Game Art & Design I
Modules
Unit Six

Unit Six

Blueprint Scripting Basics

In this unit, students move from static environments to interactive scenes using Unreal’s Blueprint system. They will learn how to set up simple game logic like movement, triggers, and win conditions. By the end of this unit, students will showcase their own character in their own environment with basic interactivity.

ℹ️
The goal here is not complex coding but learning the logic of event-driven design. Blueprints are a visual scripting tool — focus on connecting nodes clearly and testing often.

Topics Covered

  • Introduction to Blueprints and node-based logic
  • Character movement and camera setup
  • Using triggers, collisions, and events
  • Creating simple pickups or interactables
  • Setting win/lose conditions
  • Packaging a project for testing

Assignments

(A6.1) Exploring the Blueprint Editor (A6.2) Character Movement & Controls (A6.3) Triggers & Events (A6.4) Pickups & Simple Interactables (A6.5) Win Condition Showcase Build

Learning Report

Objectives

  • Navigate the Blueprint editor and create simple node graphs
  • Implement character movement and controls in a level
  • Add basic interactivity (triggers, pickups, events)
  • Design a simple win condition for a playable prototype
  • Package and publish a portfolio-ready interactive scene

Materials

  • Unreal Engine installed on classroom computers
  • Completed character (Units 1–3) and environment (Unit 5)
  • Reference notes on engine workflows

Assessment
Students will be graded on their ability to integrate their character and environment into an interactive scene. At minimum, projects must include working character movement, one interactive element, and a win condition. Proper packaging and portfolio submission are required.

Activities
Students explore the Blueprint editor, script character controls, and add triggers or pickups. They place their rigged character into their environment, test playability, and set up a simple win condition (like reaching a goal). They then package their project, record a short playthrough, and upload to their portfolio.

Education Standards

The following standards are drawn from the 2024 AME Industry Skills Framework:

  • 4.3 — Use job-specific software for workflows and content delivery
  • 4.5 — Apply rendering/exporting techniques to meet standards
  • 17.3 — Apply principles of level and game design to creative projects
  • 18.7 — Demonstrate understanding of video game design (rules, goals, navigation, feedback)
  • 20.1 — Investigate how real-time engines are used in interactive media
Unit FiveUnit One