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Pete Jepson

Tower defence games are continuing to gain in popularity online. In this course I am going to show you how to create your own zombie tower defence game.

When I was creating this course I was initially thinking, should it be an overhead tower defence style game, or should it be a first person shooter style game. Well, when you have two great ideas, why not combine them. So this is a Hybrid of both overhead point and click as well as first person shooter.

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Tower defence games are continuing to gain in popularity online. In this course I am going to show you how to create your own zombie tower defence game.

When I was creating this course I was initially thinking, should it be an overhead tower defence style game, or should it be a first person shooter style game. Well, when you have two great ideas, why not combine them. So this is a Hybrid of both overhead point and click as well as first person shooter.

The techniques covered in this course can be used to make any type of defence style games. Think of this as a template that you can use again and again and you can customise the game any way you like to realise your vision.

So what is covered in the course:

  • We develop a system for placing props into the level, with the ability to change items using an easy to create User Interface

  • Items can be placed freehand, or by pressing the spacebar, can be made to snap together either horizontally or vertically

  • Each item will have different purposes. Some will simply block the zombies, some will damage the zombies, some will blow them up, and in the case of the gun turrets, these will target and shoot the zombies

  • Once you have laid out your items the zombies will then begin spawning into the scene and you will enter into first person mode

  • You can change between overhead and first person modes to quickly navigate the map

  • We will setup a range of weapon types, ammo amounts and damage styles for each weapon, including sniper scope for the sniper rifle

  • You will have access to six zombies that I created for this course. You can use them in any of your other games too

  • The objective is to defend the tower. You must kill all the zombies on each level to unlock the next level

This course can be taken by anyone using the free Unity game engine. A basic understanding of C# code is suggested for you to make the most of this course. By the end of the course you will have another completed game in your portfolio. You will have developed your skills to an intermediate level and be ready to make your own Unity games.

So why not enroll today, and I look forward to seeing you in my course.

Thanks to the artists from Sketchfab for their 3D models used in this course

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Create a zombie tower defence game
  • Add the ability to switch between first person and overhead modes
  • Create swarms of zombies who interact with placed objects
  • Setup multiple weapons and different damage patterns
  • Create code for a snapping placement system in real time
  • Complete a unity game from beginning to end
  • Master your knowledge of c# scripting to an intermediate level

Syllabus

Introduction
Install Unity
Setup the project
Downloading Assets
Read more
Unity Standard Assets
Downloading assets
Download from Sketchfab
Unpacking the files
Setting up materials
Autodesk shader
Sorting prefabs
Ready for spawning
Results
User Interface
Taking screenshots
Editing images
Setting up buttons
Next back buttons
Finish UI layout
Laying down objects
Placeholder
Placeholder script
Spawning objects
Rotating objects
Changing items
Button click script
Adjusting object placement
Changing placeholder size
Closest to code
Tagging objects
Horizontal and vertical arrays
Snapping objects
Changing between free and snap placement
Rotator
Back and next buttons
LOD groups
Auto LOD asset
Auto LOD
Second panel object sizes
Setting up panel 2
Checking spawning positions
Review
Place amounts
Amounts for panel 2 and 3
Pooling textures
End of section
Creating a Terrain
Level 1 terrain
Organising level 1
Baking lightmaps
Post processing
Terrain textures
Prop placement
Level 1 functionality
Camera movement
Non click area
Instructions
Zombies
Setting up zombies
Zombie LODs
Zombie animations
Editing animations
Testing how many zombies can be rendrered
New AI Navigation system in Unity
Zombie movement
Fence push
Zombie speed
Barricade object
Avoiding objects
Setting up other props
Setting up spikes and saw
Landmine
Other explosions
Setting up the turret
Turret script
Zombie death
Death styles
Gun turret sound
Blood effect
Explosion sound
Set trap limit
Zombie spawn point
Respawning
Setting up all zombies
First Person Shooter
Downloading models
Setting textures
Sorting animations
Setting up the animator
Animation transitions
Gun script
Changing weapons
Shooting guns
Reloading guns
Muzzle flash
Muzzle flash timings
Checking the script
Setup FPS Character
Footstep sounds

