Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
Teach on Udemy
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn MoreUnreal Engine: Intro to Game Design
Unreal Engine: Intro to Game Design
Like "Fortnite?" Master the tools used to build it as we build a simple shooting gallery game using the Unreal Engine!
Highest Rated
Created byGreg Wondra
Last updated 11/2025
English
What you'll learn
- How to download and install the Unreal Engine
- How to navigate around inside the Unreal Engine
- How to place, move, rotate, and scale actors in the Unreal Engine
- How to construct a simple game design document
- How to graybox a level in the Unreal Engine
- How to dress-up a level (make it pretty!) in the Unreal Engine
- How to create blueprints in the Unreal Engine
- How to script gameplay functionality with blueprint scripting in the Unreal Engine
- How to create a HUD and menu screens in the Unreal Engine
- How to create a fully functioning game in the Unreal Engine
- Game Design Fundamentals
- Game Development Intro
- Prototyping
- Level Design
- Player Psychology
- Game Loop
- Mechanic Documentation
- Game Design
- Unreal Engine 5
- Unreal Engine
Explore related topics
Course content
13 sections • 94 lectures • 13h 37m total length
- Project Primer2:37
In this quick video we'll talk about how the course is structured - covering which videos are ESSENTIAL for completion of our Shooting Gallery style project and which videos are OPTIONAL (to explain core concepts to beginners).
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Navigate the Course
- Download & Install6:24
Unreal Engine 4 is FREE! This video shows you where to initiate the download of the Epic Games Launcher (so that you can THEN install Unreal Engine 4 on your computer).
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Download the Epic Games Launcher
Install Unreal Engine 4
- Project Creation7:11
In this video we'll create our very first project. We'll use the First Person Template to help us get started.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Project
- Project Organization4:41
In this video we'll create a directory of folders inside of the Content Browser for the purpose of organizing our course assets. We'll finish by creating a new Level asset and put it into one of our created folders.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Folders in the Content Browser
Create a Level
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Level: Level_01
- Level Editor - Part 111:20
In this video we'll begin by taking an overview of Unreal Engine 4's Level Editor. This is where you'll be spending much of your time while making your gaming projects!
- Level Editor - Part 210:11
This video is a continuation of "Part 1." We'll complete our discussion of the Level Editor here.
- Content Browser - Part 19:50
In this video we'll learn about the Content Browser. This is where you can access all the content (meshes, sound effects, particle effects, etc.) you'll use to build a project.
- Content Browser - Part 26:30
This video is a continuation of "Part 1." We'll complete our discussion of the Content Browser here.
- Viewport Navigation - Mouse3:20
In this video we'll be exploring how to navigate through your game world using mouse inputs.
- Viewport Navigation - Keyboard2:58
In this video you'll learn how to navigate through your game world using some keyboard inputs.
- Viewport Navigation - Maya3:12
In this video you'll learn how to navigate around an object in your game world using "Maya" style controls.
- Orthographic Views8:36
In this video you'll learn about the different Orthographic Views available to you. These views are excellent to use when pinpoint object placement is desired or wanting to measure the distance between things.
- View Modes / Show Flags6:06
In this video you'll learn about a few of the different View Modes available in each view port as well as other things you can turn on or off (such as viewing collision in your game or the world grid).
- Editor Essentials
- Placing Actors5:22
In this video we'll discuss how to place actors in your level.
- Moving Actors5:35
In this video we'll discuss how to move actors in your level.
- Rotating Actors3:34
In this video we'll discuss how to rotate actors in your level.
- Scaling Actors3:13
In this video we'll discuss how to scale actors in your level.
- Game Design Overview6:50
In this video we'll take a quick look at what the overall design of our game will be. This discussion will include Play Mechanics, Level Hazards, Game Objectives, Game Rules, and an overview of our Map Design.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Basic Game Design Document
- Player Metrics #13:39
In this video we'll discuss what Player Metrics are and why a designer should edit these BEFORE starting to build out a level.
- Player Metrics #211:23
In this video we'll dive into Unreal Engine 4 and modify a few Player and Projectile Metrics.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Edit Player Metrics
Edit Projectile Metrics
- Geometry Overview5:03
In this video we'll talk about what "Geometry" is in Unreal Engine 4 and what it's used for.
