Blueprint Scripting from Coursera

The Blueprint Visual Scripting system in Unreal Engine is a visual programming language that uses a node-based interface to create gameplay elements. The node-based workflow provides designers with a wide range of scripting concepts and tools that are generally only available to programmers. In addition, Blueprint-specific markup available in Unreal Engine's C++ implementation provides programmers with a way to create baseline systems that designers can extend. This is primarily aimed at first- and second-year undergraduates interested in engineering or science, along with high school students and professionals with an interest in programming.

This course introduces learners to the Blueprint Visual Scripting system. Participants will learn Blueprint basics, how they relate to C++, and Blueprint programming principles, and will use their knowledge to create an interactive door for a video game.

This course does not require learners to have any previous knowledge about Blueprint scripting to get started. It is recommended that the learner take courses 1 through 3 before starting this course.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Visual Scripting with Blueprints

In this module, learners will be introduced to Blueprints, Unreal Engine's visual programming language that uses a node-based interface to create gameplay elements.

Blueprint Communication

In this module, you will learn about traces, the way that Blueprints communicate with each other in Unreal Engine, and combine traces and triggers to build additional interactive elements for a video game.

Characters, Controls, and Cameras

In this module learners will be introduced to actors, pawns, and characters, and how to utilize input actions to communicate between the input system and their project's code. An Input Action can be anything that an interactive character might do, like jumping or opening a door, or it can be used to indicate user input states, like holding a button that changes walking movement to running. Learners will create their own custom logic for a video game character.

Creating Mechanics

In this module learners will be introduced to how create mechanics in video games and devise their own solutions for gameplay. This will include completing a simplified inventory system and management of said system.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Uses a node-based interface, which can be more intuitive for visual learners and those new to programming concepts, making it accessible to beginners

Explores Blueprint-specific markup in Unreal Engine's C++ implementation, providing programmers with a way to create baseline systems that designers can extend

Teaches Blueprint programming principles, which are transferable to other visual scripting environments and provide a foundation for learning text-based programming languages

Requires learners to take courses 1 through 3 before starting this course, which may pose a barrier to entry for some learners eager to dive into Blueprint scripting

Presented by Epic Games, which is known for its Unreal Engine and its contributions to the video game industry, offering learners insights from industry experts

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 Blueprint Scripting with these activities:

Review Basic Programming Concepts

Show steps

Reinforce fundamental programming concepts like variables, data types, and control flow to better understand Blueprint's logic.

Browse courses on Variables

Show steps

Review online tutorials on basic programming concepts.
Complete practice exercises on variables and control flow.
Write pseudocode for simple game mechanics.

Read 'Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints'

Show steps

Expand knowledge of Blueprint scripting with a comprehensive guide covering various techniques and best practices.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'Unreal Engine 5 Blueprints'.
Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
Experiment with the examples provided in the book.

Follow Blueprint Communication Tutorials

Show steps

Deepen understanding of Blueprint communication by following tutorials on traces, events, and direct blueprint communication.

Show steps

Find tutorials on Blueprint communication techniques.
Replicate the examples in the tutorials within Unreal Engine.
Experiment with different communication methods.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Blueprint Debugging Exercises

Show steps

Improve debugging skills by completing exercises focused on identifying and fixing common Blueprint errors.

Show steps

Find or create Blueprint scripts with intentional errors.
Use the Unreal Engine debugger to identify the errors.
Fix the errors and test the corrected scripts.

Document Your Blueprint Creations

Show steps

Improve understanding and retention by documenting the Blueprint scripts created during the course.

Show steps

Create a document for each Blueprint script.
Describe the purpose and functionality of each node.
Include diagrams to illustrate the flow of logic.

Create a Simple Interactive Object

Show steps

Solidify understanding of Blueprint basics by creating a simple interactive object with custom logic.

Show steps

Design the behavior of the interactive object.
Implement the behavior using Blueprint scripting.
Test and refine the object's functionality.

Read 'Mastering Unreal Engine 5'

Show steps

Explore advanced Blueprint techniques and C++ integration for creating complex game mechanics.

View Master the Art of Unreal Engine 4 - Blueprints on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of 'Mastering Unreal Engine 5'.
Focus on the chapters related to Blueprint scripting and C++ integration.
Try implementing some of the advanced techniques in your own projects.

Career center

Learners who complete Blueprint Scripting will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Game Designer

A game designer conceptualizes and creates the rules, mechanics, and overall experience of a video game. This role uses tools to build interactive elements, define player progression, and orchestrate the game's flow. This course, focused on Blueprint Scripting, is a great asset since it specifically teaches how to create gameplay elements using a visual programming language. The course will be helpful for any game designer who needs to be able to prototype core mechanics or create logic for interactive objects. This is an ideal course for those who wish to design mechanics and user interactions for a video game. The module on creating mechanics specifically helps build a foundation in how to design and implement systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Game Designer

Level Designer

Level designers create the environments and spaces in a game. They focus on the layout of a world to enhance the game's flow and create a good experience. They use their knowledge of game mechanics to connect environment with game rules. This course is relevant because it covers the creation of interactive elements and gameplay mechanics. Learning to use Visual Scripting can help the level designer build interactive level elements, like doors, triggers, and puzzles. Furthermore, this course directly teaches the use of Blueprint, a crucial tool for implementing interactive elements in the game environment. The modules on Blueprint communication and creating mechanics directly contribute to the skill of a level designer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Level Designer

