How to setup Multi User Editing in Unreal Engine 5.5 over the Internet

When you want to work in a team on an Unreal Engine project, Multi-User Editing feels like the right feature to use, however, Multi-User Editing does not exchange project files, which is the basis for collaboration. The practice you are looking for is "version control" (or source control or revision control). Once you have figured out how to use version control, Multi-User Editing is a great addition to make your workflow a lot more fun.

What is version control and why do you need it

An essential concept in any software development project, version control or source control, allows developers to keep track of changes made to their code over time and ensures that previous versions can be easily accessed and restored if needed.

Most developers, whether working solo or in a team, use some form of version control to prevent data loss, collaborate seamlessly, and avoid file corruption. This approach, also known as revision control, provides numerous benefits, including:

• Backing up and saving previous versions of the project
• Synchronizing code across devices and team members
• Documenting changes as they occur
• Merging and working on different branches of code
• Locking files to prevent conflicts when multiple people edit the same file

What is Multi-User Editing and how does it work with version control

Multi-User Editing enables several instances of the Unreal Editor to work together in a shared session, allowing team members to build a virtual environment in real time.

With version control, teams can easily share the project on platforms like GitHub or Azure DevOps via tools such as Anchorpoint, GitHub Desktop, Sourcetree, and Perforce. Once the work is complete, the project manager can save and commit all changes, making them accessible for the team to continue development.

While Multi-User Editing was initially created for virtual film and television production, it’s useful for any Unreal Engine project where multiple people need to work on the same content. This feature helps reduce iteration times, provides immediate feedback on changes, and fosters collaborative creativity within teams.

How to set up Multi-User editing over the LAN and Internet

Although Unreal’s Multi-User Editing is primarily designed to operate over a local area network (LAN) where, for instance, several designers can work on different parts of a large map simultaneously, the LAN can be extended to the internet for remote access.

To set up Multi-User editing via LAN/Internet, you must first share your project with your team members. Each member must have the same version of Unreal and the same project files.

1. Set up version control

First you need to set up a version control system. If you are new to this, we have a detailed tutorial on how to set up Anchorpoint and Azure DevOps. You can use something like Git, Perforce or SVN. If you use Git, you can use Azure DevOps to store your files in the cloud and Anchorpoint to push and pull your files to Azure DevOps. Both services have free options.

2. Configure Multi-User Editing in Unreal Engine

The next step is to enable the Multi-User plugin in Unreal. Follow the official Multi-User Editing tutorial provided by Unreal. Next, set up your display name, start a server and create a session for others to join via LAN.

3. Set up a VPN to use Multi-User Editing over the internet

If you want to create a server for people outside our LAN to join over the internet, you will need to set up a Hamachi or Radmin VPN server and UDP Messaging enabled in Unreal. We recommend that you watch this tutorial video on how to set up Unreal and the server for this to work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Multi-User Editing and Version Control

Multi-User Editing allows multiple developers to work on the same scene at the same time over a LAN/Internet, and only the manager/server host can save and share the files at the end. Version control allows each team member to share their updates to the project and commit them to a cloud service for the rest of the team to access and modify.

Is Azure DevOps Free?

Yes, Azure DevOps is a Microsoft cloud service that is free for up to 5 users and includes unlimited storage. However, the user experience can feel slightly cumbersome, and connection speeds may be slower compared to other services.

What is the difference between GitHub and Azure DevOps?

GitHub’s free tier includes 1GB of storage, with options to buy additional space. For larger projects, especially those in Unreal Engine that often require significant storage, Azure DevOps might be a better option, since it has no storage limits.