Posted February 02, 2024 by Dukiie
PROBLEM:
I worked on the character progression system this week which is in charge of saving different levels for each playable character in the game. Was quickly able to create a CharacterRoster component that held the values I needed in an array for each character. This data would need to be visible across multiple levels and menus. This was the problem I ran into since I had no experience in saving and loading with Unreal Engine. How to take that component and use it in a way that is dynamic and persistent across all aspects of the game.
SOLUTION:
The first step in my solution was to use the GameInstance Class. This gave me access to the data when switching levels. Took sometime to research and learn the system it was just a matter of finding the right spot to implement it. Due to deadlines I put it where I set my character details in a widget blueprint. Not ideal but it worked until I can refactor some things this week. Next was solving the issue of getting a save system implemented to hold the character levels and experience gained. I quickly took a look at the internet to learn the basics and had it saving on the level complete screen and loading on the level begin play. It worked perfectly and I submitted my system as done. It was not till I packaged and installed to my phone that I realized I missed the most important part to the system. Make sure to check for a save file on the first play of the game. I loaded the app and all my character stats were empty, the UI did not show the characters at all in menus. Without this data you could not select a character and actually play the game, it was a UI showcase, and not a good one. After some time searching in the wrong places for the problem I realized I needed to create a new save with default values at the start of the game if there was no save, and also load a save if it did exist. Problem solved and a lot was learned going through this process.