Unreal Engine 4: 7 Best Books to Learn

Contents:

• Unreal Engine 4 Game Development in 24 Hours
• Unreal Engine 4: The Ultimate Design and Visualization Tool
• Creating RPGs with Unreal Engine 4.x
• Developing VR Applications with Unreal Engine
• The Unreal Engine 4.x Scripting Cookbook in C++ - Second Edition
• A Guide to Shaders and Effects in Unreal Engine 4
• Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine: Second Edition
• Review of the relevance of literature on Unreal Engine

Despite the growing interest in video courses, printed materials continue to play a key role in teaching game engines. Books offer organized information that's always at hand and easy to search. This makes them indispensable for in-depth study of the topic and building a solid knowledge base. Printed resources facilitate a more detailed understanding of concepts and techniques, which is especially important for game developers seeking to master complex aspects of the industry.

Skillbox Media's Gamedev editorial team has presented a current selection of literature on Unreal Engine. This resource will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers, programmers, game designers, and 3D artists. The book contains materials that will help you better understand the capabilities of the Unreal Engine, master its tools, and improve your professional skills in game development.

Book: Game Development on Unreal Engine 4 in 24 Hours

Authors of the article: Aram Cookson, Ryan Dowlingsoka, Clinton Crumpler.

Russian translation is complete.

Bombora Publishing House, 2019, 528-page edition.

Unreal Engine 4: Game Development in 24 Hours, a tutorial by Sams. This resource offers readers a step-by-step guide to creating games using the Unreal Engine 4 engine. The book covers in detail the fundamental principles of game development, including level design, creating game mechanics, and working with graphics. Readers will be able to master the key tools and technologies necessary for developing high-quality games, even if they have no prior experience. The course is designed for quick assimilation of the material, allowing you to develop your own project in just 24 hours. This is the perfect guide for aspiring developers and those looking to improve their skills in Unreal Engine 4.

This book will be useful for those who want to learn how to create games with Unreal Engine but don’t know where to start. It is the perfect guide for beginners looking to dive into the world of game development.

Aram Cookson is a professor of interactive design and game development at the Savannah College of Art and Design. He has over 15 years of experience creating game development courses using the Unreal Engine platform. With his expertise, Aram helps students master the key skills needed for a successful career in the games industry. His courses cover all aspects of development, including design, programming, and graphics, allowing students to gain a deep understanding of the video game creation process.

Ryan Dowlingsoka is a lead technical artist at The Coalition. He has extensive experience working with game engines such as Unreal Engine and Unity, as well as other modern development tools. His professional skills and knowledge enable him to create high-quality visual effects and optimize graphics in games, making him a valuable specialist in the video game industry.

Clinton Crumpler is an art director at Dekogon Studios. He previously worked at renowned companies such as Bethesda and KIXEYE, where he gained invaluable experience in the gaming industry. Crumpler also developed training materials for Epic Games, highlighting his expertise in creating high-quality content. His professional career demonstrates a high level of competence and a creative approach to video game projects.

The book includes 24 lessons, each one lasting one hour. It covers key aspects of working with Unreal Engine, from familiarizing yourself with the editor interface to developing games of various genres. Each chapter concludes with answers to frequently asked questions and practical exercises to help reinforce the knowledge gained. This is the perfect resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their skills in game development using Unreal Engine. 'Unreal Engine 4 Game Development in 24 Hours' provides a comprehensive and accessible learning method covering the key aspects of creating games for PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. This course helps you master the fundamental principles of working with Unreal Engine 4, allowing you to quickly dive into the development process and create high-quality game projects. The latest edition of the book was released in 2019 and is based on Unreal Engine 4.21, which is now outdated. The current version is 4.27. This may cause difficulties for beginners, who will need to install an earlier version of Unreal Engine to better understand the interface. In addition, it should be noted that some terms in the book are translated incorrectly, which may hinder interaction with other resources and specialists in the field of game development. It is recommended to additionally refer to current sources of information and documentation for a deeper understanding of the new features and capabilities of Unreal Engine.

Unreal Engine 4: The Perfect Tool for Design and Visualization

Tom Shannon is a name synonymous with quality content and insightful analysis. His work covers a wide range of topics, including technology, business, and culture. Shannon actively explores the impact of digital technology on modern society, with a particular focus on innovation and its implications for business. His articles are highly informative and accurate, making them valuable for readers seeking to stay on top of the latest trends. He also emphasizes the importance of adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, which is key to success in any business. By reading Tom Shannon's materials, you will be able to deepen your knowledge and better understand how to use technology to achieve your goals.

Russian translation: available.

Bombora Publishing House released the book in 2021. The publication is 368 pages long. The book offers readers engaging content and relevant topics, making it an interesting choice for lovers of quality literature.

