Game Development Concepts in C++: Elevate Your Skills with Unreal Engine

Table of Contents
About the Author
About the Technical Reviewer
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter 1: Core Collision Mechanics
Blocking Movement
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Setting Up the Maze and Player
Configuring Maze
Configuring Player Collision
Implementing Movement Restrictions
Advanced Blocking Movement
Triggering Events
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Handling Interactive Elements
Implementing Dynamic Events
Advanced Event Sequences
Interaction Detection
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Handling Player Interactions
Implementing Interaction Responses
Advanced Interaction Systems
Use Cases
InteractionType Demonstration
Physics Reactions
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Applying Forces
Handling Collisions
Advanced Physics Reactions
Environmental Effects
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Applying Environmental Effects
Handling Interactions
Advanced Environmental Effects
Hit Detection
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Setting Up Hit Detection
Implementing Hit Processing
Advanced Hit Detection Techniques
Item Collection
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing Item Effects
Advanced Item Collection Techniques
Summary
Chapter 2: Advanced Collision Mechanics
Damage Calculation
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing Damage Calculation
Advanced Damage Calculation Techniques
Projectile Deflection
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing Deflection Logic
Advanced Projectile Deflection Techniques
Platforming Mechanic
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing Basic Platforming Mechanics
Advanced Platforming Techniques
Area-of-Effect (AoE) Damage
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced AoE Techniques
Character Knockback
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Knockback Techniques
Character Pushback
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Pushback Techniques
Object Destruction
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Destruction Techniques
Object Pickup
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Pickup Techniques
Character Respawn Handling
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Respawn Techniques
Terrain Deformation
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Terrain Deformation Techniques
Object Scaling on Collision
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Scaling Techniques
Object Rotation on Collision
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Rotation Techniques
Particle Effects on Collision
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Particle Techniques
Summary
Chapter 3: Interaction Mechanics
Opening Doors
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Activating Traps
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Starting Cutscenes
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Dialogue Systems
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
NPC Interactions
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Inventory System
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Quest Activation
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Mini-Game Initiation
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Techniques
Puzzle-Solving Mechanics
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing Puzzle Interaction
Advanced Mechanics Code Example
Trading Systems
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Implementing the Trading System
Advanced Mechanics Code Example
Summary
Chapter 4: Environmental Mechanics
Dynamic Weather Systems
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Day-Night Cycles
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Environment Hazards
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Dynamic Lighting Changes
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Terrain Generation
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Water and Fluid Dynamics
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Environmental Sound Effects
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Explanation
Dynamic Lighting Changes
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Terrain Texturing
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Interactive Foliage
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 5: Character Mechanics
Character Movement
Basic Usage of Character Movement
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Jumping Mechanics
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Crouching and Prone Mechanics
Key Differences Between Crouching and Prone
Practical Applications
Basic Structure
Crouching Code Implementation
Prone Mechanic Extension
PlayerCharacter Class Extensions
Swimming Mechanics
Basic Implementation
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Climbing Mechanics
Basic Implementation
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Stealth Mechanics
Key Elements of Stealth Mechanics
Basic Implementation
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Combat Mechanics
Basic Combat Mechanics
Advanced Combat Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Health and Stamina System
Basic Usage of Health and Stamina Systems
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Skill Trees and Abilities
Basic Structure of Skill Trees
Types of Abilities and Skills
Advanced Skill Tree Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Character Customization
