The Unity Asset Store is a treasure trove for all game developers: there, you can find 3D models, animations, sound effects, and even project templates. However, an overwhelming number of more than 70,000 different packages awaits there. Here are a few tips on how to make the most out of the Unity Asset Store while avoiding mediocre assets for your projects.
Asset Categories
The Unity Asset Store organizes its content into the following major categories:
- 3D Models
- Animation
- Audio
- Visual Effects (VFX)
- Textures & Materials
- Tools
- Templates & Tutorials
Familiarizing yourself with these categories can ensure you find the right kind of asset in no time.
Evaluating Asset Quality
While scanning through assets, look for these qualities:
- User ratings and reviews
- Number of downloads
- Last update date
- Compatibility of requested assets with Unity version
- Quality of documentation and support
Pro Tip: Utilize the Advanced Search
In turn, advanced search features in the Asset Store filter your search by price, ratings, and other criteria and will quickly land you on the assets you’re looking for.
Matching Cost with Value
While free assets are plentiful, paid assets tend to be higher-quality and have more features. Remember your budget and your possible time saved when you determine if you should spend on an asset. In some cases, investing in a higher quality asset will cut the time that leads to your development by leaps and bounds.
Introducing Assets to Your Project
Now that you have identified and downloaded an asset, remember to:
- Read through the documentation carefully
- Test the asset in a new scene before actually integrating it into your main project
- Walk any dependencies or extra packages through
- Jive about how well it’s fitting with your artistic vision and game design
Staying Updated
The Unity Asset Store is constantly updated with new content added to its shelves. Be sure to check out the “New Assets” and “On Sale” sections for hot new content and deals. And, follow asset creators you appreciate to keep track of their updates and new releases, too.
Quality Over Quantity
The mistake I can make is overrelying on just downloading lots of assets. Be prudent and pick high-quality ones that will improve your project. In reality, a few quality-picked assets may be worth more than a whole heap of mediocre ones.
Perhaps the Unity Asset Store can also be highly valuable to game developers at every level, and better understanding how to move through and evaluate assets will save time and strengthen your projects with a growing focus on making your unique game ideas come alive.
