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Packt Publishing

Are you a game developer looking to learn gameplay programming in Unreal Engine? Do you want to dive deep into the amazing capabilities of Unreal Engine? If yes, this Learning Path is for you.

Unreal Engine has been awarded by Guinness World Records as "the most successful video game engine".

Unreal Engine: Develop Unreal Classic and RTS Games is Packt’s Video Learning Path that is a series of individual video products put together in a logical and stepwise manner such that each video builds on the skills learned in the video before it.

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Are you a game developer looking to learn gameplay programming in Unreal Engine? Do you want to dive deep into the amazing capabilities of Unreal Engine? If yes, this Learning Path is for you.

Unreal Engine has been awarded by Guinness World Records as "the most successful video game engine".

Unreal Engine: Develop Unreal Classic and RTS Games is Packt’s Video Learning Path that is a series of individual video products put together in a logical and stepwise manner such that each video builds on the skills learned in the video before it.

This Path will give you a brief overview of the basics and move quickly to explore the amazing capabilities of Unreal Engine. The design complexity of each game increases gradually to give you a complete overview of Unreal Engine 4 and its amazing features. You will learn to implement advanced shading techniques, create stunning graphics, leverage the rendering power of Unreal Engine to get the best out of it.

Then, you’ll learn to implement an RTS-style free roaming camera from scratch. From there, you’ll move on to selecting Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) through mouse input, and using basic Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Pathfinding to have selected NPCs move around a level. Then, you will add a second unit to the game, make a unit attack, create destructible environments, and finally bring everything together with an RTS-style user interface using Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG).

The goal of this course is to help you build complex games with Unreal Engine.

This Learning Path is authored by some of the best in the field.

About the Author

Mike Sill is a 3D Artist from Cleveland, OH, working in Los Angeles, CA. He has used Epic’s Unreal Engine since 2007 and professionally since 2012. Mike has had the honor of working alongside the likes of Jesse Schell, Patrick Hanenberger, and Dan Gregoire. Mike currently works as an Engine Artist making pre-viz and post-viz sequences for theme parks, Hollywood films, and AAA videogame titles.

Jonathan A. Daley is a co-founder of independent game studio Nacelle Games, which he founded with his wife Carrie Daley, in 2014. Since then they've shipped several games and apps for iOS and tvOS, as well as consulted on several VR projects. Jonathan has programmed and designed over 20 games and apps since 2013, using everything from the Unreal Engine 4 and Unity 3D game engines, to programming games and apps from scratch in Xcode and Visual Studio.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the foundation of unreal engine 4l
  • Get hands-on with beginner to advanced-level visual scripting via unreal blueprints
  • How to modify unreal game assets to fit your design
  • How to implement an rts-style free roaming cameraselecting non-playablecharacters (npcs) through mouse input
  • How to modify navigation mesh (nav mesh) data to be able to implement varied and interesting gameplay

Syllabus

Unreal Engine 4.x Projects

This is to give you a brief information about the course.

The aim of this video is to learn how to manipulate the UE4 viewport and understand the main menus.

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What are we dealing with in regards to geometry and manipulating the different kinds of geometric actors in UE4? How do we utilize them to create quick and rough environments or Greyboxing?

How to we add beauty to our games? What is PBR and how do we accomplish realistic rendering with Unreal Materials? How do we create these materials?

We need to streamline our greybox workflow. In this video learn what a prefab is and how, in UE4, do we utilize blueprints to bend menial tasks to our will.

To setup our playfield and project files.

With this video learn to create a paddle that will be controlled by the player and make a camera that will view our game from a top-down orthographic perspective.

The aim of this video is to make a ball that collides with our paddle and other objects in the game.

The aim of this video is to create a functioning paddle that is controlled by AI.

We need to make goals and a win condition.

How do we change our game with polish to make it fun and interesting, and how do we display our score within the level?

Learn what is Impulse, and how can we incorporate its use into our paddle system.

In this video explore how to create a fun pop-bumper mechanic and implement a multiball function?

How can we move our game logic, such that the ball can be spawned, destroyed, and respawned? How can we keep our game score if the ball is destroyed?

With this video, get to know how to create a fun multiball mechanic.

How do we implement a timer that will not only count down, but also display in the 00:00 format and end our game upon completion?

How do we add particle systems to our game in a fun way?

