Blueprints is the visual scripting system in Unreal Engine that enables programmers to create baseline systems and can be extended by designers.
This book helps you explore all the features of the Blueprint Editor and guides you through using Variables, Macros, and Functions. You'll also learn about object-oriented programming (OOP) and discover the Gameplay Framework. In addition to this, you'll learn how Blueprint Communication allows one Blueprint to access information from another Blueprint. Later chapters will focus on building a fully functional game using a step-by-step approach. 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 skills you will develop using Blueprints can also be employed in other gaming genres. In the concluding chapters, the book demonstrates how to use arrays, maps, enums, and vector operations. Finally, you'll learn how to build a basic VR game.
By the end of this book, you'll have learned how to build a fully functional game and will 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 object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and explore the Gameplay FrameworkLearn Virtual Reality development with UE BlueprintWho this book is forThis book is for anyone who is interested in developing games or applications with UE4. Although basic knowledge of Windows OS is required, experience in programming or UE4 is not necessary.
Marcos Romero is the author of the Romero Blueprints blog, which is one of the main references on the internet to learn about Blueprints. Epic Games invited Marcos to the Unreal Engine 4 closed beta program to experiment and collaborate with the evolution of the tools. He was also one of the first recipients of Unreal Dev Grants for Education. Marcos is a well-known figure in the Unreal community and, for Epic Games, he wrote the official Blueprints Compendium and Blueprints Instructor's Guide.
Brenden Sewell is a game designer and creative director with over a decade of experience leading teams in the development of compelling interactive experiences that entertain and inspire. Prior to joining Bossfight Entertainment to work on some upcoming secret projects, he explored the intersection of social impact and entertainment serving as the Creative Director for E-line Media. He has led developments from concept to live support on a variety of games ranging from a brain-training first-person shooter to a construction sandbox exploring the future of digital fabrication.