Unreal Engine 4 for Design Visualization: Create Impressive Interactive Visualizations, Animations, and Renderings.

Unreal Engine 4 is a powerful tool for design professionals, enabling the creation of high-quality visualizations, animations, and renderings. This engine provides unique opportunities for developing interactive content that can significantly improve the presentation of projects. Using Unreal Engine 4 in design visualization not only enables creative ideas to be realized but also increases audience engagement.

With Unreal Engine 4, designers can create realistic 3D models, refine details, and apply various effects, making the final product truly immersive. Interactive elements allow users to interact with the visualization, creating a unique experience and better understanding the author's intent.

Therefore, Unreal Engine 4 is an indispensable tool for those who strive to create modern and attractive visualizations in the field of design.

This book is addressed to 3D visualization professionals seeking to master the creation of interactive applications using a game engine. It is recommended that readers have a basic knowledge of 3D rendering and an understanding of key terms such as UV mapping, global illumination, and polygon modeling. The book provides useful materials and practical examples that will help deepen their knowledge and skills in the development of modern interactive 3D applications.

The book opens with a theoretical introduction to the key features of the Unreal Editor, which will be useful for beginners who want to understand the structure and capabilities of this game engine. This introduction will help readers master the basic tools and interface, which is an essential step in successfully creating games and projects on the Unreal Engine platform.

Tom Shannon is a qualified technical artist at Epic Games with over ten years of experience in the video game industry. He specializes in visualization and the creation of educational materials, which allows him to effectively combine artistic skills and technical knowledge. His portfolio includes numerous successful projects that demonstrate his abilities in the development of interactive content and improving the user experience.

"Unreal Engine 4 for Design and Visualization" is a comprehensive practical guide aimed at professionals and studios. This material contains real-world examples of workflows and practical tips to help you get the most out of Unreal Engine 4 for design and visualization. This guide will be a valuable resource for professionals looking to improve their skills and streamline their workflows using cutting-edge technology.

The book is divided into three key sections. Part One provides an overview of the engine, including its history, installation, project creation, and editor basics. It covers aspects such as content loading, working with materials, creating Blueprints, as well as rendering, lighting, and post-processing. Part Two focuses on developing a simple interactive application using Blueprints, allowing the reader to gain practical skills. The final section offers step-by-step instructions for creating an architectural visualization based on a custom-made project by the author. This book structure provides a comprehensive approach to exploring the engine and its capabilities.

After completing the book, the user will be able to independently construct a scene, set up lighting, create a cinematic using Sequencer, organize level streaming, and implement interactive elements using Blueprints and UMG. These skills will allow you to delve deeper into the development process and create unique gaming experiences.

The original edition of this book was published in 2017 and is based on Unreal Engine version 4.25. Although the book mentions educational materials provided by the author, access to these files and the artist's website is currently unavailable. This limits readers' ability to further learn and apply the knowledge they gain.

Creating Role-Playing Games Using Unreal Engine 4.x

Steve Santello and Alan R. Stagner are distinguished authors whose works cover various aspects of contemporary society and culture. Their research and publications attract readers due to their deep analysis and topical relevance. Santello and Stagner explore important social issues, offering readers new perspectives and approaches. Their joint projects contribute to the expansion of knowledge in the humanities and stimulate discussions on important topics. Reading their works is a valuable contribution to understanding the contemporary world.

Currently, there is no official translation into Russian, but unofficial versions of the translation are available online.

Packt Publishing published the book in 2016, which is 360 pages long. This publication provides valuable information and resources for readers interested in the topic covered in the book.

The book is aimed at experienced game designers with basic knowledge of the Unreal Engine editor. This resource will help deepen your understanding of the engine's tools and capabilities, and provide practical tips and techniques for creating high-quality game projects. This material will be useful for those seeking to expand their skills and apply them in practice, creating unique game mechanics and visual effects. Steve Santello is an experienced teacher and artist in 2D and 3D, actively working in the games industry since 2006. He has contributed to mobile games for Disney, including projects such as Hannah Montana In Action and Meet the Robinsons, at Babaroga. Steve has also developed educational programs for ITT Tech, Devry University, and the Illinois Institute of Art. He currently teaches game design and development courses at the College of DuPage, sharing his experience and knowledge with the next generation of game professionals. Alan R. Stagner is an independent programmer and developer, and the author of a book about creating multiplayer games with the Unity platform. His experience in game development and deep understanding of the Unity platform make him an expert in the field. Stagner's book covers key aspects of multiplayer game development, including networking, game logic, and performance optimization. Through his practical approach, the author shares useful tips and techniques to help both novice and experienced developers create engaging and functional games.