How do we make a fun and interesting side-scrolling platform game?

The aim of this video is to create fluid character movement and limit those movements to make the game challenging.

The aim of this video is to create a rolling barrel obstacle that damages our player.

How do we create a platform system that activates when our player enters a volume? Also, how can we make our character have limited invincibility upon collecting a coin?

How can we make our character have limited invincibility upon collecting a coin? Also, how can we represent that visually during the game?

How do we begin and end the game? Also, lets learn how might we create a launch pad that will push our character onto the final platform.

Can we trigger interaction via Linetracing/Raycasting?

With this video learn how to create a scoring system that utilizes raycasting when the player jumps successfully over a barrel obstacle.

Can we make a new level with a new enemy mechanic, while also utilizing and modifying existing blueprints to create an exciting and challenging experience?

The aim of this video is to learn how to create an enemy that patrols between two points in space.

How do we modify our Elevator BP, such that the level will spawn our Elevators and they will move automatically, regardless of player overlap?

With this video learn to create a Level Goal,that requires the player to collect a certain amount of coins in order to access the end area.

How do we make an obstacle that blocks progress to the end, yet can be cleared upon collection 100% of coins? Also with this video get to know how we can utilize Matinee to show the player that the path to the finish is clear.

Finally create a third and final level to wrap things up.

The aim of this video is to modify our Barrel Launcher blueprint to become a dangerous obstacle.

Now that we have multiple levels, how do we travel between them?

Can we create an in-game main menu with UE4, and what do we need to add or modify?

With this video let's take a look at how can we setup a main menu that feeds into a level select menu and also allows us to exit the game.

Now that we have a visual menu, how can we make it functional?

The aim of this video is to add sound to our menu and game.

How can we add a consistent look and feel to our game? Can we turn our game into an .EXE file to share with our friends? You will get to know with this video.

Building an Unreal RTS Game: The Basics

This video gives overview of the entire course.

The template we are using in Unreal Engine 4 does not use a free roaming camera. We have to create one utilizing a Pawn class. We alsohave to integrate it into the GameMode.

The Top Down Template comes with some key bindings, but we will add some more. Then we will implement controlling the camera's movement through the use of Input Axis Events, and finally we will test the camera setup.

Most games in the RTS genre allow their camera to zoom in on the action. We can implement this functionality by modifying the SpringArm's Target Length dynamically, using Action Mappings.

The TopDown Character Blueprint that came with the Top Down Template has a lot of what we need for an infantry unit, but it also has a lot of extra things we don't need.

Utilizing a Blueprint Interface, we will implement a unit's ability to be selected, and will also implement tracking, in the GameController about what units have been selected.

We need to modify the Decal Material, and how it is used in the Infantry_CharBluepint so that it can be used as an indication to the player that a unit is selected.

In this video we’ll be creating an AIController, and an Input Action, to allow us to begin programming movement for our infantry unit.

In this video we’re going to setup the User Interface for sending commands to our Infantry Units.

In this video, we will take advantage of Unreal Engine 4's powerful navigation and pathfinding system by utilizing the AIController class to direct Infantry Units to move to a specific location chosen by the player clicking in the game world.

In this video, we’ll discuss several ways to begin modifying Navigation in your levels, including how to set Actors with collision interact with the Nav Mesh, reviewing Area Classes for Navigation, and how to use the Nav Modifier Volume.

In this video, we add some stairs and a platform to demonstrate how to use the Nav Mesh Bounds Volume to add verticality to our levels when using a navigation mesh.

In this video, we will review how characters use the Navigation Mesh to determine where they can safely traverse a level. Then we will add custom paths into the Navigation System by using a Nav Link Proxy, and finally, we will link together several Nav Link Proxies to create complex custom paths.

