Learn how to craft a lifelike and captivating game by mastering the latest features and techniques of Unreal Engine 5.2. This book, which covers artistic features as well as C++ programming, will give you deep insight into constructing breathtaking environments, optimizing lighting, refining soundscapes, implementing visual effects, and perfecting character animations. These achievements will be unlocked through the utilization of cutting-edge functionalities like the World Partition system, Procedural Content Generation, Nanite, Runtime Virtual Texture, Lumen, Niagara, MetaSounds, and character animations.
Furthermore, you will dive into programming game logic using C++, effectively controlling characters through the advanced Input System. You'll also uncover the art of designing diverse and spontaneous landscapes and biomes through procedural generation techniques. Your journey will commence with a comprehensive grasp of the World Partition system, an innovative approach to level organization and streaming. Following that, you'll learn to harness the power of Megascans assets, an extensive collection of 3D realistic scanned elements sourced from Quixel Bridge. The Nanite feature will empower you to create intricately detailed assets with remarkable efficiency. Delving into the Procedural Content Generation feature will enable you to generate assets with unparalleled ease. Lumen, a captivating addition to UE5, will grant you access to an entirely dynamic global illumination solution that seamlessly adapts to scene and lighting fluctuations. Moreover, you'll have the chance to experiment with various material blending techniques across distinct 3D assets using the Runtime Virtual Texture feature.
You will also be introduced to MetaSounds, an avant-garde system for crafting interactive audio experiences, alongside novel animation features, including the option to incorporate characters from MetaHuman. You'll uncover the magic of the Niagara particle effects system, elevating visual realism within your game. Additionally, you'll build your game logic from scratch using C++, encompassing both player character control and AI logic for enemy characters. Lastly, you'll uncover the intricacies of packaging and distributing your game for the PC Windows platform.
Upon completing the book, you'll have developed a fully functional and immersive game, be able to harness the power of Unreal Engine 5 and C++ in your own game projects.
What You Will Learn
- Create diverse and randomized landscapes using World Partition and asset generation via procedural content techniques
- Generate assets and content with Megascans and Nanite technology
- Craft sophisticated blended materials using the Runtime Virtual Texture feature
- Construct an immersive virtual environment with the Lumen lighting system
- Create an exciting visual effects system using the Niagara particle system
- Achieve realism and fluidity in character animations and interactions by leveraging the latest animation tools and the advanced Input System
- Integrate uncomplicated AI logic for enemy character behaviors and characteristics
Who Is This Book For
Game developers who have a working knowledge of Unreal Engine and C++ who want to learn how to use them in tandem for more advanced projects.
