Our Shift to Unreal Engine 5: MoboNode’s Experience Beyond Unity3D

Posted on September 29, 2024 by admin in Programming | Comments Off

MoboNode is a passion project where players take on the role of Dr. Boss, a computer scientist shrunk down inside an old PC whilst investigating AI Ethics at CERN. As he navigates a hazardous environment, he will battle digital threats and demonic entites, repair malfunctioning components and maintain the PC. The game is structured around linear missions involving fixing components, defeating enemies, and uncovering the fate of other scientists.

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Core gameplay revolves around base building and combat. Players can craft tools as weapons—like screwdrivers and EMF bombs—to combat rats, roaches, demonic entities, viruses and rogue updates (anything you expect to find inside a PC case). A base of operations exists inside the Power Supply Unit (PSU) serves as a safe zone for crafting and resting, creating a balance between exploration(combat) and strategy. The visual style leans into a retro aesthetic reminiscent of classic FPS games, while character design reflects a blend of human and machine elements. Key locations feature distinct environments, from the chaotic motherboard to the safe haven of the PSU.

After years of building MoboNode in Unity3D, we faced a pivotal decision: stick with what we knew or embrace the cutting-edge features of Unreal Engine 5. This was over a year ago! While the transition has presented its challenges, we firmly believe it’s the right move for our project.

We want MoboNode to stand out visually, and Unreal Engine 5’s advanced rendering capabilities, like Nanite and Lumen, promised to bring our vibrant world to life in ways Unity simply could not. Nanite allows for incredibly detailed assets without the usual performance trade-offs, while Lumen offers dynamic global illumination, creating realistic lighting that adapts in real time. This leap in visual fidelity has opened up exciting possibilities for MoboNode’s aesthetic, allowing us to create a more immersive experience for players.

However, switching game engines is no small feat, and we quickly realized the journey would not be without its struggles. Here are some key challenges we faced:

Unreal Engine 5’s Blueprints system feels like learning a new language. It offers a robust visual scripting environment that, while powerful, can be overwhelming compared to Unity’s simpler interface. As someone who prefers coding in C#, embracing Blueprints has become a necessity to fully leverage the engine’s capabilities. This shift required us to adapt our thinking and workflow significantly.

Migrating assets from Unity to Unreal was another hurdle. While some assets could be converted, others needed to be reworked or recreated to fit Unreal’s framework. This process was time-consuming but ultimately rewarding, allowing us to revisit and enhance our art and design.

Despite these challenges, the decision to switch to Unreal Engine 5 has begun to pay off, enhancing the overall vision for MoboNode.