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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 Unity Zombie Tower Defence Game with these activities:
Review C# Scripting Fundamentals
Strengthen your C# scripting skills to better understand and modify the game's logic.
Browse courses on C# Scripting
Show steps
  • Review basic C# syntax and data structures.
  • Practice writing simple scripts in Unity.
  • Study examples of C# code used in Unity games.
Review 'C# 7.0 in a Nutshell'
Deepen your understanding of C# to improve your ability to write and debug scripts for the game.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on language syntax and object-oriented programming.
  • Study the examples and try them out in Unity.
  • Use the book as a reference when writing your own scripts.
Follow Unity's Tower Defense Tutorials
Learn from official Unity tutorials to gain a deeper understanding of tower defense game mechanics.
Show steps
  • Search for 'Unity Tower Defense Tutorial' on the Unity website.
  • Follow the tutorial step-by-step, building the game along with the instructor.
  • Experiment with different features and mechanics to customize the game.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review 'Unity 2021 Cookbook'
Find solutions to common problems and learn new techniques for game development.
Show steps
  • Browse the table of contents to find recipes relevant to the course.
  • Follow the recipes step-by-step to implement the solutions in your game.
  • Adapt the recipes to fit your specific needs and game design.
Expand the Game with New Zombie Types
Apply your knowledge by creating new zombie types with unique abilities and behaviors.
Show steps
  • Design new zombie types with different strengths and weaknesses.
  • Create new animations and models for the zombies.
  • Implement the new zombie types in the game, adjusting their AI and stats.
Create a Level Design Tutorial
Share your knowledge by creating a tutorial on designing levels for the game.
Show steps
  • Plan the structure and content of your tutorial.
  • Record a video or write a blog post explaining the level design process.
  • Share your tutorial with the community and gather feedback.
Contribute to a Unity Asset Store Project
Improve your skills by contributing to an open-source Unity project related to game development.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source Unity project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes or new features.
  • Submit your contributions and collaborate with other developers.

