If you’re an Unreal Engine developer, you may be wondering what coding language is used for creating games and applications within the engine. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as it might seem. While there are several programming languages that can be used with Unreal Engine, the core language that powers the engine itself is a proprietary scripting language called Blueprint Visual Script (BVS).
What is Blueprint Visual Script?
Blueprint Visual Script (BVS) is a proprietary scripting language that was developed by Epic Games, the creators of Unreal Engine. It’s designed to be easy to use and understand, even for developers who have no prior programming experience. BVS uses a visual interface, where you can drag and drop elements onto a canvas to create code without writing any actual code.
BVS is a powerful tool that allows you to create complex game logic, animations, and other features within Unreal Engine. It also has a wide range of built-in functions and classes that make it easy to work with many different assets and objects within the engine. Some of the key features of BVS include:
- Easy to use visual interface
- Wide range of built-in functions and classes
- Support for advanced game logic and animation
- Integration with other Unreal Engine features, such as physics and AI
- Ability to create custom events and triggers
Why Use Blueprint Visual Script?
There are several reasons why developers might choose to use Blueprint Visual Script over other programming languages when working with Unreal Engine:
- Ease of use: BVS is designed to be easy for developers of all skill levels to understand and use. Even if you have no prior programming experience, you can still create complex game logic and animations using the visual interface.
- Speed of development: Because BVS allows you to create code without writing any actual code, it can significantly speed up the development process. This is especially true for smaller projects or prototypes.
- Flexibility: BVS is a powerful tool that can be used to create a wide range of features within Unreal Engine. Whether you’re working on a game, a virtual reality (VR) application, or a 3D visualization tool, BVS can help you get the job done.
- Integration with other Unreal Engine features: BVS is tightly integrated with other Unreal Engine features, such as physics and AI. This makes it easy to create complex game logic that takes advantage of these features.
Case Studies and Personal Experiences
There are many developers who have successfully used Blueprint Visual Script to create games and applications within Unreal Engine. Here are a few examples:
- “The Labyrinth” – A first-person puzzle game created by a team of students using Unreal Engine and BVS. The game features complex puzzles and obstacles that the player must overcome in order to progress through the levels.
- “BlastAR” – A virtual reality (VR) application that uses Unreal Engine and BVS to create immersive 3D experiences for users. The app allows users to explore a virtual world and interact with objects within it using hand gestures.
- “Unreal Tournament” – A popular multiplayer game that was created using Unreal Engine and C++, but also uses BVS for some of the game’s scripting needs. This includes creating custom events and triggers that allow players to interact with the environment in new and exciting ways.
Comparing BVS to Other Programming Languages
While Blueprint Visual Script is a powerful tool, there are other programming languages that can also be used with Unreal Engine. Some of the most popular include C++, Python, and JavaScript.