Explore the faster way to build games using UE5 Blueprints using this practical guide with key images printed in colorKey FeaturesDesign a fully functional game in UE5 without writing a single line of codeImplement visual scripting to develop gameplay mechanics, UI, visual effects, VR, and artificial intelligenceDeploy your game on multiple platforms and share it with the worldBook DescriptionUnreal Engine's Blueprint visual scripting system enables designers to script their games and programmers to create base elements that can be extended by designers. With this book, you'll explore all the features of the Blueprint Editor, along with expert tips, shortcuts, and best practices.The book guides you through using variables, macros, and functions, and helps you learn about object-oriented programming (OOP). You'll discover the Gameplay Framework and advance to learning how Blueprint Communication allows one Blueprint to access information from another Blueprint. Later chapters focus on building a fully functional game step by step. You'll start with a basic first-person shooter (FPS) template, and each chapter will build on the prototype to create an increasingly complex and robust game experience. You'll then progress from creating basic shooting mechanics to more complex systems such as user interface elements and intelligent enemy behavior. The book demonstrates how to use arrays, maps, enums, and vector operations and introduces the elements needed for VR game development. In the final chapters, you’ll learn how to implement procedural generation and create a product configurator.By the end of this book, you'll have learned how to build a fully functional game and have the skills required to develop an entertaining experience for your audience.What you will learnUnderstand programming concepts in BlueprintsCreate prototypes and iterate new game mechanics rapidlyBuild user interface elements and interactive menusUse advanced Blueprint nodes to manage the complexity of a gameExplore all the features of the Blueprint editor, such as the Components tab, Viewport, and Event GraphGet to grips with OOP concepts and explore the Gameplay FrameworkWork with virtual reality development in UE BlueprintImplement procedural generation and create a product configuratorWho this book is forThis book is for anyone interested in developing games or applications with UE5. Although basic knowledge of Windows OS is required, experience in programming or UE5 is not necessary.Table of ContentsExploring the Blueprint EditorProgramming with BlueprintsObject-Oriented Programming and the Gameplay FrameworkUnderstanding Blueprint CommunicationObject Interaction with BlueprintsEnhancing Player AbilitiesCreating Screen UI ElementsCreating Constraints and Gameplay ObjectivesBuilding Smart Enemies with Artificial IntelligenceUpgrading the AI EnemiesGame States and Applying Finishing TouchesBuilding and PublishingData Structures and Flow ControlMath and Trace NodesBlueprints TipsIntroduction to VR DevelopmentAnimation BlueprintsCreating Blueprint Libraries and ComponentsProcedural GenerationCreating a Product Configurator using the Variant Manager Read more

This is a start-to-finish guide on how to build high-quality vegetation for video games. This book gives readers the fundamentals of the craft and the skills needed to confidently create natural environments.Chapters cover everything from planning and gathering references, creating natural-looking ground cover with lots of variety, and building trees procedurally, to setting up a realistic wind shader before combining all assets into a scene in Unreal Engine 5.This book will be of interest to all beginner and aspiring environment and vegetation artists looking to learn how to create high-quality vegetation, as well as more experienced artists looking to hone their craft. Read more

