Games Fellowship, Unreal Fest, and I Wish I Learned This Sooner Pt 2 - Part 2
Aug 27, 2024
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Join creative professional Cory Strassburger, filmmaker and Unreal expert Matt Workman, and content creator Cory Williams as they dive into the essential lessons for newcomers to Unreal Engine. They discuss optimizing Blueprints and managing expectations in game development, offering practical advice to avoid common pitfalls. Tales of rigging challenges and the intricacies of animation workflows are shared, alongside insights into the dual role of AI in animation. Plus, nostalgic reflections on the soothing power of rhythm games keep the conversation lively.
Disabling Event Tick when not needed enhances performance, as it reduces unnecessary overhead and manages event calls more efficiently.
Timelines serve as a powerful tool for animating values in Unreal Engine, but should be used judiciously to avoid performance bottlenecks.
Properly managing asset references and employing consistent naming conventions is vital to avoid memory leaks and maintain project integrity.
Deep dives
Avoiding Event Tick
Utilizing Event Tick in Unreal Engine can lead to performance issues, as it runs every frame and can add unnecessary overhead. It's advised to disable Event Tick when it is not required, and to use a timer or an interval instead to manage event calls effectively. For instance, developers can set a timer to trigger an event at specified intervals instead of relying on the constant updates from Event Tick. Using console commands like 'dump ticks' can help identify what elements in the project are using Event Tick, allowing for better optimization.
Effective Use of Timelines
Timelines in Unreal Engine provide a way to animate values over a specified duration, functioning like a mini sequencer. They can be particularly useful for transitioning float values or controlling animations, but caution is advised as they can create performance bottlenecks if overused. Developers are encouraged to understand the mechanics of timelines and to use them judiciously within their blueprints. Additionally, timelines can be combined with other functions to produce complex animations and interactions in games.
Importance of Reference Management
Managing references in Unreal is crucial for maintaining the integrity of a project and avoiding memory leaks. Properly updating references whenever files are moved or renamed prevents broken links that can disrupt the build process. It is recommended to employ a consistent naming convention across the project to aid in the easy identification of assets and minimize confusion. Utilizing backup solutions, like Free File Sync, ensures that previous project versions are secured, providing a safety net against errors that may occur during asset management.
Handling Feature Creep
Feature creep refers to the tendency to expand a project by adding unnecessary features, which can detract from completion goals. Developers are encouraged to maintain focus on essential features that enhance project quality, rather than getting sidetracked by minor additions that do not significantly affect gameplay. Recognizing when features begin to diverge from the core design and requesting feedback can help keep a project aligned with its original vision. Time management is vital; developers should assess the implications of any new feature before deciding to implement it.
Learning from Mistakes and Iteration
Developers are encouraged to embrace iterative development and learn from mistakes, understanding that perfection is not a prerequisite for progress. Starting with simpler projects and gradually increasing complexity allows for better learning and adaptation over time. The approach of rapid prototyping—creating rough drafts of ideas—can facilitate experimentation without the pressure of finality. Ultimately, the key is to balance quality with progress, allowing iterations to refine work rather than hinder it.