Career center

Learners who complete Unity Zombie Tower Defence Game will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Indie Game Developer
An Indie Game Developer works independently or in a small team to create and publish their own video games. This course is extremely relevant for aspiring indie developers as it guides you through the entire process of creating a complete game from start to finish. You gain experience in all aspects of game development, including level design, AI programming, and weapon system implementation. Completing the project provides you with a valuable portfolio piece and the confidence to tackle your own indie game projects. The course's focus on using Unity makes it an ideal starting point for independent developers.
Unity Developer
A Unity Developer specializes in using the Unity game engine to create interactive experiences, from games to simulations. This course directly aligns with the skills needed as it provides hands-on experience in developing a complete game from start to finish using Unity. You learn to implement object placement mechanics, create zombie AI, and develop weapon systems, which are all valuable skills for a Unity Developer. By mastering C# scripting and working through the project, you will gain practical experience and a portfolio piece. The course's use of Unity makes it an ideal starting point.
Gameplay Programmer
A Gameplay Programmer focuses on implementing the rules, mechanics, and interactions within a video game. This course provides focused training in how to implement core gameplay features, such as object placement, zombie behavior, weapon mechanics, and switching between different perspectives. These are fundamental elements that a Gameplay Programmer works with daily. Creating a fully functional zombie tower defense game from start to finish, as covered in this course, provides valuable experience and a portfolio piece that demonstrates your ability to turn design ideas into interactive game elements. The practical nature of the course is helpful in building skills.
Game Developer
A Game Developer designs and codes video games for various platforms. This course helps you build a foundation in game development by guiding you through the creation of a zombie tower defense game using Unity. The course teaches you how to implement features like object placement, zombie spawning, weapon systems, and switching between first-person and overhead perspectives. With the skills learned, you can apply them to create any type of defense-style game, making you a more versatile Game Developer. The course’s focus on C# scripting and Unity game engine is especially relevant.
Technical Designer
A Technical Designer bridges the gap between design and programming, implementing gameplay features and systems using scripting or visual tools. This course is helpful in developing the skills needed to design and implement game mechanics. Learning how to create object placement systems, zombie AI, and weapon behaviors using C# scripting provides a solid foundation for a Technical Designer. By working through the project, you gain hands-on experience in bringing game designs to life and see how all of the elements function together. The course’s emphasis on practical application is essential for anyone stepping into a technical design role.
C Programmer
A C# Programmer writes code using the C# language to create software applications, including games. This course provides a focused learning experience in C# programming within the context of game development. The course mentions that it will help you master your knowledge of C# scripting to an intermediate level, which is a key skill for a C# Programmer. The course covers the development of interactive game elements and helps you gain practical experience in C# scripting for game logic, UI and animation. The project-based approach of the course provides valuable experience for anyone looking to improve their C# skills.
Game Designer
A Game Designer conceives and documents the overall vision, rules, and mechanics of a video game. This course is a very practical exploration of game design, allowing you to create a tower defense game from the ground up. The course forces you to make design decisions about object placement, enemy behavior, and the interaction between different game elements, as you are the designer. By completing the project, you will have gained experience in translating design ideas into a playable game, which is critical for a Game Designer. The course’s hands-on approach to game creation is invaluable for any aspiring designer.
AI Programmer
An AI Programmer specializes in creating the artificial intelligence that controls non-player characters (NPCs) in video games. This course is helpful in learning how to create zombie AI within the Unity game engine. You will work on zombie behaviors, movement, and interactions with the environment. The course touches on pathfinding and decision-making, giving you a practical understanding of AI implementation, which is the focus of an AI Programmer. The course also covers setting up zombie animations, which are driven by AI logic. This hands-on experience developing zombie AI is invaluable.
Mobile Game Developer
A Mobile Game Developer specializes in creating games for smartphones and tablets. This course is a stepping-stone into mobile game development, as the skills learned in Unity are transferable to mobile platforms. The course specifically focuses on creating a complete game project, covering essential concepts, such as object placement, zombie AI, and weapon system implementation. These elements are fundamental in many mobile games. The practical experience gained from this course makes you a more capable Mobile Game Developer. The course's use of Unity is especially helpful.
Level Designer
A Level Designer creates and implements the environments and layouts within a video game. This course is helpful in understanding the basics of level design using the Unity game engine. The course specifically covers creating a terrain, placing props, and setting up interactive elements within the game environment. You also learn how to implement object placement systems, which are critical for allowing players to customize their defenses within the level. This practical experience designing and building a game level is helpful for any aspiring Level Designer. The course's focus on object placement helps build a foundation for a Level Designer.
VR Game Developer
A Virtual Reality (VR) Game Developer creates immersive gaming experiences for VR platforms. This course introduces core game development concepts that are applicable to VR game development. Learning to create object placement systems, AI-controlled characters, and weapon mechanics can be applied to creating interactive experiences in VR. The course’s use of Unity is particularly valuable, as Unity is a popular engine for developing VR games. The skills gained from this course may be useful for future projects in VR. You can customize the game any way you like to realize your vision.
Simulation Developer
A Simulation Developer creates software that simulates real-world or fictional scenarios for training, research, or entertainment purposes. This course may be useful as it provides experience in creating interactive systems and AI within a virtual environment, skills transferable to simulation development. The course focuses on object placement, character AI, and interactive mechanics, which are common elements in many simulations. The ability to create these features using Unity may be relevant, as Unity is used in some simulation projects. You can use the skills learned from this course to create a new simulation.
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer designs, develops, and tests software applications. This course provides practical experience in C# programming, a valuable skill for Software Engineers, especially those interested in game development or interactive applications. The course covers fundamental programming concepts, such as object-oriented programming, data structures, and algorithm design. This may be useful for creating robust and efficient software. The course's focus on C# and Unity may serve well as a starting point for you.
Software Developer
A Software Developer builds and maintains software applications, often working with various programming languages and tools. This course may be useful in enhancing your skills as a Software Developer, particularly if you are interested in game development or interactive media. The course provides hands-on experience with C# and Unity, which are industry-standard tools for creating games and simulations. The course's focus on object placement helps build a foundation for a developer.
Web Developer
A Web Developer creates and maintains websites and web applications. This course may be useful in broadening your skill set as a Web Developer, especially if you are interested in incorporating interactive elements into web projects. The course provides hands-on experience with C# programming and the Unity game engine, which can be used to create engaging web-based games or simulations. The project based approach of the course may be 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 Unity Zombie Tower Defence Game.
Provides practical solutions to common problems encountered in Unity game development. It offers a wide range of recipes for implementing various game mechanics and features. It useful reference for finding solutions to specific challenges in the course. It is also valuable as additional reading to expand on the course materials.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the C# language, which is essential for Unity game development. It serves as a valuable reference for understanding the syntax, features, and best practices of C#. While not specific to Unity, it provides the necessary foundation for scripting game logic. It is useful as a reference tool for understanding the underlying language.

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