Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5 from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the fundamentals of controlrig for unreal engine 5
Create a procedural walk animation system
Create a procedural turn-in-place animation system
Learn various techniques to add dynamic motion to your character animations

Master controlrig functions, variables and logic, and how to incorporate it into your project
Learn problem solving and debugging
Learn how to turn your idea from a concept into a working system
Gain an expert understanding of controlrig's capabilities for use in your single & multiplayer games, videos and animations, uefn projects and more

Learn the fundamentals of controlrig for unreal engine 5
Create a procedural walk animation system
Create a procedural turn-in-place animation system
Learn various techniques to add dynamic motion to your character animations
Master controlrig functions, variables and logic, and how to incorporate it into your project
Learn problem solving and debugging
Learn how to turn your idea from a concept into a working system
Gain an expert understanding of controlrig's capabilities for use in your single & multiplayer games, videos and animations, uefn projects and more

Syllabus

This section will give you an overview of the course and the various stages we will work on.

An introduction to the course content and an overview of the process. Download the project file from the Resources section of this video to begin.

A quick overview of some troubleshooting tips which may come in handy. When ready, download the project file from the course resources of the previous lecture. Remember to save often. ControlRig can crash unexpectedly. Create backups of what you are working on. And remember to close and re-open your ControlRig class if things are acting weird, particularly when dealing with Arrays.

In this section you will learn the fundamentals of control rig, to create a procedural animation system.

Initial Character Blueprint setup

Initial Animation Blueprint setup

Creating the ControlRig class

Make ControlRig DO something

Create an array of FootNames

WorldSpace vs RigSpace explanation

Save the default foot transforms to a new array

Visualize the foot transforms with DrawTransform

FullBodyIK node explanation

Add one leg into the solver

Add the rest of the legs into the solver

SAVE FIRST! Collapse to a function

Convert World transform to Rigspace transforms into the solver

Explanation of how we will calculate the velocity

Create the CalculateVelocity function

Calculate how far the character has moved in the world

Calculate how far the character moves per second and draw it

Smooth the calculated velocity

Add comments to the calculate velocity function

Cycle explanation

Creating the CalculateCycle function

Test our cycle with a print node

Creating the MoveFeetTransforms function

Creating a FootLocked array of booleans

Is the foot locked or unlocked logic

Create the Swing Percent and unlock condition

Unlocked logic and lock condition

Include and test the MoveFeetTransforms function

Making the unlocked foot snap back to the default pose position

Creating the foot timing offset array

Creating the PerFootCycle array

Using the PerFootCycle instead of Master Cycle

A basic interpolation for the swing phase

Creating the foot prediction function

Projecting the landing spot forward in the direction of velocity

Scale the prediction time based on how long until the foot lands

Change cycle speed based on the characters movement speed

Creating the stride length variable, and calculating the cycle time in seconds

Save the foot lift-off spot to a WorldLockedFootTransforms array

Accurate interpolation between the lift-off to the landing spot, based on cycle

Make the legs lift in an arc using a custom curve

Make the lift height based on the movement speed

Overview of the plan for foot traces

A basic trace for every landing spot

Random body motions and general improvements

More advanced traces explanation and testing on a landscape

Implementing more advanced traces

Learn how to quickly move one controlrig system to another character and modify the variables

Porting the procedural animation system to another character

Changing variables for the new character

Learn and experiment with a variety of different techniques that are useful for procedural animation in ControlRig

Using controls to move the character

FullBodyIK settings, and interpolating control targets

Value Over Time to delay movements

BasicIK node instead of FullBodyIK, when, where, how

Finding the Primary and Secondary axis

Automatically compute the pole vector

Make a bone point in a specific direction

Aim more bones at a target with various weighting and interpolation settings

Randomize the target point

Simulate character breathing with chest scale

Combine with an idle animation and create a character class

Make the character target a position in the actual game level

Creating functions that can be used in any other ControlRig

Create the RotateAroundPoint function, to rotate in RigSpace

Incorporate the translation change when rotating around a point

Create a function to rotate a single bone in place, in RigSpace

You will learn to create a procedural turn-in-place animation system for any character.

The challenge, the goal, and the starting point

Saving the accumulated rotation

Negate any rotation of the character to keep the same world rotation

Update for 5.4: "Item Chain" is now replaced with "Get Chain". Functionally the same but with some extra options.

Adding the solver and starting a rotation timer

Compensate for pieces of the total rotation offset

Applying the calculations to see the result on the character

Offset the rotation timing of each foot

Searching for issues and the next steps to improve

Problem solving

Weight shift towards the grounded leg

Make the movement more natural and bouncy

Bug fixing, finalizing, and looking to the future

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops a procedural animation system from scratch, including walk and turn-in-place animations

Taught by experienced instructors Lincoln Margison, who are recognized for their work in the industry

Designed for all skill levels, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced learners

Covers a range of techniques for adding dynamic motion to character animations

In-depth exploration of ControlRig functions, variables, and logic

Teaches troubleshooting and debugging techniques for ControlRig

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 Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5 with these activities:

Review Basic Principles of Animation

Show steps

It is a good idea to review the foundational principles of animation, such as the 12 principles of animation.

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Read up on the 12 principles of animation
Watch tutorials that cover these principles

Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams

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This book offers practical guidance rooted in hand-drawn animation; many of these principles translate to procedural animation in ControlRig.

View The Animator's Survival Kit: Runs, Jumps and... on Amazon

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Read the book and take notes
Reflect on how the principles can be applied to procedural animation
Experiment with implementing these principles in your own procedural animations

Follow Tutorials to Create Basic Animations

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To solidify your understanding of setup and construction of simple animations in ControlRig, completing guided tutorials will provide valuable practice.

