Intermediate Course UE Programming

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed for developers with basic game development experience who want to deepen their understanding of Unreal Engine 5. The curriculum starts with an introduction to Unreal Engine’s core structure, programming principles, and C++ foundations. Students will progressively explore the Gameplay Framework, building interactive mechanics using both C++ and Blueprints.

As the course advances, students will delve into Unreal’s advanced tools, including AI systems, character navigation, UI implementation, and networking principles for multiplayer development. Throughout the program, students will receive mentorship from industry professionals, collaborate on practical projects, and present their work in structured Demo Days to showcase their skills.

Phase 1: Unreal Engine Core & C++ Fundamentals (Months 1–2)

• Unreal Engine vs Unity: Understanding the philosophy, tools, and pipelines
• Project Structure: Folders, Blueprints, C++ vs Unity’s C#
• Unreal Engine Deep Dive:
  
  • Scene setup, navigation, viewports
  • Actors, Components, and Unreal’s Gameplay Framework
• C++ Programming for Unreal:
  
  • Actors and Components in C++
  • Communication between Blueprints and C++
• Gameplay Framework Essentials:
  
  • Pawn, Controller, GameMode, GameState
  • Events, Delegates, Input Systems in C++

Phase 2: Advanced Game Development (Months 3–4)

• Camera Systems: Custom views, advanced camera effects
• Character Movement & Navigation:
  
  • Character class, animation systems
  • AI-driven navigation
• Game Interaction & Triggers
• Blueprints for Non-Programming Tasks
• Unreal’s Unique Tools:
  
  • Sequencer (for cutscenes & cinematics)
  • Niagara (VFX particle effects)
  • Material Editor (Shader & material customization)

Phase 3: Multiplayer, AI, and Final Project (Months 5–6)

• Introduction to Game Networking:
  
  • Multiplayer foundations, replication concepts
• AI Development:
  
  • Behavior Trees, EQS (Environment Query System)
  • AI-driven character interactions
• Optimization & Performance:
  
  • Profiling, debugging, performance tools
• Final Project:
  
  • Prototype a game feature using learned skills
  • Demo Day presentation

Gustavo Reiss

Unreal Instructor

Experienced Lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Strong education professional skilled in C++, Computer Science, Game Development, and Artificial Intelligence. R&D Director at Sound Particles and Lecture at ESTG Leiria Videogames Master.

Luis Monteiro

Unreal Instructor

Game developer with many years of experience teaching Unreal Engine and Unity in Higher Education. Knowledgeable in game development in general, with special interests in Programming, Technical Art, Artificial Intelligence and Unreal Engine. PhD  student in advanced computer systems and professor for the Video Games bachelor and masters degree at ESTG, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.

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