- Additive & Subtractive Brushes5:50
In this video we'll talk about how Additive & Subtractive Brushes are accessed and interact with one another.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Add Geometry
Subtract Geometry
Change Geometry Ordering
- Geometry Brush Settings10:01
In this video we'll explore the different settings available for each of the default geometric brush types available in Unreal Engine 4.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Edit Brush Specific Settings
- Geometry Editing10:27
In this video we'll talk about the numerous ways we can edit geometric brushes in Geometry Edit Mode.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Move a Geometric Face, Line or Vertex
Extrude Faces
Split Lines
Weld Vertices
Delete & Create Faces
Lathe
- Building to the Grid8:13
In this video we'll discuss what the "Grid" is in UE4 and how to use it as a guide for placing and moving actors.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Show / Hide the Grid
Turn Grid Snap Settings On / Off
Set Grid Snap Settings
Use the Measure Tool
Change an Actor Pivot Point
Snap an Actor to the Grid via Hotkey (Ctrl + End)
- Building Efficiency Tips7:37
In this video we'll explore various building efficiency tips and tricks.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Duplicate Objects
Select Multiple Objects
Group / Ungroup Objects
Attach / Detach Objects
- Level Layout #113:10
In this video we'll begin to Graybox our level! We'll start by taking a look at our map design and getting the floor slabs in place first.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Use Geometry to Graybox a Level
- Level Layout #210:09
This video picks up where we left off in Level Layout #1. Here, we'll finish laying out the floor slabs to give us a sense as to how big our level is and how rapidly our player can move through it from beginning to end.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Use Geometry to Graybox a Level
- Level Layout #35:26
In this video we'll use Geometry to build out the "sides" of our Graybox level. These large boxes will represent building structures.
- Level Layout #410:16
In this video we'll place some placeholder assets around our level to represent where we'd like to place things like pickups, hazards, interactive doors, and moving platforms in our level. Additionally, we'll show off what Blocking Volume and a Kill Z Volume can do for you.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Place / Use a Blocking Volume
Place / Use a Kill Z Volume
- Import Marketplace Assets3:41
In this video we'll cover where to locate (free!) assets in the Marketplace and how to add them to your project.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Add Marketplace Assets to a Project
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Asset Pack: Soul City
- Materials15:35
In this video we'll talk about how to work with Materials when dressing your level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Edit Material Settings on Geometry
Make a 2-Sided Material
- Static Meshes9:32
In this video we'll talk about how to work with Static Meshes when dressing your level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Open the Static Mesh Editor
Edit a Static Mesh's Collision Shape
Edit a Static Mesh's Collision Responses
Set a Static Mesh to Simulate Physics
- Particles6:28
In this video we'll talk about how to work with Particles when dressing your level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Scale a Particle
Set a Particle's Custom Time Dilation
Attach a Particle to another Actor
Toggle Translucent Selection On / Off
- Sounds8:48
In this video we'll talk about how to work with Sounds when dressing your level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Import a Sound File
Add Ambient Sound Actors
Edit Basic Sound Properties
Attach an Ambient Sound to another Actor
Set Ambient Sound to Auto Activate (or not)
- Lighting14:54
In this video we'll talk about how to work with Lights when dressing your level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Add Point, Spot, Rect, Directional, and Sky Lights
Edit Basic Light Properties
Build Lighting
Place a Lightmass Importance Volume
- Day / Night Scenes4:09
In this video we'll talk about the Sky Sphere Blueprint and how it can interact with our Directional Light Actor to create scenes with differing times of day.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Night (or Day Time!) scene
- Blueprint Overview6:36
In this video we'll discuss what Blueprints are, the different Blueprint Types, and take a quick look at the Blueprint Editor.