Discover Unreal Engine 5's PCG tools with Unreal Authorized Instructor and Senior Technical Artist Paul Martin Eliasz, and use real-time visualization to transform game development and create immersive, dynamic 3D environments.Key FeaturesEnhance your design skills with innovative procedural content generation (PCG) capabilitiesQuickly sculpt vast, richly detailed environments with UE5’s PCG tools, saving you time and effortPush the boundaries of your creativity and develop breathtaking landscapes that stand outPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionIn the ever-evolving world of games and virtual production, mastering procedural content generator (PCG) opens the door to endless creative possibilities. This book takes you deeper into the realm of procedurally generated environments and assets by showing you how to use the PCG framework integrated into Unreal Engine 5.4 and helping you build the skills to surpass traditional methods and create cutting-edge projects with unparalleled efficiency.This book guides you through the complete level design and tools production pipeline using open-source software. Whether you’re an aspiring technical artist or level designer in real-time visualization and game production, you’ll benefit from following the step-by-step, beginner-friendly approach to crafting custom levels, from jungles to cities, and incorporating 3D assets from libraries such as Quixel or Sketchfab. Next, you’ll get to grips with data preparation, construct a PCG graph to populate assets in your environment, and apply these methods to optimize your projects. You’ll understand how this process enhances your PCG tools, elevating their capacity to improve the quality of your levels.By the end of this book, you’ll be able to seamlessly integrate different elements in Unreal Engine 5, empowering you to create your own PCG tools and transform your game development experience.What you will learnGrasp the fundamentals of PCG and its transformative impact on game design and developmentCraft your first lush, procedurally generated forest in UE5Build complex blueprints using the PCG graph for streamlined workflowsDevelop efficient PCG tools and techniques to enhance performance and creativityBuild and manipulate spline controllers with the PCG graph for dynamic environmentsConstruct a PCG graph that seamlessly blends with landscape materials for stunning terrainsWho this book is forThis book is for novices and intermediate users of Unreal Engine 5, guiding artists and developers into the world of Procedural Content Generation (PCG) tools. Whether you’re an experienced 3D artist or a newcomer to Unreal Engine 5, in this book, you’ll find valuable insights for crafting procedurally generated environments and tools using the PCG framework. While prior 3D software experience is not mandatory, some familiarity can enhance your understanding of the concepts presented.Table of ContentsIntroducing Procedural Content GenerationLet's Create Our First Forest!Building Blueprints with PCG ComponentDeveloping and Optimizing the Procedural Content Generation ToolBuilding Spline Controllers with PCG GraphBuilding a PCG Graph with Landscape MaterialsLet's Build a Building Using the PCG Spline ControllerBuilding Biomes: Mastering PCG for Rich EnvironmentsCreating Dynamic Animated Crowds with PCGExploring Optimization, Debugging, and Performance ToolsCheat Sheets, Extra Tips, and Shortcuts Read more

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Real-Time Rendering combines fundamental principles with guidance on the latest techniques to provide a complete reference on three-dimensional interactive computer graphics. It will help you increase speed and improve image quality and learn the features and limitations of acceleration algorithms and graphics APIs. This latest fourth edition has been updated to include a chapter on virtual reality and augmented reality and covers new topics such as visual appearance, global illumination, and curves and curved surfaces.It is for anyone serious about computer graphics who wants to learn about algorithms that create synthetic images fast enough that the viewer can interact with a virtual environment.Reviews"This is the book I recommend to everyone starting out in the industry. Not only is it a great reference on so many topics, each topic is covered in impressive depth with great references for further exploration." ― Alex Vlachos, Valve"Real-Time Rendering condenses literally thousands of cutting-edge papers, talks, and blogs into a single, easy-to-read volume presenting today's best practices, open problems, and promising state-of-the-art research. A key reference for beginners and experts!" ― Chris Wyman, Principal Research Scientist, NVIDIA"Since it was first published, Real-Time Rendering has been an invaluable companion to anyone who wants to keep up with this dynamic field. It combines rigorous coverage of the fundamentals with up-to-date discussion of the latest techniques. The fourth edition is required reading for anyone serious about computer graphics." ― Matt Pharr, co-author of Physically Based Rendering: From Theory to Implementation"I built our rendering engine and my career on what I learned in previous editions of Real-Time Rendering. This new edition is carefully updated to represent the current state of our field, and will remain the first resource I check when tackling a new challenge." ― Patrick Cozzi, Principal Graphics Architect, Cesium, and co-editor of OpenGL Insights"Real-Time Rendering is the first book I recommend reading to anyone who wants to learn real-time graphics. All the relevant knowledge in one place, and a joy to read, too!" ― Aras Pranckevičius, Unity TechnologiesAbout the Cover: The cover shows an example of advanced real-time rendering technology used in the 2018 Star Wars™ short Reflections, which includes real-time ray tracing of reflections and area light shadows computed on the GPU. The short was produced by Epic Games and built in Unreal Engine in collaboration with ILMxLAB and NVIDIA. Read more

