Course: Blender to Unreal Engine - Create and Integrate Dungeon Props

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Part 1: Foundations of 3D Modeling in Blender

Goal: Learn Blender basics, including modeling, texturing, and lighting, to create simple 3D props.

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Unit 1.1: Blender Interface and Tools

Objective: Navigate Blender's interface and workspace effectively.

Become familiar with viewport navigation, selection tools, and shortcut keys.

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Unit 1.2: Modeling Basics

Objective: Create basic 3D shapes and props using Blender’s modeling tools.:

• Model simple props like barrels, crates, and pots.
• Use the extrude, inset, and bevel tools to add details.
• Design asset concepts

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Unit 1.3: Texturing and UV Mapping

Objective: Apply textures and create UV maps for your props

• Unwrap UVs for simple models (e.g., a crate).
• Apply basic materials using Blender's Shader Editor.
• Begin implementation concepts

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Unit 1.4: Lighting and Rendering in Blender

Objective: Light your scene and create high-quality renders of your props.

• Learn to use simulated lighting in Blender
• Experiment with virtual lighting tools and learn how different lighting engines work
• Set up a three-point lighting system to showcase your models.

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Part 2: Intermediate 3D Modeling and Game Asset Creation

Goal: Refine workflows, learn advanced modeling techniques, and prepare assets for Unreal Engine.

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Unit 2.1: Advanced Modeling Techniques

Objective: Use modifiers and geometry nodes to create complex props.

• Create modular assets such as walls, arches, and pillars
• Utilize the Array and Mirror modifiers.
• Learn how video games use code and tools to optimize their 3D world

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Unit 2.2: Geometry Nodes for Procedural Props

Objective: Use geometry nodes to create procedural assets like chains, fences, or rocks.

• Learn about procedural generation and world generation
• Test different types of procedural asset designs
• Create a procedural chain asset using geometry nodes.

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Unit 2.3: Realistic Texturing and Trim Sheets

Objective: Create tileable textures and trim sheets for efficient texturing.

• Build a tileable texture and utilize procedural protocol
• Create a trim sheet to texture props like barrels and furniture.

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Unit 2.4: Exporting Assets for Unreal Engine

Objective: Export optimized assets with clean UVs and textures.

• Export a clean, low-poly asset with baked textures.
• Move and orient assets
• Position multiple assets in the same Unreal Engine Project

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Part 3: Advanced Modeling, Rendering, and Unreal Engine Integration

Goal: Integrate assets into Unreal Engine, set up materials, and create an interactive game environment.

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Unit 3.1: Importing Assets into Unreal Engine

Objective: Import models, set up materials, and ensure proper scaling and collisions.

• Import a prop (e.g., a treasure chest) and adjust material settings.
• Adjust scaling and experiment with transformation tools
• Implement collisions with the imported assets

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Unit 3.2: Lighting and Atmosphere in Unreal Engine

Objective: Use UE5 lighting tools to create a moody dungeon environment.

• Add dynamic lighting, fog, and emissive materials to your scene.
• Learn to use advanced / complex lighting.
• Explore how lighting effects atmosphere, prop appearance, and detail
• Create a realistic scene in Unreal, utilizing photographs of real life scenes to compare and model
• Photograph a digital scene that closely matches a real photograph used for inspiration

Unit 3.3: Adding Physics and Collision to Props

Objective: Make props interactive by adding physics and collision properties.

• Learn about physics and gravity engines
• View other games' physics engines and compare them to real life physics
• Implement code to make environmental assets interactable
• Add collision to a barrel and make it roll when hit by the player.

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Part 4: Building a Modular Dungeon Environment

Objective: Assemble a playable dungeon environment using modular assets.

• Use modular walls, arches, and floors to create a dungeon layout.
• Design and model decorative environmental assets in Blender
• Implement lighting, and atmospheric details
• Code collisions and intractability
• Establish gameplay / navigation controls

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Capstone Project: Create a Medieval Dungeon Environment

Finally, students will work on creating a polished final project. This project has general guidelines, but allows the student to design the game to their unique ideas.

Project Overview:

• Goal: Design and integrate a complete dungeon environment using Blender and Unreal Engine.
• Steps:
  1. Design a dungeon. Plan layout, make thematic decisions, research details and inspiration, compile a outline of assets to be modelled, design gameplay, and more.
  2. Model ~50 unique props, including furniture, weapons, and decorative items.
  3. Create modular assets for walls, floors, and arches.
  4. Implement some form of procedural generation or protocol
  5. Add textures, lighting, and particle effects for an immersive atmosphere.
  6. Code collisions, interactions, and physics for the game
  7. Publish a walkthrough video of your dungeon.