Show steps

Find tutorials on how to create basic animations with ControlRig
Follow along with the tutorials, pausing to experiment and make adjustments
Practice creating your own basic animations, such as a bouncing ball or a waving hand

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Practice Creating Simple Procedural Animations

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Practicing with simple procedural animations will increase comfort and fluidity when creating more complex animations.

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Start with a simple animation, such as a rotating cube or a bouncing ball
Break down the animation into smaller steps
Write out the code for each step
Test the animation and make adjustments as needed

Join a Study Group or Online Community

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Participating in collaborative learning through study groups can reinforce learnings, foster support, and uncover alternative perspectives.

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Find a study group or online community dedicated to ControlRig or procedural animation
Attend meetings or participate in discussions
Share knowledge, ask questions, and collaborate on projects

Practice Troubleshooting Procedural Animations

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Troubleshooting is essential when working with procedural animations; practice will help overcome challenges.

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Start with a simple animation that has a known issue
Use debugging tools to identify the source of the issue
Fix the issue and test the animation

Create a Procedural Animation Project

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Developing a procedural animation project will provide extensive practice and allow for synthesis of knowledge.

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Come up with an idea for a procedural animation project
Design the animation
Implement the animation in ControlRig
Test the animation and make adjustments as needed

Attend a Workshop on Procedural Animation in ControlRig

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Structured workshops led by experienced practitioners provide exposure to proven techniques and facilitate focused practice.

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Find a workshop on procedural animation in ControlRig
Attend the workshop
Take notes and ask questions
Practice what you learned

Career center

Learners who complete Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Animator

Animators bring characters to life in video games, movies, and TV shows. They use their artistic skills and technical knowledge to create realistic and visually appealing animations. This course would be highly beneficial for aspiring animators, as it provides a comprehensive foundation in ControlRig, a powerful tool for creating procedural animation systems. The course covers everything from the basics of ControlRig to advanced techniques for creating dynamic and realistic character animations, making it an invaluable resource for those who want to pursue a career in animation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Animator

Game Developer

Game Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining video games. They work on all aspects of game development, from concept and design to coding and testing. This course would be beneficial for aspiring game developers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides a deep dive into ControlRig, a cutting-edge tool for creating procedural animation systems, which is essential for creating realistic and engaging character animations in video games.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Developer

Character Artist

Character Artists are responsible for creating the 3D models and textures for characters in video games, movies, and TV shows. They work closely with animators to bring characters to life. This course would be beneficial for aspiring character artists who want to specialize in creating realistic and dynamic character animations. The course covers the fundamentals of ControlRig, a powerful tool for creating procedural animation systems, which is essential for creating characters that move and behave realistically.

See salaries and explore the career path for Character Artist

Technical Animator

Technical Animators use their programming skills to create and implement character animations in video games and movies. They work closely with animators and programmers to ensure that characters move and behave realistically. This course would be beneficial for aspiring technical animators who want to specialize in procedural animation. The course provides a comprehensive overview of ControlRig, a cutting-edge tool for creating procedural animation systems, which is essential for creating realistic and dynamic character animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Animator

Motion Capture Artist

Motion Capture Artists use motion capture technology to record and analyze human movement. This data is then used to create realistic character animations in video games and movies. This course would be beneficial for aspiring motion capture artists who want to specialize in procedural animation. The course covers the fundamentals of ControlRig, a powerful tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to enhance and refine motion capture data.

See salaries and explore the career path for Motion Capture Artist

Rigger

Riggers create the скелетa and joints that allow 3D characters to move. They work closely with animators to ensure that characters move and behave realistically. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring riggers who want to specialize in creating procedural rigs. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create rigs that are more dynamic and easier to animate.

See salaries and explore the career path for Rigger

Game Designer

Game Designers are responsible for designing the overall gameplay and mechanics of video games. They work closely with programmers, artists, and animators to bring their vision to life. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring game designers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides a foundation in ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more realistic and engaging character animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Technical Artist

Technical Artists use their programming skills to create tools and pipelines for artists and animators. They work closely with artists and programmers to ensure that art assets and animations are created efficiently and effectively. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring technical artists who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more efficient and effective character animation pipelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Programmer

Programmers are responsible for writing the code that makes video games, movies, and TV shows work. They work closely with artists, animators, and designers to bring their vision to life. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring programmers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more realistic and engaging character animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Programmer

Computer Graphics Artist

Computer Graphics Artists create digital images and animations for a variety of applications, including video games, movies, and TV shows. They work closely with artists, animators, and programmers to bring their vision to life. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring computer graphics artists who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more realistic and engaging character animations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Graphics Artist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work closely with users, stakeholders, and other engineers to ensure that software systems meet the needs of the business. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring software engineers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more realistic and engaging character animations.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of statistics, mathematics, and computer science to analyze data and extract insights. They work closely with businesses to help them make better decisions. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring data scientists who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to analyze and improve the performance of character animations.

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UX Designer

UX Designers are responsible for designing the user interface and user experience for websites, apps, and other digital products. They work closely with users, stakeholders, and other designers to ensure that digital products are easy to use and enjoyable. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring UX designers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more engaging and interactive character animations.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. They work closely with engineers, scientists, and other experts to ensure that documentation is accurate, clear, and easy to understand. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring technical writers who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more detailed and accurate documentation for character animation systems.

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Salesforce Administrator

Salesforce Administrators manage and maintain Salesforce software for businesses. They work closely with users, stakeholders, and other IT professionals to ensure that Salesforce is configured and operating properly. This course would be may be beneficial for aspiring Salesforce administrators who want to specialize in character animation. The course provides an overview of ControlRig, a tool for creating procedural animation systems, which can be used to create more engaging and interactive character animations for Salesforce applications.

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