Introduction to the Unity Input System from Coursera

In this one-hour, project-based course, you'll learn how to install and configure the new Input System. Unlike the old system, called Input Manager, Unity's new system will allow developers to create bindings that map actions to input devices - eliminating the need to manage which input device a player is using, nor which physical button a player is pressing. In this project, you'll learn how to create "control schemes" and "action maps" and use them in your C# scripts to create device-agnostic player movement.

The guided project will introduce you to the following Unity concepts:

- New Input System

- Rigidbody

- C# coding techniques such as event-handling

This course makes use of the poly-castle Unity project created in Create Keyboard Movement Mechanics with C# in Unity. It compliments this guided project and, although not a prerequisite, is recommended for a more well-rounded understanding of the concepts presented herein. In this project, we will replace the project's existing input system with the new system.

Note: This course works best for learners who are based in the North America region. We’re currently working on providing the same experience in other regions.

What's inside

Syllabus

Project Overview

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the new Unity Input System, which simplifies input handling and enables device-agnostic player movement

Provides hands-on experience in creating control schemes and action maps, essential for managing player input

Utilizes C# coding techniques, including event-handling, to enhance input handling within C# scripts

Focuses on beginners or learners with some basic understanding of Unity and C# programming

Emphasizes practical application by replacing an existing input system in a provided Unity project

Note that this course is currently optimized for learners in the North America region, with plans to expand accessibility in the future

Reviews summary

Unity input system overview

According to students, Unity Input System offers a thorough introduction to this powerful tool for developing video games with notable strengths in clear and concise teaching and helpful materials.

Well-explained concepts.

"Very good."

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 Introduction to the Unity Input System with these activities:

Organize and Review Course Materials

Show steps

Having organized and easily accessible course materials will enhance your learning experience and make it easier to refer back to key concepts when working with the New Input System.

Show steps

Create a dedicated folder or notebook for course materials.
Organize materials by topic or module.
Review materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.

Review Basic C# Programming Concepts

Show steps

Refreshing your knowledge of C# programming will ensure that you have a solid foundation for working with the New Input System, which is primarily implemented in C#.

Browse courses on C#

Show steps

Review online tutorials or documentation on basic C# concepts.
Practice writing simple C# programs to reinforce your understanding.

Recall Your Understanding of Unity's Physics System

Show steps

Understanding Unity's physics system is crucial for implementing player movement using the New Input System.

Browse courses on Unity

Show steps

Review Unity documentation or online tutorials on the physics system.
Experiment with the physics system in the Unity editor.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Engage in Discussions on Unity Forums or Discord Servers

Show steps

Interacting with peers in online forums or Discord servers will expose you to different perspectives and help you resolve any queries related to the New Input System.

Browse courses on Unity

Show steps

Join relevant Unity forums or Discord servers.
Participate in discussions related to the New Input System.
Ask questions and share your experiences with others.

Tutorial: Learn the Basics of Unity's New Input System

Show steps

Following a structured tutorial will provide you with a solid foundation in the New Input System and help you comprehend its key concepts.

Browse courses on Unity

Show steps

Find a comprehensive tutorial that covers the fundamentals of the New Input System.
Set aside dedicated time to go through the tutorial.
Practice implementing the concepts you learn in the tutorial in your own Unity project.

Create a Simple Player Movement Script Using the New Input System

Show steps

Hands-on practice will help you gain proficiency in using the New Input System to control player movement.

Browse courses on Player Movement

Show steps

Create a new Unity project.
Import the New Input System package into your project.
Create a simple player object with a Rigidbody component.
Create a C# script to handle player movement.
Configure the New Input System to map player actions to input devices.
Test your script by controlling the player object in the Unity editor.

Read 'Game Programming Patterns' by Bob Nystrom

Show steps

This book provides valuable insights into design patterns and best practices in game development, which can enhance your understanding of how to use the New Input System effectively.

View Crafting Interpreters on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of 'Game Programming Patterns'.
Read through the chapters that cover input handling and game design patterns.
Reflect on the concepts presented in the book and consider how they apply to your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to the Unity Input System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Technical Artist

Technical Artists create 3D models, textures, and other assets for video games. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to understand how players will interact with a game's environment and characters. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Game Programmer

Game Programmers design and code the software and programs for video games. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals that involve Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Programmer

Game Designer

Game Designers create the overall concept, story, and gameplay for video games. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to understand how players will interact with a game's environment and characters. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

3D Animator

3D Animators create 3D models and animations for video games. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to understand how players will interact with a game's environment and characters. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for 3D Animator

Game Tester

Game Testers play video games to find bugs and ensure that they are working properly. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to understand how players will interact with a game's environment and characters. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Tester

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze data to find patterns and trends. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Systems Analyst

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain machine learning models. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts protect computer systems from unauthorized access and attacks. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design and build robots. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Artificial Intelligence Engineers design and develop artificial intelligence systems. An Introduction to the Unity Input System may be useful to learn about programming fundamentals and how to use Unity. Unity is a popular game engine used to develop video games of all types. This course provides a foundation in using Unity's Input System, which is essential for controlling player movement and interactions in a game.

See salaries and explore the career path for Artificial Intelligence Engineer