In the discussion about creating video games without relying on established game engines like Unreal or Unity, opinions diverge significantly among developers. Some advocate for the importance of custom engines and the distinctive creativity they can foster, especially for niche projects. The key argument is that while engines provide essential tools and heavy lifting for larger scale developments, they often come with a lot of overhead and unnecessary features for smaller, more unique games. Developers emphasize the importance of focusing on the tooling, editor app, and pipelines necessary to work with an engine effectively, something that can be significantly more complex than the engine itself. Additionally, there’s a growing appreciation for open-source tools that make custom game development more feasible and exciting. However, many newcomers may find learning a complex engine like Unreal or Unity daunting, prompting some to consider creating bespoke solutions instead. The balance between engine use and custom development reflects not only personal preferences but also the specific needs of the project and the skills of the developer. The explosion of capable open-source projects has also improved accessibility and performance in game development. Ultimately, while building a custom engine might introduce a steeper learning curve, it can lead to a unique product tailored to the developers' creative vision. This discussion showcases a trend towards personalized game development tools, reflecting a potential shift in how games may be made in the future, where emphasis on creativity and customization can take precedence over using generic game engines.