Prepare for Unreal Engine 5! Learn the fundamentals of the C++ programming language as well as Unreal Engine’s code base for creating and packaging a complete hack and slash action game. Implement combat, AI and Behavior Trees, animation, gameplay mechanics, interfaces and delegates, collision and physics, ray casting, game saving, menu and HUD creation via UMG, and much more. Read more

Tap into the cutting-edge artificial intelligence features of Unreal Engine 5 and unlock their potential to craft captivating and engaging experiences in your games and applications in this part-color guideKey FeaturesAdopt AI techniques for developing immersive gameplay experiencesLearn how to use the Unreal Engine gameplay framework system with C++ and BlueprintsPlan and develop AI behaviors carefully from start to finishPurchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionHave you ever wondered how to create engaging gameplay experiences that involve formidable AI opponents, capable of challenging and pushing players to their limits? If the answer is yes, then get ready to enter the realm of AI creation with Unreal Engine 5.Within the pages of this book, written by a brilliant author and game development expert, you’ll find the secrets of Unreal Engine's cutting-edge AI framework. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll be able to create immersive and dynamic gaming experiences. This step-by-step guide will teach you the art of crafting intelligent and responsive virtual opponents that challenge and engage players on a whole new level. As you follow along with practical examples, the book will guide you through the creation of fully functional AI systems. You’ll be able to harness the power of behavior trees, NavMesh systems, and sensory perception models, breathing life into your virtual characters.By the end of this book, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge you need to unleash the full potential of AI in Unreal Engine. Get ready to revolutionize your gaming creations and captivate players with AI-driven wonders that push the boundaries of what's possible!What you will learnDiscover the basics of AI development in video gamesGain a deep understanding of the main actors in the Unreal Engine AI frameworkDesign and develop engaging AI actors for a gameCreate dynamic and immersive AI experiences with behavior trees, navigation systems, MassEntity, and other AI featuresDebug AI systems using dedicated Unreal Engine debugging toolsExtend the AI system with custom nodes and functionsUnderstand how to cope with the AI system by employing Blueprints and/or C++Create games that focus on tactics, motion, and moreWho this book is forThis book is for game programmers, as well as Unreal Engine developers with little to no knowledge of AI systems in video games, who want to explore this topic in depth. Developers who are proficient in other game engines and are interested in understanding the principles of the Unreal AI framework will also benefit from this book. You’ll need basic knowledge of Unreal Engine and C++ and a strong passion for game development to get the most out of this book.Table of ContentsGetting Started with AI Game DevelopmentIntroducing the Unreal Engine AI SystemPresenting the Unreal Engine Navigation SystemSetting Up a Navigation MeshImproving Agent NavigationOptimizing the Navigation SystemIntroducing Behavior TreesSetting Up a Behavior TreeExtending Behavior TreesImproving Agents with the Perception SystemUnderstanding the Environment Query SystemUsing Hierarchical State Machines with State TreesImplementing Data-Oriented Calculations with MassImplementing Interactable Elements with Smart ObjectsAppendix – Understanding C++ in Unreal Engine Read more

An easy-to-understand primer on Virtual Reality and Augmented RealityVirtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are driving the next technological revolution. If you want to get in on the action, this book helps you understand what these technologies are, their history, how they’re being used, and how they’ll affect consumers both personally and professionally in the very near future.With VR and AR poised to become mainstream within the next few years, an accessible book to bring users up to speed on the subject is sorely needed—and that’s where this handy reference comes in! Rather than focusing on a specific piece of hardware (HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, iOS ARKit) or software (Unity, Unreal Engine), Virtual & Augmented Reality For Dummies offers a broad look at both VR and AR, giving you a bird’s eye view of what you can expect as they continue to take the world by storm.* Keeps you up-to-date on the pulse of this fast-changing technology* Explores the many ways AR/VR are being used in fields such as healthcare, education, and entertainment* Includes interviews with designers, developers, and technologists currently working in the fields of VR and ARPerfect for both potential content creators and content consumers, this book will change the way you approach and contribute to these emerging technologies.  Read more