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Learning Path: Unreal Engine: Develop Classic and RTS Games with these activities:
Review Unreal Engine Fundamentals
Reviewing the fundamentals of Unreal Engine will help you grasp the more advanced concepts covered in the course, especially visual scripting and asset modification.
Browse courses on Game Development Basics
Show steps
  • Review the Unreal Engine documentation.
  • Complete a beginner-level Unreal Engine tutorial.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Unreal Engine interface.
Read 'Unreal Engine Blueprints'
Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in Unreal Engine Blueprints, which is essential for developing gameplay mechanics in the course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Unreal Engine Blueprints'.
  • Read the book cover to cover, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Experiment with the examples provided in the book.
Implement a Basic RTS Camera
Implementing a basic RTS camera will reinforce your understanding of camera controls and input handling in Unreal Engine, which is a core component of RTS game development.
Show steps
  • Create a new Unreal Engine project.
  • Implement a free-roaming camera with zoom functionality.
  • Add input bindings for camera movement and zoom.
  • Test the camera in a simple level.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Practice Blueprint Scripting
Practicing Blueprint scripting will improve your ability to create game logic and interactions within Unreal Engine, which is crucial for both classic and RTS game development.
Show steps
  • Create a simple Blueprint script to control an object's movement.
  • Implement a Blueprint script for handling player input.
  • Create a Blueprint script for triggering events in the game world.
Create a Simple Game Level
Creating a simple game level will allow you to apply your knowledge of level design, asset placement, and gameplay mechanics in Unreal Engine.
Show steps
  • Design a basic level layout with different areas.
  • Add static meshes and other assets to populate the level.
  • Implement basic gameplay elements, such as collectibles or enemies.
  • Test the level and iterate on the design.
Read 'Mastering Unreal Engine 4.x'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of advanced Unreal Engine features, which can be applied to enhance your game development skills.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Mastering Unreal Engine 4.x'.
  • Read the book, focusing on topics relevant to your game development goals.
  • Experiment with the advanced techniques described in the book.
Contribute to an Unreal Engine Project
Contributing to an open-source Unreal Engine project will provide valuable experience in collaborative development and expose you to different coding styles and project structures.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Unreal Engine project on GitHub or a similar platform.
  • Fork the repository and set up a local development environment.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Implement the fix or feature and submit a pull request.