In this book, the authors analyze the role-playing game (RPG) development process in detail, starting with project preparation and selecting the necessary tools and core mechanics. The publication provides step-by-step instructions for creating key game elements. Key topics covered in the book include choosing a concept, designing game characters, creating the world and its atmosphere, developing scenarios, and developing interaction mechanics. The authors share practical tips and techniques to help developers avoid common pitfalls and create engaging gaming experiences. This book will be a useful resource for both beginners and experienced developers looking to improve their RPG creation skills.

• C++ basics;
• Creating character control code;
• Developing a pause and inventory menu;
• Tracking player stats through menus;
• Creating a dialogue system and interacting with NPCs;
• Implementing item usage;
• Developing an equipment system;
• Leveling up a character;
• Customizing abilities, XP, and saving progress.

While this book provides valuable information, some readers encounter issues with the C++ code. This may be due to outdated information in the manual, forcing users to find solutions to certain problems on their own. However, this book will be useful for those looking to get into RPG development, as it covers in detail the process of setting up key RPG elements. Readers will have the opportunity to delve into aspects of programming and design, which will help them create their own unique game worlds.

Developing VR Applications with Unreal Engine

Mitch McCaffrey is an author known for his unique approaches and deep knowledge of his field. His works are characterized by meticulous analysis and research of relevant topics, making them a valuable resource for readers. McCaffrey actively shares his views, enriching discussions and offering new perspectives. In his texts, you will find not only professional commentary but also practical recommendations that will help you better understand the issues under consideration. The research and ideas presented by McCaffrey encourage the development of critical thinking and the formation of an informed approach to the topics under study. Read Mitch McCaffrey's work to stay current with current trends and deepen your knowledge.

Russian translation: available.

Bombora Publishing House, 2019, 256 pages.

Unreal Engine VR Cookbook: Developing Virtual Reality with UE4

The Unreal Engine VR Cookbook is a practical guide to creating virtual reality projects using Unreal Engine 4. This book covers key aspects of VR application development, including design, programming, and content optimization for VR devices. Readers will learn the basics of working with the engine, master the creation of interactive 3D worlds, and receive useful tips for improving the user experience in virtual reality. This book is ideal for both beginners and experienced developers looking to deepen their knowledge of VR.

This book is intended for users with basic navigation and blueprint skills in Unreal Engine 4. It covers key aspects of visual programming, but readers are not required to be experts in this field. This book will help improve your understanding of Unreal Engine 4 and provide an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of navigation and blueprints, which will be useful for both beginners and experienced developers.

Mitch McCaffrey is an indie developer who has created numerous resources for virtual reality professionals on the Unreal Engine platform. He also runs a popular YouTube channel dedicated to VR. On his channel, he shares his experience and knowledge, helping developers create high-quality virtual reality projects.

This book is a detailed guide to developing VR applications with basic features, including level navigation and object interaction. The reader won't become an expert after completing it, but the knowledge gained will provide a confident start in creating small indie projects. This material will be useful for anyone interested in virtual reality and looking to master basic development skills.

The publication consists of three key sections dedicated to developing projects for VR headsets. The first section focuses on creating VR projects and explaining basic virtual reality terminology. The second section presents the theoretical foundation, structured into modules, covering controller manipulation, various movement methods, inverse kinematics, and user menu optimization and development. The third section includes supporting materials, such as instructions for using the VR editor, links to communities and educational resources from leading companies like Epic Games, Oculus, Valve, and Google, and a glossary of terms, making it useful for developers of all levels.

The original book was published in 2017 and is based on Unreal Engine 4.1x versions. Despite this, many of the development principles remain relevant for modern projects. It is recommended to keep up with the latest Unreal Engine updates to stay informed about new features and improvements. This will help you effectively apply current techniques and approaches to developing games and applications on this platform.

The Unreal Engine 4.x Scripting Cookbook in C++ - Second Edition

Authors: William Sheriff, Stephen Whittle, John Doran

These specialists are recognized experts in their fields. Their work covers a wide range of topics, including technology, science, and art. William Sheriff is known for his research on innovation and its impact on society. Stephen Whittle focuses on social change and cultural transformation, while John Doran explores the intersection of science and art. Their combined efforts contribute to a deeper understanding of the contemporary challenges and opportunities facing our society. The importance of their contribution cannot be overstated, as their research helps shape the future and influence the development of various industries.

No Russian translation is available.

Packt Publishing published the book in 2019. The publication is 708 pages long.

The target audience for this book includes game developers with a basic knowledge of game design and a working knowledge of the C++ programming language. This resource will be especially useful for programmers who want to create plugins for the Unreal Engine or optimize their projects' code to more effectively integrate various game elements. The book offers a deep dive into the technologies and tools necessary for successful game development and will help readers expand their skills and improve the quality of their game products.

