probably a big long thing i could write about this, but i feel like the biggest existential problem for "game engines" right now is our field's collective inability to imagine better worlds. better usability for devs, better business models,¹ better specialized workflows, better general purpose tools, better learning experiences for new creators, more transparency from engine creators, less funneling into unethical bullshit. epic isn't shitting its pants the way unity is right now, but the existing duopoly of "industrial strength" (and all the economic, dev UX, and cultural issues that flow from that) engines isn't going to get us to those better worlds. nor is copying most of what they do, IMO.

there are lots of cool projects out there that probably deserve more attention. there are lots of potential game-changing ideas out there waiting to be researched. there are lots of specific niches waiting to be filled. none of those things are on the big two's radars as profit sources. but the world needs many more things that are good but not highly profitable. building a good-but-unprofitable thing often involves sacrifice of some sort. i don't know how to make those costs lower or more bearable, i really wish i did. but i see them as the costs of building the world we, as creators, deserve.

1. as in, how you as a dev can access your tools, because this whole rent-seeking shit unity, adobe et al are doing is clearly hostile to creators.