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Lincoln Margison

In this course you will learn to use Control Rig in Unreal Engine 5, with a focus on creating procedural animation systems.This course is suitable for complete beginners, all the way through to professional animators and experienced game developers. It begins very slowly with detailed explanations and instructions to take you through creating procedural animation systems, which gives us a chance to explore and become familiar with various features of Control Rig.After creating a procedural walk system, we take a general look at some useful features of Control Rig, and experiment with systems that allow you to create characters that interact with the environment and move realistically.And finally we will create a procedural turn in place animation system, including troubleshooting, tweaking, and working through the logic step by step.The project file includes the completed versions of everything we create for Unreal Engine 5.2 and 5.3. This will be updated to include a 5.4 version when that version of the engine releases.

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In this course you will learn to use Control Rig in Unreal Engine 5, with a focus on creating procedural animation systems.This course is suitable for complete beginners, all the way through to professional animators and experienced game developers. It begins very slowly with detailed explanations and instructions to take you through creating procedural animation systems, which gives us a chance to explore and become familiar with various features of Control Rig.After creating a procedural walk system, we take a general look at some useful features of Control Rig, and experiment with systems that allow you to create characters that interact with the environment and move realistically.And finally we will create a procedural turn in place animation system, including troubleshooting, tweaking, and working through the logic step by step.The project file includes the completed versions of everything we create for Unreal Engine 5.2 and 5.3. This will be updated to include a 5.4 version when that version of the engine releases.

The techniques and methods explored are suitable for single player and multiplayer projects. The techniques used within Control Rig are also suitable for UEFN. This applies to the fully procedural sections and the specific functionalities we explore inside of Control Rig (at the time of writing animBP access is not available in UEFN, preventing a combination with keyframed animation - but the majority of the concepts will still work).

This information in this course is not available elsewhere, and is the result of many years of experimentation with Control Rig and procedural animation systems. My goal was to condense all of my experience with Control Rig into an easily digestible and understandable course, with explanations and diagrams at every step, so that you can learn a full mastery of how to use Control Rig for your own procedural and dynamic animations.

I look forward to seeing you on the course, and for you to share your creations and ideas. I'm always available for a discussion of concepts/ideas/help with any project, even if your specific use-case isn't covered directly in this course.

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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

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.

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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

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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 Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5 with these activities:
Review Basic Principles of Animation
It is a good idea to review the foundational principles of animation, such as the 12 principles of animation.
Show steps
  • Read up on the 12 principles of animation
  • Watch tutorials that cover these principles
Read 'The Animator's Survival Kit' by Richard Williams
This book offers practical guidance rooted in hand-drawn animation; many of these principles translate to procedural animation in ControlRig.
Show steps
  • 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
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
Practicing with simple procedural animations will increase comfort and fluidity when creating more complex animations.
Show steps
  • 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
Participating in collaborative learning through study groups can reinforce learnings, foster support, and uncover alternative perspectives.
Show steps
  • 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
Troubleshooting is essential when working with procedural animations; practice will help overcome challenges.
Show steps
  • 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
Developing a procedural animation project will provide extensive practice and allow for synthesis of knowledge.
Show steps
  • 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
Structured workshops led by experienced practitioners provide exposure to proven techniques and facilitate focused practice.
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Control Rig for Unreal Engine 5.
This classic book comprehensive guide to the fundamentals of animation. It covers topics such as timing, spacing, and exaggeration, providing valuable insights into the art of creating believable and engaging animations.
Offers a practical approach to character animation in games, covering essential concepts such as kinematics, dynamics, and blending. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles behind procedural animation systems like Control Rig.
Provides a comprehensive overview of motion capture technology and its applications in animation. It covers topics such as data acquisition, editing, and integration into game engines, providing valuable insights into the process of creating realistic character animations.
Focuses on advanced animation techniques such as crowd simulation, cloth dynamics, and procedural animation. It provides insights into the underlying algorithms and techniques used in these systems, which can be beneficial for understanding Control Rig's capabilities.
Provides valuable insights into the fundamental principles of game design, including the importance of player motivation, feedback, and iteration. It helps readers understand the broader context of character animation within the game development process.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to 3D animation fundamentals. It covers topics such as modeling, rigging, and animation. It can serve as a foundation for understanding the concepts and techniques used in Control Rig.
Provides a practical approach to using Maya for game and film production. It covers character modeling, rigging, animation, and lighting, offering insights that can be useful for understanding the broader context of character animation workflows.

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