Gameplay Programmer

A gameplay programmer implements the core mechanics of a video game. Using a coding language, they implement game rules, player controls, artificial intelligence, and other interactive systems. This course, introducing Blueprint Visual Scripting, provides a foundational understanding of how visual scripting works with C++ implementations. This can help a gameplay programmer who needs a better understanding of the work done by level or game designers, potentially allowing for closer collaboration. The course directly introduces how these elements connect to C++ implementations, which is very relevant to a gameplay programmer role. The module on characters, controls, and cameras will also be relevant for building player mechanics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Gameplay Programmer

Educational Game Developer

An educational game developer creates tools for learning. This role requires an understanding of pedagogy, game design, and programming. This course may be useful because it introduces the core concepts necessary for creating interactive gameplay systems in a modern game engine. It is especially useful to learn Blueprint, as this is often used in many educational games to implement core mechanics. By learning to create interactive elements using visual scripting, an educational game developer will gain proficiency in building and designing educational experiences. In particular, the module on creating mechanics is helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Game Developer

Serious Game Developer

A serious game developer makes games for non-entertainment purposes, such as training, education, and simulation. This role requires an understanding of game design, user experience, and programming. This course may be helpful because it introduces visual scripting, a tool that is often used to quickly prototype interactive systems and interfaces for serious applications. This course provides a practical introduction to visual programming within a game environment. The modules on blueprint communication and creating mechanics are directly applicable to this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Serious Game Developer

Technical Artist

A technical artist bridges the gap between art and programming. They develop custom tools and workflows for artists to streamline the creation process and ensure art assets work correctly within the game. This course could be relevant because it introduces the user to a visual scripting system, allowing a technical artist better insight into the toolset designers are using and how they can integrate their own assets more cohesively. Understanding Blueprint scripting helps a technical artist build tools to support artists in their workflow, especially when working with Unreal Engine projects. This course offers a good introduction to the core concepts of visual scripting and would be useful for creating custom tools. In particular, the module on blueprint communication is useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Artist

Interaction Designer

An interaction designer focuses on how users interact with a product or system. For them, it is important to create simple and intuitive workflows that feel satisfying for the end user. This course is useful since it introduces visual scripting, which directly applies to the design of interactive elements in a digital space. An interaction designer can also use this course to prototype interactions with objects, triggers, and user interfaces. This course provides skills to allow an interaction designer to explore ideas for interaction in a more hands-on manner. The modules on blueprint communication and creating mechanics are relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interaction Designer

Virtual Reality Developer

A virtual reality developer builds immersive experiences that place a user within a simulated digital environment. This requires a strong understanding of user experience and programming, and often involves work with 3D modeling, sounds, and haptics. This course may be useful because it introduces the core concepts of creating interactive elements, and will help a VR developer gain a better understanding of working with game engines. Experience with Blueprint in this course will make it easier for them to integrate interactions in virtual environments. The modules on blueprint communication and characters, controls, and cameras are particularly relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Virtual Reality Developer

Simulation Developer

Simulation developers create interactive computer-generated models. These simulations are used for training, research or entertainment, and usually require a strong understanding of physics and mathematics. This course may be useful because it introduces concepts related to creating interactive systems. The principles of creating interactive doors, character controls, and inventory systems in the course may translate into building interactive simulations. Although this course focuses on video games, it introduces valuable logic and techniques that simulation developers can utilize. The modules on creating mechanics is most helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Developer

Augmented Reality Developer

An augmented reality developer creates interactive applications that overlay the real world with digital content. This requires a strong understanding of object tracking, 3D modeling, and programming. This course may be useful because it allows an augmented reality developer to gain a better understanding of coding and user interaction. While this course focuses on video games, many of the principles and logic apply to augmented reality development. For example, the ability to create interactive elements and manage user inputs will be relevant. The modules on the input system and creating mechanics are particularly relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Augmented Reality Developer

Interactive Installation Designer

Interactive installation designers create physical installations that respond to user actions. This role requires a mix of technical and artistic skill. This course may be useful because it introduces methods for creating interactive elements using visual scripting. Although this course is focused on video games, the principles can translate to other interactive media. It offers a practical way to learn about programming and creating interactive systems. The modules on Blueprint communication and creating mechanics are particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interactive Installation Designer

UX Designer

A UX designer creates user-centered digital products that prioritize a simple and enjoyable experience. Although this course is not directly related to UX or user interface design, it may be useful because it introduces visual scripting, which can provide insights into how interactive systems are built. By learning to work with visual scripting, a UX designer can gain a better understanding of the underlying systems they are designing for. This course will provide a way for UX designers to experiment with interactive elements in a hands-on manner. The module on input systems may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer

Software Engineer

Software engineers create and maintain computer systems. They write code to perform specific tasks. This course, which focuses on visual scripting using Blueprint, generally will not be relevant since software engineers typically use code. However, because the course connects visual scripting to C++, it may provide some insight into how game engine code is structured, which will be useful for those who want to program for game engines. While not directly applicable, the module on Blueprint communication and creating mechanics may be useful for high level understanding of game programming.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Project Manager

A project manager is responsible for the planning, execution, and completion of a project. This role requires strong organizational and communication skills. This course, being focused on Blueprint Visual Scripting, will not be particularly relevant, but familiarity with systems design and management may be useful. While the course focuses on systems design, this is a small part of the role of a project manager, and so this course will not be very relevant. The principles of systems design and interaction in the module on creating mechanics may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Instructional Designer

Instructional designers develop learning materials and experiences. This role requires knowledge of pedagogy and design principles. This course will not be directly relevant to creating learning materials, but it may be useful to gain insight into the design of interactive systems. Since instructional design sometimes include digital simulations, game design principles may be helpful. This course offers an entry point into understanding and creating these kinds of experiences. The module on creating mechanics may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Blueprint Scripting

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses