public/subjects/gaming/firing-range/README.md

Firing-range

Overview

This project involves creating a fully functional firing range in Unreal Engine 5 (UE5). You will focus on implementing shooting mechanics, a weapon system, player input handling, physics for projectiles, and basic AI to control moving targets. Your task is to build a simple environment where the player can shoot targets, and all systems should work seamlessly together.

Role Play

You are developing a firing range training level for a first-person shooter game. You are required to set up a working shooting system, integrate a functional weapon with reload mechanics, implement a physics system for projectiles, and design basic AI for moving targets. Additionally, you will create a player HUD that tracks their score, accuracy, and remaining ammunition.

Learning Objective

By the end of this project, you will have implemented:

• A complete shooting mechanic (with accurate aiming, projectiles, and hit detection).
• A weapon system with at least one firearm, including shooting and reload mechanics.
• Basic AI to control target movement.
• Physics-based projectiles that interact with the environment.
• A simple UI displaying relevant gameplay information (accuracy, ammo count, etc.).
• A simple firing range level design that incorporates moving and stationary targets.

Instructions

General Requirements

• Use Blueprints or C++ to implement the game mechanics.
• Implement a firing system where the player can aim downsights and shoot.
• Implement a weapon system that supports shooting, reloading, and proper hit detection.
• Create a firing range level that includes both stationary and moving targets.
• Implement a physics system that governs projectile behavior (trajectory and collisions).
• Implement a HUD that shows the player's score, accuracy, and remaining ammunition.

Main Menu

The game's main menu must:

• Be a separate level/map.
• Include the following options:
  • Start Game: Transitions to the firing range gameplay.
  • Settings: Allows the player to adjust mouse sensitivity.
  • Quit: Closes the game.

Game Screen (HUD)

The game screen must include a HUD that displays:

• A precise crosshair that accurately indicates the bullet's point of impact.
• The player's current accuracy (hits devided by total shots fired).
• Remaining ammunition and reload status for the current weapon.

Player Character

The player character must have the following functionalities:

• Basic movement around the firing range.
• Proper input handling for aiming, shooting, and reloading.
• Interact with ammo pickups to replenish ammo.

Weapons

You must create at least one firearm (e.g., a pistol) that includes:

• Recoil mechanics.
• Reloading the weapon with an appropriate animation.
• Projectile physics that simulate bullet trajectories.
• Bullet hit detection (with an effect on impact, e.g., sound and visual feedback).

Targets and AI

You must implement the following for the targets:

• Create a stationary target.
• Create a moving target with basic AI that follows a predefined path or pattern.
• Implement hit detection for the targets.
• Ensure the targets respawn after a set interval once they are hit.

Game Loop Logic

The game loop must be continuous and consist of:

• The player starts with a loaded weapon and can shoot at targets.
• The player can open a pause menu at any time, with options to:
  • Restart the game (reset score, targets, and ammo).
  • Return to the main menu.

Level Design

You must design a firing range that includes:

• A coherent theme to ensure a consistent and immersive experience.
• Proper lighting and environment setup to ensure the range is clear and visually appealing.
• A section with stationary targets.
• A section with moving targets.
• Ammo pickups where the player can restock.

Bonus

• Add multiple weapons (e.g., a shotgun, sniper rifle) with unique shooting and reload mechanics.
• Implement more advanced target AI, such as random movement patterns or different difficulty levels.
• Add different hit zones for targets, with headshots awarding more accuracy points.
• Design a timed challenge mode where the player must hit all targets within a set time frame.

Submission

• You must upload a zip file of your game build in your repository.
  • Ensure that the build works on your platform.
  • If file size is an issue, use GitHub with Git LFS.

Resources

• Unreal Engine's AI Documentation
• Projectile Movement Component
• Mixamo for character animations and models
• SketchFab for 3D models
• itch.io for additional assets