Career center

Learners who complete Learning Path: Unreal Engine: Develop Classic and RTS Games will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Unreal Engine Developer
An Unreal Engine developer specializes in building games, simulations, and interactive experiences using Unreal Engine. This course is a comprehensive introduction to Unreal Engine, covering topics from the basics to advanced techniques. Unreal Engine developers use their skills to implement gameplay mechanics, create realistic environments, and optimize performance. This course covers visual scripting via Unreal Blueprints, modifying Unreal game assets, and implementing an RTS-style free roaming camera. Aspiring Unreal Engine developers should find this course invaluable in building a strong foundation.
Indie Game Developer
An indie game developer works independently or in a small team to create and publish their own games. This course is an ideal starting point for indie game developers looking to master Unreal Engine. This course covers the basics of Unreal Engine and delves into advanced features. As an indie game developer, you'll want to explore every feature available to you from creating a paddle controlled by AI to implementing a timer that will not only count down, but also display in the 00:00 format and end our game upon completion. Aspiring indie game developers should find this course invaluable.
Gameplay Programmer
A gameplay programmer focuses on implementing the rules, mechanics, and interactions that make a game fun and engaging. Gameplay programmer skills are in high demand, and this course provides a solid foundation in Unreal Engine. Gameplay programmers use visual scripting via Unreal Blueprints to create interactive systems. This course explores how to modify Unreal game assets, implement an RTS-style free roaming camera, and create destructible environments. Anyone interested in becoming a gameplay programmer should find this course incredibly beneficial.
Game Designer
A game designer brings creative visions to life, crafting engaging and immersive experiences for players. Understanding the capabilities of game engines like Unreal Engine is essential, and this course helps game designers learn about Unreal Engine's features. Game designers often use visual scripting via Unreal Blueprints to prototype and iterate on game mechanics. This course also explores how to modify Unreal game assets to fit a specific design, which is a core skill for game designers. The knowledge of creating multiball mechanics or building a side-scrolling platform game may be helpful as well.
Simulation Developer
Simulation developers create virtual environments for training, research, and entertainment. They use game engines like Unreal Engine to create realistic and interactive simulations, and this course provides a solid foundation in Unreal Engine development. Simulation developers use visual scripting via Unreal Blueprints to create interactive systems. This course explores how to modify Unreal game assets and implement advanced shading techniques. Anyone interested in becoming a simulation developer should find this course incredibly beneficial.
Serious Game Developer
Serious game developers create games for purposes beyond entertainment, such as training, education, or healthcare. Serious game developers need to know how to manipulate the UE4 viewport and understand the main menus, which will be covered in this course. They may also want to learn how to modify Navigation Mesh data to be able to implement varied and interesting gameplay. Learning how to create a scoring system that utilizes raycasting when the player jumps successfully over a barrel obstacle will also be useful. If you want to be a serious game developer, this course may be useful.
Technical Artist
A technical artist bridges the gap between art and programming, ensuring that art assets function correctly within a game engine. Technical artists need a strong understanding of both artistic principles and technical constraints of game engines. This course helps technical artists learn about Unreal Engine's features and how to optimize assets for performance. Technical artists work closely with Unreal Materials, and this course covers what PBR is and how to accomplish realistic rendering with them. A technical artist may find this course helpful.
AI Programmer
An AI programmer specializes in creating intelligent agents and behaviors for non-player characters (NPCs) in games. This course provides a strong introduction to implementing AI in Unreal Engine. AI programmers often use pathfinding algorithms to enable NPCs to navigate the game world. This course explores how to modify Navigation Mesh data, implement an RTS-style free roaming camera, and select non-playable characters through mouse input. If you want to be an AI programmer for Unreal Engine games, this course may be useful.
Educational Content Developer
Educational content developers design and create learning materials, and this course may be helpful for those focusing on game development or interactive simulations. Educational content developers often use game engines like Unreal Engine to create interactive learning experiences. One of the authors of this course has experience shipping several games and apps for iOS and tvOS, as well as consulting on several VR projects. With this background, an educational content developer will find this course useful.
Visualization Specialist
A visualization specialist uses 3D graphics and interactive tools to communicate complex information visually. This course helps visualization specialists learn about using Unreal Engine for creating compelling visualizations. A visualization specialist will need to add beauty to a game and implement realistic rendering with Unreal Materials, and this course covers how to accomplish that goal. Those who wish to become visualization specialists may find this course useful.
Level Designer
A level designer crafts the environments and layouts in which gameplay takes place. Level designers rely on an understanding of game engines and level design principles. This course helps level designers broaden their knowledge of Unreal Engine. Level designers need to manipulate the UE4 viewport and understand the main menus, which will be covered in this course. They may also want to learn how to modify Navigation Mesh data to be able to implement varied and interesting gameplay. If you want to be a level designer, this course may be useful.
Extended Reality Designer
An extended reality designer focuses on crafting immersive and interactive experiences that blend the physical and digital worlds, often working with augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality technologies. Extended reality designers need to implement realistic rendering with Unreal Materials, and this course covers what PBR is and how to accomplish that goal. The knowledge of creating multiball mechanics may be helpful as well. An aspiring extended reality designer may find this course useful.
VR Developer
A virtual reality developer creates immersive experiences and applications for virtual reality platforms. VR developers need to have a strong understanding of game engines, 3D graphics, and user interface design. VR developers need to implement realistic rendering with Unreal Materials, and this course covers what PBR is and how to accomplish that goal. Since one of the authors of the course has consulted on VR projects, a VR developer may find the course useful.
Motion Graphics Designer
A motion graphics designer creates animated content for various media, including games, films, and television. This course helps motion graphics designers learn about using Unreal Engine for creating dynamic visuals. Motion graphics designers often use Unreal Motion Graphics (UMG) to create user interfaces. This course introduces learners to leveraging user interfaces for RTS-style games. The knowledge of beautifying games with PBR and realistic rendering may be helpful as well. Aspiring motion graphics designers may find this course useful.
AR Developer
An augmented reality developer creates interactive experiences that overlay digital content onto the real world. This course may be helpful for AR developers interested in using Unreal Engine for their projects. AR developers need to implement realistic rendering with Unreal Materials, and this course covers what PBR is and how to accomplish that goal. A professional in augmented reality development may find this course useful.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Learning Path: Unreal Engine: Develop Classic and RTS Games.
Provides a comprehensive guide to visual scripting using Blueprints in Unreal Engine. It covers topics such as creating game logic, designing user interfaces, and implementing AI. It is particularly useful for understanding how to create interactive gameplay elements without writing code. This book valuable resource for both beginners and experienced developers looking to leverage the power of Blueprints.
Provides in-depth coverage of advanced Unreal Engine features and techniques. It covers topics such as C++ scripting, advanced material creation, and performance optimization. It is particularly useful for developers who want to push the boundaries of what's possible in Unreal Engine. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the engine's capabilities.

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