- BP Construction - Moving Platform4:53
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for a Moving Platform.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_MovingPlatform
- BP Construction - Door7:18
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for an interactive Door.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Door
- BP Construction - Steam Jet7:57
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for a Steam Jet hazard.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Steam_Jet
- BP Construction - Fan9:07
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for a Fan hazard.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Fan
- BP Construction - Health Pickup6:42
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for a Health Pickup.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Health_Pickup
- BP Construction - Parent Target9:57
In this video we'll create an Actor Blueprint and add all the necessary Components for a shootable Target. All other targets will be derived (become children of) this Blueprint.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create an Actor Blueprint
How to Add / Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Target_Parent
- BP Construction - Point Targets8:25
In this video we'll create Children and Sibling Blueprints that derive from our Parent Target Blueprint. Our Point Target Blueprints will come in different sizes and award differing amounts of points when shot.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create a Child Blueprint
How to Create Sibling Blueprints
How to Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Target_100
Blueprint: BP_Target_500
Blueprint: BP_Target_1000
- BP Construction - Special Targets4:29
In this video we'll create some Sibling Blueprints that, when hit, result in special bonuses (either more time or a temporary speed boost).
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create Sibling Blueprints
How to Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Target_+Speed
Blueprint: BP_Target_+Time
- BP Construction - Target Spawner7:48
In this video we'll create a special type of Blueprint capable of spawning X number fof targets for X amount of seconds when a player overlaps a Trigger Volume.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create Sibling Blueprints
How to Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_Target_SetSpawner
- BP Construction - Level Complete4:21
In this video we'll create a Blueprint used to detect when a player has reached the end of a level.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
How to Create Sibling Blueprints
How to Edit Blueprint Components
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Blueprint: BP_LevelComplete
- Scripting Overview8:00
In this video we'll talk about what Blueprint Scripting is and how it works.
- Events6:59
In this video we'll discuss what Events are and how they're using in scripting.
- Functions10:42
In this video we'll discuss what Functions are, give some example uses, and even show how to create them.
- Variables - Part 111:03
In this video we'll talk about what Variables are, how they are used, and why they are important. We will be making heavy use of variables in this project! This is an important lesson to understand.
- Variables - Part 210:25
In this continuation video we'll cover many essential concepts involving Variables.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Set Variables
Categorize Variables
Organize Variables
Make a Variable Publicly Editable
Specify a Private Variable
Delete a Variable
Rename a Variable
Change a Variable Type
- Flow Control14:39
In this video we'll talk about what "Flow Control" nodes are in Blueprint Scripting and how they can be utilized in making games.
- BP Scripting - Moving Platform16:58
In this video we'll add Variables and create script needed to make a moving platform.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Variables
Create a Timeline
Write Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Vector): StartLocale
Variable (Vector): EndLocale
- BP Scripting - Door17:08
In this video we'll add Variables and create the Script needed to make an interactive Door.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Variables
Create a Timeline
Write Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Bool): CanOpenDoor?
Variable (Bool): HasDoorBeenOpened?
- BP Scripting - Character Health13:49
In this video we'll add Variables, make a Function, and create the Script needed to make a Health Pickup.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Variables
Create a Function
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): HealthMax
Variable (Float): HealthCurrent
Variable (Float): Health%
Function: UpdateHealth
- BP Scripting - Steam Jet6:56
In this video we'll add a Variable and create the Script needed to make a Steam Jet hazard.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Variable
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): PlayerHeathToSubtract
- BP Scripting - Fan8:24
In this video we'll add Variables and create the Script needed to make a spinning Fan hazard.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Variable
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): PlayerHeathToSubtract
Variable (Rotator): RotationRate
- BP Scripting - Health Pickup6:22
In this video we'll add Variables and create the Script needed to make a spinning Fan hazard.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Variable
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): PlayerHeathToSubtract
Variable (Rotator): RotationRate
- BP Scripting - Parent Target #15:47
In this video we'll add Variables and create a Script for a shootable Target. All other targets will be derived (become children of) this Blueprint.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Variables
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Integer): Points
Variable (Float): Lifetime
Variable (Bool): IsStandAloneTarget?
- BP Scripting - Parent Target #215:58
In this video we'll continue where we left off in the previous video. This one involves creating the Script for the spawning of a single target when our player overlaps a trigger volume.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Timeline
Create Blueprint Script
- BP Scripting - Parent Target #310:12
In this video we'll continue to create the Script needed for our shootable Targets. Specifically we'll create Script to spawn a target (if part of a set spawner) and also destroy the target (when shot).
