CG Cookie was awarded an Epic MegaGrant, get ready for Unreal-tasting cookies!

For years, Citizens of the Cookie have been asking us for training that brings the Unreal Engine and Blender together. Something that I've always wanted to deliver, but simply have not been able to pursue... until now.

I'm excited to share that CG Cookie is an Epic Mega Grant recipient! We’re ready to make some Unreal-tasting Cookies! 🍪

Who is Epic?

Epic is, of course, the famed gaming studio and creator of some humble titles like Gears of War or Fortnite.

Oh, and who remembers Jazz Jackrabbit?

Jazz Jackrabbit aka best game ever (non-negotiable)

Epic is also the owner of Unreal, an absolute beast of a gaming engine.

Unreal pairs so well with Blender because it is free for non-commercial use, making it a low-boundary software - just like Blender.

What are Epic Mega Grants?

Simply put, Mega Grants are a pledge of financial support by Epic for projects they find inspiring and beneficial for their community.

Thanks to its massive commercial success, Epic is in the fortunate position to support other creators out there - from game development to entertainment, and, of course, education.

In Epic's own words:

Epic Games has committed $100 million to support game developers, enterprise professionals, media and entertainment creators, students, educators, and tool developers doing amazing things with Unreal Engine or enhancing open-source capabilities for the 3D graphics community. 

(By the way, if you have a potentially epic project, you can apply for a Mega Grant as well).

Why did CG Cookie get an Epic Mega Grant?

In the past 12 years, CG Cookie has become known for our high-quality Blender training and of course kick-arse community that makes it all possible.

CG Cookie is funded by members who purchase a subscription; that's what pays for our instructors, our support crew, and our servers.

Our main focus is on producing inspiring edutainment to keep our members engaged and learning - and we don't have much capacity to do anything else. And while we love teaching, we are also artists at the core who have that itch to create.

The Epic Mega Grant will enable us to secure additional resources and revisit an old passion project.

How will we use the Epic Mega Grant?

It's going to be a monster undertaking: creating something amazing while documenting the process along the way.

Don't worry, we won't be sheepish about the challenges, there will be plenty to eat consume. The result should be a pretty incredible bridge between the Blender and Unreal communities.

Huge thanks to Epic Mega Grant's team & you for supporting this rolling cookie over the years. #onward!

- Wes