I feel like nobody is reading the thread. :) If you don't want updates just sign up, download, and cancel. $19. You're free to use that version until the end of time.
Reading some more and also (obviously I should say?) it's 20 not 20$ in Europe. Bloody VAT. Edit: sorry, 19 of course, thought it's 19.99 for a moment:)
Yes but you still need to pay 19 dollars upfront to be able to download the engine. I believe you also need to be subscribed to access the source code too. Like others said if your a serious developer chances are you will be wanting new updates as they become available, so staying subscribed is probably smart in that area.
We tried to make it as simple as possible. It's $19 a month + 5% royalty. That's it. For that price, you get access to everything including the full engine source code. Cancel at any time, and continue using the version you have. Stay subscribed to get updates.
Maybe I'm getting my hopes up, but does that mean you can continue to work on things like materials while UDK lightbakes in the background? Because that would be fantastic. I understand why they kept lightmapping in, the performance gains are still pretty substantial albeit with diminishing returns as the years go by. You…