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Blueprint Script
- BP Scripting - +Speed Target17:29
In this video we'll add a Variable and create the Script needed to give our First Person Character a speed boost if they shoot a "Speed Boost" Target.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Variable
Create a Custom Event
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): SpeedBoostAdditive
Custom Event: Speed Boost
- BP Scripting - Target Spawner #115:38
In this video we'll add the Variables and create the Script needed to spawn "X" number of targets when our First Person Character overlaps this Blueprint!
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create Instance Editable Variables
Create Blueprint Script
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Variable (Float): Target_01_Delay
Variable (Float): Target_02_Delay
Variable (Float): Target_03_Delay
Variable (Float): Target_04_Delay
Variable (Float): Target_05_Delay
Variable (Actor Class): Target_01
Variable (Actor Class): Target_02
Variable (Actor Class): Target_03
Variable (Actor Class): Target_04
Variable (Actor Class): Target_05
- BP Scripting - Target Spawner #25:22
This video is a continuation of part 1. In this one we'll experiment with what our Target Spawner can do and recap how it all works.
- Widget Blueprint Overview14:47
In this video we'll discuss what a Widget Blueprint is, what it's used for and give an overview of how they're constructed.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Widget Blueprint
Navigate the Widget Blueprint Interface
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_Overview
- Layout - HUD16:30
In this video we'll create a Widget Blueprint to display our in-game HUD information. It'll include score, a timer, and a health meter.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Widget Blueprint
Layout an In-Game HUD
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_HUD
- Layout - Start Menu12:32
In this video we'll create a Widget Blueprint for an interactive Start Menu. From it, we'll be able to select a level and launch the game.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Widget Blueprint
Layout an Interactive Start Menu
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_StartMenu
- Layout - Level Complete Menu16:35
In this video we'll create a Widget Blueprint for an interactive Level Complete Menu. From it, we'll be able to quit or restart the game.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Create a Widget Blueprint
Layout an Interactive Level Complete Menu
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_LevelCompleteMenu
- Layout - Game Over Menu2:15
In this video we'll create a Widget Blueprint for an interactive Game Over Menu. From it, we'll be able to quit or restart the game.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Duplicate & Edit a Widget Blueprint
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_GameOverMenu
- Layout - Pause Menu2:08
In this video we'll create a Widget Blueprint for an interactive Pause Menu. From it, we'll be able to quit, restart, or resume the game.
THIS LESSON TEACHES HOW TO...
Duplicate & Edit a Widget Blueprint
ASSETS ADDED / CREATED...
Widget Blueprint: WBP_PauseMenu
Requirements
- Basic computer knowledge
- NO programming experience needed! You'll learn Unreal's "blueprint scripting" to code functionality as we go!
- No-coding
Description
In this introductory game design course, I'll be guiding you step by step through the construction of a simple shooting gallery game using the Unreal Engine: THE premier free to download gaming engine! (AND the SAME engine used to build "Fortnite").
This course contains over 90+ fun-to-follow video lessons. Things learned in this course include:
How to setup and create a project in the Unreal Engine
How to add on (free!) content packs from the Epic Games Marketplace
How to navigate and use essential tools available in the Unreal Engine such as the Level Editor, Particle Editor, Sound Editor, etc.
How to create a basic game design document
How to create a graybox (rough draft) level
How to dress up (make pretty!) levels using static meshes, materials, particles, sounds, and lights.
How to create interactive objects using Blueprint Scripting (NO CODING KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED!) including...
How to create Variables
How to create Functions
How to use Event, Flow Control, and Timeline nodes
How to organize your blueprints and scripts
How to create interactive menus
How to create a game HUD
How to add rain to your level
How to create your own customized projectile
How to package a project
And more!
With the knowledge gained in these video lessons, you will be armed with the necessary skills to start building your OWN gaming creations (WITHOUT any programming knowledge needed!)
Who this course is for:
- Beginning game designers
- People interested in learning how to use the Unreal Engine
- Beginner Game Dev
- Indie Developer
- Game Design Student
- Level Designer
- Hobbyist
- Student