Carla simulator dependent on Unreal engine? Any alternative open source real-time 3D creation platform are available?

Question

I am trying to run carla Simulator on Azure ubuntu 18.04 machine, but as per the document we need to create an account in GitHub and Unreal engine, and we need to link those two accounts. Whether carla is dependent on unreal engine? Do we need to buy licencing for unreal engine in order to complete carla simulator setup or do we have any other alternate real-time 3D creation platform?

Answer 1

According to documentation, yes you need UE4. https://carla.readthedocs.io/en/latest/build_linux/#unreal-engine

Edit: Looks like UE4.24 only.

You don't need to buy UE4. UE4 open source and free to use. (restrictions apply)

You need to create Epic Games account. Link to your GitHub profile, for download UE4 Source Code. Afterwards Download Source Code, and compile for Linux. That's all.

Answer 2

You can install Carla binaries without getting Unreal Engine or making an Epic account, see Quick start installation.

You only need Unreal Engine if you build the project from source, which is only necessary if you plan to modify the project or build for an unsupported platform.