Advance your game development skills and master the art of crafting intricate and visually stunning materials using Unreal Engine 5's powerful Material Editor with the help of this illustrated guideKey FeaturesCreate spectacular visual effects for use in both games and virtual productionsDesign efficient shaders for any real-time platform without sacrificing realismLeverage Unreal Engine’s rendering pipeline and the innards of the material graphBook DescriptionUnreal Engine is here to stay! Since the launch of the first edition of this book, based on the Unreal Engine 5 technology, real-time rendering has only grown in popularity. The demand for expertise in this area has grown exponentially across various fields over the last few years, and Unreal Engine 5 builds upon that foundation and continues to push the boundaries of what is achievable in an interactive format.Against this backdrop, the second edition of this book takes a leap forward and explores the new opportunities offered by the latest version of the engine, including Lumen, ray tracing, and Nanite. The book also revisits previously covered techniques and updates them to current standards, shining new light on topics such as the PBR workflow and the different lighting solutions that were present in the first edition. Throughout the chapters, you’ll be able to focus on two key principles that you need to consider when dealing with real-time graphics: optimization and efficiency.By the end of this book, you’ll have explored the many rendering possibilities that Unreal Engine 5 has to offer to become the master of your own creations!What you will learnLeverage the capabilities of Lumen and Nanite to create breathtaking experiencesAttain proficiency in the rendering pipeline of Unreal Engine to develop real-time graphicsUtilize the physically based rendering pipeline to achieve photorealistic rendering across multiple scenesExplore the Material Editor to build complex materials and textures and achieve a high level of detailOptimize your materials to run seamlessly on multiple platformsUnderstand the various nodes and functions required to create impressive visual effectsWho this book is forThis comprehensive guide is designed for anyone who is passionate about rendering, real-time graphics, and creating visually stunning experiences with Unreal Engine. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, this book offers a gentle learning curve that takes you from the fundamentals of the rendering pipeline to the most advanced techniques in the field. With a wealth of information and expert guidance, you'll quickly become proficient in the art of material creation, regardless of your background knowledge.Table of ContentsUnderstanding Physically Based RenderingCustomizing Opaque Materials and Using TexturesMaking Translucent ObjectsPlaying with Nanite, Lumen, and Other UE5 GoodiesWorking with Advanced Material TechniquesOptimizing Materials for Mobile PlatformsExploring Some More Useful NodesGoing Beyond Traditional Materials Adding Post-Processing Effects Read more

Reactive PublishingUnlock the next level in game development with "C++ for Game Development: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024." This indispensable guide picks up where introductory books leave off, designed specifically for enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding of C++ and apply it to more advanced and sophisticated contexts.Building upon your existing knowledge, this comprehensive resource delves into cutting-edge techniques and industry best practices used by professional game developers. From mastering complex algorithms to harnessing the power of modern graphics engines, you’ll find step-by-step tutorials that elevate your programming skills and transform your creative visions into dynamic, immersive gaming experiences.What to Expect:- Advanced Coding Techniques: Learn the intricacies of C++ features like templates, multi-threading, and optimized memory management to write high-performance code.- Game Engine Mastery: Get hands-on with popular game engines, including Unreal Engine and Unity, to bring your games to life with stunning graphics and smooth gameplay.- AI and Physics Programming:Implement sophisticated artificial intelligence and realistic physics that add depth and realism to your games.- Real-World Applications: Gain insights from exclusive interviews and case studies from industry experts, revealing the strategies behind some of the most successful titles.- Optimizing Performance: Discover techniques for improving game performance on both PC and console platforms, ensuring your games run smoothly no matter where they’re played.With "C++ for Game Development: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024," take a monumental step forward in your game development journey. Whether you're aiming to break into the industry or to bring your independent projects to a professional level, this book is your ultimate roadmap to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences.Prepare to level up your skills, expand your creative horizons, and turn your game development dreams into reality. Read more