Basic Usage
Advanced Customization
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 6: Combat Mechanics
Melee Combat
Basic Usage of Melee Combat
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Ranged Combat
Basic Usage
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Magic and Spells
Basic Magic System Mechanics
Advanced Magic System Features
Practical Applications in Different Genres
Algorithm Overview for Magic System
Reviewing the Code
Combat AI
Core Components of Combat AI
Decision-Making in Combat AI
Pathfinding and Movement
Combat AI and Adaptation
Reviewing the Code
Alternative Approach Using Behavior Trees
Hit Detection and Response
Understanding Hit Detection
Raycasting Techniques in Unreal Engine
Implementing Hit Detection
Hit Response and Feedback
Advanced Hit Detection: Parrying and Blocking
Reviewing the Code
Combo Systems
Key Elements of a Combo System
Designing a Combo System
Reviewing the Code
Balancing Combo Systems
Special Moves and Finishing Moves
What Is Special Moves?
Key Characteristics of Special Moves
What Is Finishing Move?
Key Characteristics of Finishing Moves
Designing Special and Finishing Moves
Reviewing the Code
Damage Types and Resistances
What Are Damage Types?
Applying Damage Types in Combat
What Are Resistances?
Balancing Damage Types and Resistances
Reviewing the Code
Enemy Spawning
Types of Enemy Spawning
Factors Influencing Enemy Spawning
Balancing Enemy Spawns
Reviewing the Code
Boss Fights
Types of Boss Fights
Key Elements of an Engaging Boss Fight
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 7: Physics and Dynamics
Practical Applications of Physics Systems
Key Applications
Rigid Body Dynamics
Basic Usage of Rigid Body Dynamics
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Soft Body Dynamics
Basic Usage of Soft Body Dynamics
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Particle Systems
Basic Usage of Particle Systems
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Cloth Simulation
Basic Usage of Cloth Simulation
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Vehicle Physics
Basic Usage of Vehicle Physics
Advanced Techniques
Practical Applications
Algorithm Overview
Reviewing the Code
Rope and Chain Physics
Importance of Rope and Chain Physics
Core Components of Rope and Chain Physics
Reviewing the Code
Destructive Environments
Importance of Destructible Environments
Core Components of Destructible Environments
Reviewing the Code
Explanation
Optional: Using Chaos Destruction and Fracture
Fluid Dynamics
Importance of Fluid Dynamics
Core Components of Fluid Dynamics
Reviewing the Code
Gravity Manipulation
Core Components of Gravity Manipulation
Reviewing the Code
Force Fields
Importance of Force Fields
Core Components of Force Fields
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 8: Audio and Visual Effects
Sound Triggering on Events
Importance of Sound Triggering on Events
Core Components of Sound Triggering
Reviewing the Code
Dynamic Music Systems
Importance of Dynamic Music Systems
Core Components of Dynamic Music Systems
Reviewing the Code
Visual Feedback on Actions
Importance of Visual Feedback on Actions
Core Components of Visual Feedback
Reviewing the Code
Screen Shakes and Camera Effects
Importance of Screen Shakes and Camera Effects
Core Components of Screen Shakes and Camera Effects
Reviewing the Code
Post-Processing Effects
Core Components of Post-Processing Effects
Reviewing the Code
UI Animations
Importance of UI Animations
Core Components of UI Animations
Reviewing the Code
HUD Design
Importance of HUD Design
Core Components of HUD Design
Reviewing the Code
Dialogue Sound Effects
Importance of Dialogue Sound Effects
Core Components of Dialogue Sound Effects
Reviewing the Code
Environmental Ambience
Importance of Environmental Ambience
Core Components of Environmental Ambience
Advanced Audio Settings and Features
Reviewing the Code
Particle Effects on Interactions
Importance of Particle Effects on Interactions
Core Components of Particle Effects on  Interactions
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Summary
Chapter 9: AI and Pathfinding
Basic AI Movement
Importance of Basic AI Movement
Core Components of Basic AI Movement
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Advanced Pathfinding
Importance of Advanced Pathfinding
Core Components of Advanced Pathfinding
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Enemy Patrols and Combat
Importance of Enemy Patrols and Combat
Core Components of Enemy Patrols and Combat
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Companion and Stealth AI
Importance of Companion and Stealth AI
Core Components of Companion and Stealth AI
Reviewing the Code
Dynamic AI Response
Importance of Dynamic AI Response
Core Components of Dynamic AI Response
Reviewing the Code
AI Decision Trees
Importance of AI Decision Trees
Core Components of AI Decision Trees
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Pathfinding Optimization
Importance of Pathfinding Optimization
Core Components of Pathfinding Optimization
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
AI State Machines
Importance of AI State Machines
Core Components of AI State Machines
Suggestion: Try Unreal's State Trees
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Summary
Chapter 10: Networking and Multiplayer
Basic Networking Concepts
Importance of Basic Networking Concepts
Core Components of Basic Networking Concepts
Reviewing the code
Usage Example
Player Synchronization
