Beyond Gaming: Universal 3D Engine Drives Industrial Innovation
3D engines once confined to game development are now establishing themselves as essential infrastructure across semiconductor manufacturing, telecommunications services, and educational content. Unity demonstrated at “U-Day Seoul: Industry” on September 26 that real-time 3D technology is evolving into the standard platform for digital twin and metaverse implementation.
Fortune Business Insights projects the global game engine market will grow from $48.4 trillion KRW in 2025 to $119 trillion KRW by 2032, driven by metaverse expansion and generative AI adoption at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7%.
3D Spatial Visualization Revolutionizes HBM Data Tracking
SK Hynix has integrated Unity engine to build a three-dimensional data management system for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory). The vertical stacking nature of HBM made traditional 2D Excel-based data recording insufficient for tracking process history and defects across individual chip layers.
“Customer requests for layer-specific error tracing after product shipment are frequent,” explained Kang Chul-kyu, SK AX Manager. “A 3D platform capable of visualizing data across the entire process from foundry to packaging is essential for comprehensive HBM production management.”
The critical factor in choosing Unity was its seamless compatibility with C# language used in SK Hynix’s Manufacturing Execution System (MES). While the company had its own Omniverse platform, Unity’s versatility proved decisive for integration with existing systems. SK Hynix is now actively considering full integration of Unity into its digital infrastructure.
Lightweight Metaverse Platform Runs on Budget Devices
LG U+’s AI education metaverse “Kids Topia” showcases Unity’s optimization capabilities. Designed as a preinstalled app for Kids Phone targeting budget smartphones like Galaxy A16, it needed to deliver smooth 3D experiences on limited hardware specifications.
“We chose Unity over Unreal for its strength in low-spec optimization,” said Han Seung-oh, LG U+ Team Leader. “Particularly for Southeast Asian market expansion, stable operation was crucial given the lower penetration of flagship smartphones in those regions.”
Kids Topia proved its global competitiveness by ranking 5th in Thailand, 9th in Malaysia, and 12th in Korea on Google Play Store’s education category as of November 2024. This new service format combining educational content with metaverse successfully established itself by providing lightweight yet immersive experiences.
Industrial 3D Platform Accelerates B2B Market Penetration
Game engines attract industrial attention for their real-time rendering and simulation capabilities. Applications span all areas requiring digital twin implementation: manufacturing process monitoring, equipment maintenance training, and product design verification.
Unity is accelerating B2B market penetration by repositioning itself from a simple game engine to a real-time 3D content creation platform. As demand for VR/AR-based immersive content increases, it’s becoming a tool for digital innovation across manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, and education.
“Unity will continue collaborating closely with customers and partners to co-design the industry’s future,” emphasized Song Min-seok, Unity Korea CEO. “We’re committed to advancing innovation to establish real-time 3D technology as a global standard.”
As game engine technology evolves into core infrastructure connecting virtual and physical worlds, the XR and metaverse ecosystem is growing beyond gaming into a platform driving digital transformation across all industries.
