats, which are optimized for performance on Android and iOS devices.

Growth and Community

Sketchfab has experienced substantial growth over time. In 2018, the company reported impressive statistics: 1 billion views, 2 million members, and a library of 3 million 3D models.

Around this period, Sketchfab also introduced a marketplace enabling creators to directly buy and sell their assets on the platform.

Collaboration Features: Sketchfab for Teams

Sketchfab extended its offerings with Sketchfab for Teams, a software-as-a-service solution designed for organizations that frequently work with 3D models. This service allows teams to share a Sketchfab account, functioning similarly to a shared folder like Google Drive, but specifically for 3D assets.

Immediate Changes Following the Acquisition

Epic Games has implemented immediate changes following the acquisition. Store fees have been reduced from 30% to 12%, aligning with the fee structure of the Epic Games Store. This mirrors a similar reduction in commissions on ArtStation after its acquisition.

Subscription costs for Sketchfab users have also been lowered. The features previously available in the Plus plan are now offered for free, and Plus subscribers now have access to the features formerly exclusive to the Pro plan.

Statements from Sketchfab Leadership

“We built Sketchfab with a mission to empower a new era of creativity and provide a service for creators to showcase their work online and make 3D content accessible,” stated Alban Denoyel, co-founder and CEO of Sketchfab. “Joining Epic will enable us to accelerate the development of Sketchfab and our powerful online toolset, all while providing an even greater experience for creators. We are proud to work alongside Epic to build the Metaverse and enable creators to take their work even further.”

Epic Games’ Broader Acquisition Strategy

The acquisition of Sketchfab follows previous acquisitions of ArtStation and Capturing Reality. These moves demonstrate Epic Games’ commitment to building a comprehensive developer suite for the gaming industry and beyond.

It is evident that Epic Games aims to provide a complete end-to-end solution for developers in the gaming space.