Importance of Player Synchronization
Core Components of Player Synchronization
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Networked Player Interactions
Importance of Networked Player Interactions
Core Components of Networked Player Interactions
Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) and Network Proxies
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Multiplayer Game Modes
Importance of Multiplayer Game Modes
Common Types of Multiplayer Game Modes
Key Elements of Multiplayer Game Modes
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Lobby Systems
Importance of Lobby Systems
Key Features of a Lobby System
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Networked AI
Importance of Networked AI
Key Features of Networked AI
Reviewing the Code
Lag Compensation
Importance of Lag Compensation
Key Features of Lag Compensation
Reviewing the Code
Server Authority
Importance of Server Authority
Key Features of Server Authority
Reviewing the Code
Matchmaking Systems
Importance of Matchmaking Systems
Core Features of Matchmaking Systems
Reviewing the Code
Usage Example
Voice and Text Chat
Importance of Voice and Text Chat
Core Features of Voice and Text Chat
Options for Voice Chat
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 11: Advanced Mechanics
Procedural Generation
Importance of Procedural Generation in Games
Core Components of Procedural Generation
Reviewing the Code
Example Usage
Save and Load Systems
Importance of Save and Load Systems
Core Components of Save and Load Systems
Reviewing the Code
Modding Support
Importance of Modding Support
Core Components of Modding Support
Reviewing the Code
VR Mechanics
Importance of VR Mechanics
Core Components of VR Mechanics
Reviewing the Code
AR Mechanics
Importance of AR Mechanics
Core Components of AR Mechanics
Reviewing the Code
Performance Optimization
Importance of Performance Optimization
Core Components of Performance Optimization
Reviewing the Code
Cross-Platform Development
Importance of Cross-Platform Development
Core Components of Cross-Platform Development
Reviewing the Code
Advanced Scripting Techniques
Importance of Advanced Scripting Techniques
Core Components of Advanced Scripting
Reviewing the Code
Using the System in Blueprints
Plugin and Middleware Integration
Importance of Plugin and Middleware Integration
Core Components of Plugin and Middleware Integration
Reviewing the Code
Example: Using Middleware (FMOD for Audio)
Future Trends in Game Development
Importance of Understanding Future Trends
Core Trends in Game Development
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 12: Case Studies
Implementing a Complete Level
Importance of a Complete Level
Core Components of Level Design
Reviewing the Code
Creating a Boss Fight
Importance of Boss Fights
Core Components of a Boss Fight
Reviewing the Code
Creating a Boss Fight Arena
Multiplayer Arena
Importance of a Multiplayer Arena
Core Components of a Multiplayer Arena
Reviewing the Code
Developing a Quest System
Importance of a Quest System
Core Components of a Quest System
Reviewing the Code
Building a Dynamic Weather System
Importance of a Dynamic Weather System
Core Components of a Dynamic Weather System
Reviewing the Code
Summary
Chapter 13: Appendix
Unreal Engine Cheat Sheet
Editor Hotkeys
C++ Syntax for Unreal Engine
Common Errors and Fixes
1. Compiler Errors in C++
2. Blueprint Compilation Issues
3. Runtime Errors
4. Network and Replication Issues
5. Asset Loading and Path Issues
6. Miscellaneous Errors
Additional Resources
1. Official Unreal Engine Documentation
2. Unreal Engine Forums
3. Unreal Engine YouTube Channel
4. UE4 AnswerHub
5. Online Learning Platforms
6. Unreal Slackers (Discord Community)
7. GitHub Repositories and Sample Projects
8. Community Tutorials and Blogs
9. Online Communities and Social Media
Glossary of Terms
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
Index

Leverage Unreal Engine to implement a wide variety of mechanics using C++. This book arms you with the knowledge and practices of game mechanics programming in C++, supported by detailed mathematical and programmatic explanations.

Detailing everything from collision mechanics and AI pathfinding to networking and advanced physics, this book offers a holistic approach to game development, ensuring you get the most out of your gameplay experiences. You will work on character mechanics, environmental interactions, combat systems, and visual effects, gaining a thorough understanding of how to implement these features in C++.

By the time you finish this book, you will be able to create complex game mechanics and to make your projects optimization-intensive and performance-driven. Whether you want to polish your skills or experiment with new techniques, Game Dev Concepts in C++ for Unreal Engine Practitioners gives you the right guidance and helps you to stand out in this competitive world of game development.

 What You Will Learn

• Understand detailed scenarios that demonstrate how each mechanic is applied in real-world game development projects.
• Utilize ready template codes for quicker implementation of mechanics in your games, saving time, and boosting productivity.
• Develop your skills in advanced Unreal Engine and C++ programming, making you a versatile and proficient game developer.
• See how different mechanics work together to create engaging gameplay experiences.
   

Who Is This Book For

Ideal for intermediate level game developers who have an understanding of Unreal Engine and have a set of basic programming skills in C++.