With the Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) officially released, it has been well received and has become the industry standard for developing AAA titles according to the announcement by many game studios including CD Projekt Red and Crystal Dynamics.Since UE5 first launched in Early Access unveiled in 2020, I decided to port our award-winning ARPG, Chaos Era Online (COA online), developed using the Torque Game Engine and C++, to UE5. This is because my co-workers at the Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST) always asked whether I could port the game over using the Unreal Engine, which was already powerful and popular in the past. After about one year of porting it over to UE5, the progress was smooth and I decided to write a new book series to share the experience of using Unreal C++ and Blueprint to develop an online Action RPG. This book is the second volume of the series and will cover Character Customization (PaperDolls), Inventory System, AI, Dialogues and Quests, Shops, Minimap and World Map, and Packaging. In the series, we aim to not only explore how a commercial ARPG can be made using UE5 in C++ and Blueprint but also discuss the theory behind the RPG design. The reason why it can be presented in this way is based on my work over a decade as both a professional game developer and a lecturer of multimedia and game development at several universities in Taiwan, including the Department of Multimedia and Entertainment Science department at the Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology and the Department of Digital Media Design at the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology. Over the years, our team has accumulated experience and achievements in making online games and obtained good results in related online game design competitions.With the accompanying exercises in each chapter, this book is also suitable as a textbook for a one-semester course in game programming for Juniors or Seniors in a four-year college. The teaching materials will be available soon by request after this book is published.Please refer to the book trailer at https://www.mmoprogramming.net/books for details. Read more

Prepare for Volume II: Paper Doll, Inventory, Shops, AI, Dialogues, and Quests.What’s New in the Second EditionA major feature now is deprecated namely the Input System since the release of UE5.1. In this new edition, we will use the Enhanced Input Actions and Input Mapping Contexts to re-implement the mechanism for user interaction. Some built-in function calls also have been deprecated, and in this edition, they are replaced with new ones.Besides, because the second volume is on the way and to be better connected with the volume II, in this edition serval classes, especially the Equipment-related component classes are added for the future Inventory system.Some reviews from Amazon.com mentioned about the readability of the pictures and the words in them because of the default Dark theme used in the Unreal Editor. Therefore, in this new edition, to improve readability of diagrams and the words inside, a new Light Grey theme is used instead of the default one.On the other hand, to make the words in the pictures become larger, we adjust the Application Scale in the UE5 Editor’s Widget Reflector to achieve this purpose. So, in this new edition, almost all the diagrams have been replaced, with the new theme applied and readability of the words inside should be greatly improved.For the readers of the first edition, the author will provide a migration guide in the near future for how to migrate from the previous edition. Please refer to the author’s website to download the guide.This book is the first volume of the series and will cover basics, combat systems, and visual effects (VFX). In the series, we aim to not only explore how a commercial Action RPG can be made using UE5 in C++ and Blueprint but also discuss the theory behind the RPG design. The reason why it can be presented in this way is based on my work over a decade as both a professional game developer and a lecturer of multimedia and game development at several universities in Taiwan. Over the years, our team has accumulated experience and achievements in making online games and obtained good results in related online game design competitions.With the accompanying exercises in each chapter, this book is also suitable as a textbook for a one-semester course in game programming for Juniors or Seniors in a four-year college. The teaching materials are ready for request.What you will learnUnderstand the essentials of modern C++ including pointers, macros, templates, containers, and multithreading programming.Have a whole idea of modern C++ Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts and apply them to implement an ARPG using UE5 C++, and the gameplay classes.Design and implement a fully functional open-world ARPG using Unreal C++ and Blueprint including ARPG Stats, the Stamina mechanics, and the Horse Riding system. Build user interface elements with animations using the UMG and integrate them with the game actors in C++.Explore essential features of the UE5 Niagara VFX system and design special effects for ARPs. Please visit the author's website at mmoprogramming.net to find further information about the book and the second volume including trailers showcasing the features. Read more