Epic Games' 1999 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1999 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Epic Games
- Publisher
- GT Interactive Software Corp.
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.58
- Players today
- Very Positive on Steam (87% of 524)
The history
Unreal Tournament was developed by Epic Games and Digital Extremes as the second installment in the Unreal series. Published by GT Interactive in 1999 for Microsoft Windows, it emerged during an era where combat sports were broadcast as entertainment, casting players as contestants in purpose-built arenas.
The title mattered as a technical milestone, earning three Guinness World Records for being the first game created using the Unreal Engine, the first console game to support player modifications, and the first console game to receive a downloadable patch.
How it plays
The core loop centers on fast, rules-driven arena combat across several modes. Deathmatch and Team Deathmatch focus on fragging, while Capture the Flag requires stealing enemy flags. Domination involves holding control points, and the objective-based Assault mode pits attackers against defenders in a timed sequence of goals.
Combat is defined by versatile weaponry with primary and alternate fires, such as the Shock Rifle's "shock combo" and the steerable Redeemer warhead. Movement is high-speed, utilizing jumps, strafing, and translocators to control map flow and item cycles. A robust bot system mirrors multiplayer, featuring adjustable skill levels and a single-player ladder that culminates in a duel against the reigning champion.
How it was received
The game was recognized by Guinness World Records for its pioneering approach to engine use, modding, and patching on consoles. While specific review scores from the period were not provided in the sources, the series' technical achievements were formally documented.
Screenshots
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
Following the success of the original, Epic Games continued the series with sequels such as Unreal Tournament 2003 and Unreal Tournament 2004. The 1999 original remains worth seeking out for its authentic atmosphere and the foundational arena shooter mechanics that defined the genre.
What it's worth
Copies surface on the second-hand market from time to time, but listings are sparse enough that there's no reliable price band to quote — check the live search for what's available right now.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: Steam or GOG (DRM-free) on modern Windows. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
With its deep weapon variety and sophisticated bot support, Unreal Tournament holds up as a masterclass in arena shooter design. Whether climbing the single-player ladder or engaging in coordinated team pushes, the tight loop of mobility and firepower remains satisfying.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.