Houdini Resources

Updated on June 26  2024


Houdini in Games

Deborah R. Fowler



Unreal Notes for me

Posted on Dec  2018
Updated on Jan 3  2019

Given my background in programming - my "go to" example in OpenGL and C++ uses two tanks and one keyboard - this is my journey to do what I thought would be simple in Unreal - great way to learn - by doing (after reading some documentation as well)! Took some digging to find the right resources. Complex things in Unreal are easy (see Houdini Engine as well), simple things, well ...

In general - this is a good starting point: https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/GettingStarted
This includes documentation and short tutorials on general topics. Below I explored blueprints further

This page mainly focuses on blueprints
For more info on:
Interface and Quick Tips

More to explore for later - python can be used inside unreal

*Terminology - https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/GettingStarted/Terminology

*Style Guide - https://github.com/Allar/ue4-style-guide
***Blueprint - visual programming - https://academy.unrealengine.com/Class-Viewer/blueprint-essential-concepts

***Set up Static camera from blank project using blueprints (helpful) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dZoISdc0dM

Simple Example to get Started - Building a Tank (frustrating - skips some essential set up)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7k1xLlOC7kM (not very helpful)

***https://docs.unrealengine.com/en-US/Engine/Blueprints/QuickStart (helpful)

***Create Movable Player Character From Scratch (Blueprints)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4nJ578XP48 (helpful)

***Control input for two player using one keyboard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LHp5BiZNWA (very helpful)

This is how I like to learn - building something familiar from the ground up - this tutorial was very useful and not something you find easily elsewhere. The key is to have a blueprint interact and game mode that doesn't have the default pawn. Briefly:
Two Pawn blueprints with the following

Pawn One

Pawn Two (make sure that you have the class settings for the interface added or the event will not exist - see below)

It is important in each pawn to set the Auto Possess Player correctly


In addition you need a Blueprint Interface node (this allows you to set up the function CALL 2P so that the data can be used in pawn 2.

To create a Blueprint Interface node select it from the content browser Add New / Blueprint / Blueprint Interface

Add this interface to Pawn 2


It is also a good idea to include the Game Mode blueprint and point the game mode (settings/Game) to it in details

And of course, you need to set up your input in your Project Settings / Input


This allows you to control both players. I also set up a camera actor to provide a static camera as described above in the section on Static Camera.

NOTE: If you delete everything but the floor you will want to add a light when you rebuild.