Epic Games has introduced a new open marketplace named Fab, which serves as a central hub for digital content creators seeking free assets. Launched on 17th September 2024, Fab offers a selection of free 3D models, textures, and other digital assets that are available for a limited time. These assets are intended for use in various game engines and computer graphics applications, not limited to Unreal Engine. The initiative follows the transition of content from the former Unreal Engine Marketplace and Quixel platforms to Fab.
The free assets available on Fab are released under a Standard License, which permits commercial use. This allows creators to incorporate the assets into games, animations, visual effects, and motion graphics projects regardless of the software used. The availability of these assets is part of a broader strategy to make high-quality content accessible to a wider audience, including users of rival engines such as Unity.
How the Fab Marketplace Works
Fab operates on a cycle of limited-time free content releases. Epic Games intends to share new free assets every two weeks, with each batch typically consisting of three distinct items. These assets are featured in a dedicated ‘Limited-Time Free’ section on the Fab homepage. Once a user adds a free asset to their Fab library during the promotional window, they retain the license to use it under the Fab Standard License even after the offer expires.
The first batch of free assets, available until 19th November 2024, includes a pack of over 100 modular assets designed for building military airport environments. These assets are suitable for games and cinematics and include native Unity files, alongside other 3D file formats for compatibility with various CG software. Another asset in this initial release is a Blueprint-powered system for handling falling damage, which is available until 31st December.
Current limited-time free content also includes an 'old office' environment pack created by Aleksandr Zhdanov. This pack contains over 160 realistic models for an old-fashioned office room, featuring modular furniture, windows, ceilings, walls, and decorative elements. To secure these assets, users must add the content to their Fab library to apply the new license.
Transition from Quixel and Unreal Engine Marketplace
Fab represents a consolidation of Epic Games' digital content offerings. The platform has replaced the Quixel Bridge, which became unavailable as of 22nd October 2024. Users attempting to access Quixel Bridge are now redirected to Fab. Similarly, Quixel Mixer, the material-authoring tool, is transitioning to Fab, with updates and downloads ceasing via the Quixel website.
The Megascans library, known as the world's largest scanned 3D asset library, has also moved to Fab. Previously, users of game engines other than Unreal Engine required a subscription to access Megascans. Under the new structure, the entire Megascans library will be free to all users until the end of 2024. This offer is accessible to everyone, not just Unreal Engine users. After 2024, Epic will begin charging for most of the content, including use in Unreal Engine projects. Over 17,000 assets from the Megascans library are expected to be available for free on Fab, with additional packs released over time.
Pricing Structure for Paid Content
While a significant portion of the Megascans library remains free until 2024, Fab introduces a tiered pricing structure for other assets. Individual 2D and 3D assets will start at $0.99, procedural asset kits at $4.99, and asset packs at $24.99. Despite these new charges, some content will continue to be available for free beyond the limited-time offers, though specific details on permanently free content are not fully detailed in the source material.
This transition follows Epic Games' decision to start charging large studios for using Unreal Engine in non-gaming projects. The move to Fab indicates a commitment to enhancing and expanding digital content offerings while monetising certain aspects of the ecosystem.
Licensing and Usage Rights
A key feature of the Fab free assets is the licensing flexibility. Unlike the previous Unreal Engine Marketplace Sponsored Content program, which was restricted to Unreal Engine, Fab assets are licensed for use in "any engine or tool." This includes rival game engines like Unity and other CG software via an assortment of 3D file formats. The Fab Standard License permits the use of assets in commercial projects, including games, animations, VFX, and motion graphics.
To take advantage of the free offer, users must add the content to their Fab library. This action applies the new license to the asset, ensuring legal use in future projects. The shift allows users to download and use Megascans content under the Fab Standard license at no cost until the end of 2024.
Summary of Availability
- Launch Date: 17th September 2024.
- Free Asset Cycle: New assets released every two weeks.
- Current Offers: Includes military airport modular assets (available until 19th Nov 2024), falling damage Blueprints (available until 31st Dec), and an old office environment pack.
- Megascans: Free until the end of 2024 for all users.
- Platform: Replaces Quixel Bridge and Quixel Mixer.
The transition from the Unreal Engine Marketplace to Fab maintains the tradition of biweekly drops of limited-time free content, now accessible to a broader audience of digital creators.
Conclusion
Fab serves as the new central destination for Epic Games' free digital assets, offering significant value to game developers and digital artists in the UK and globally. By consolidating the Megascans library and introducing a regular cycle of limited-time free assets, Epic provides accessible high-quality content for commercial and personal projects. Users should note the transition dates regarding Quixel services and the temporary nature of the free Megascans offer beyond 2024. To retain access to free assets, users must actively add them to their Fab library during the promotional periods.