William Sheriff is a highly skilled C++ programmer with over 10 years of experience in game development and web technologies. He has also developed several iOS applications and has 7 years of programming teaching experience. William actively shares his knowledge and experience, which makes him a valuable specialist in the industry.

Stephen Whittle is an experienced developer and lecturer specializing in UDK, Unreal Engine 4, and Unity. He teaches courses at the SAE Institute in Sydney, where he shares his knowledge with aspiring game developers. As an active member of the Unreal Engine community, Stephen regularly tests new versions of the engine, allowing him to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. His experience working at major game studios such as Heart Shaped Games and Wargaming Sydney confirms his professionalism and deep understanding of the industry.

John Doran is a technical game designer and software engineer who teaches at George Mason University in South Korea. With extensive experience in the games industry, he has held various positions, including level designer and lead programmer. John is also the author of over 10 books on game development, highlighting his deep knowledge and expertise in this field. His work at the intersection of technology and creativity makes a significant contribution to the formation of future game development professionals.

This cookbook is designed for users of C++ in Unreal Engine 4 and provides practical solutions for a variety of problems. Each chapter begins with a clearly defined problem and a list of necessary actions. Next, a step-by-step guide or "recipe" is presented to help you effectively solve these tasks. Some sections include code snippets, allowing the authors to clearly illustrate the features of functions and methods. This book will be a useful tool for developers looking to improve their programming skills in Unreal Engine 4 using C++.

The book covers the most important aspects of C++ development, including initial project setup, creating classes, actors, and components. It also covers the specifics of working with game engine modules, setting up multiplayer, and implementing artificial intelligence. Readers will gain valuable knowledge on how to effectively organize the development process, optimize resource management, and integrate multiplayer into their projects.

The second edition of the book, released in 2019, remains relevant for users today. Although some functions are deprecated, their updated versions are available in the engine itself. To find them, simply use the appropriate keywords in the search bar. This way, readers can easily find the information they need and stay up-to-date with the latest updates.

Unreal Engine 4 Shaders and Effects Guide

Authors: Brace Brenlla Ramos, John Doran

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Currently, there is no Russian translation available.

Packt Publishing released the book in 2019, which contains 524 pages of useful information. This publication is a valuable resource for professionals interested in the topic covered in the book. The content is relevant and can be useful for both beginners and seasoned professionals in the field.

This book is aimed at a wide target audience, including beginners looking to master visualization creation in Unreal Engine 4, as well as experienced developers who are just starting to work with this game engine and are looking to improve the quality of their shaders. This resource will help users of all levels improve their skills and deepen their understanding of the capabilities of Unreal Engine 4, which will ultimately lead to the creation of higher-quality and more effective visualizations.

Brace Brenlla Ramos is an experienced 3D artist and architect with extensive knowledge of Unreal Engine 4 development. He specializes in creating highly realistic environments for architectural visualizations and video games, including virtual reality projects. Brace currently works at AccuCities, where he applies his skills to bringing innovative ideas to life in the digital space.

John Doran is a prominent figure, about whom a short biography has previously been presented. His life and achievements are of interest to many, and it is worth exploring the key points of his biography in more detail. John Doran has become known for his significant contributions to his field, and his achievements continue to inspire new generations.

The book contains several modules dedicated to the creation and optimization of content in the engine. It covers key aspects such as best practices for developing materials, methods for increasing their visibility in search engines, and strategies for effectively engaging with the audience. Readers will be able to learn about modern tools and approaches that will help improve the quality of content and its user experience.

• Physically Based Rendering (PBR) principles;
• Post-processing effects;
• Working with opaque materials and texture mapping;
• Creating transparent materials;
• Using materials for lighting and user interface;
• Various material creation techniques, such as Parallax Occlusion Mapping, Vertex Painting, Decals, and Mesh Distance Fields;
• Using Material Instance;
• Working with materials in mobile projects.

The authors have developed a guide based on version 4.20.3. The book includes an archive with HDRI textures, available via a link in the text. Users recommend using these textures to achieve optimal results during the learning process. Using HDRI textures significantly improves visualization and helps to better understand the features of working with materials and lighting.

Additional materials:

Unreal Engine 5 Tutorials: Creating and Optimizing Materials

Learning Unreal Engine 5 provides the ability to create unique materials for games and visualizations. In this course, we'll cover the basic steps of material creation, including selecting textures, adjusting parameters, and applying various effects. Optimizing materials is also crucial for achieving high performance and graphics quality. You'll learn how to properly configure materials to minimize system load using techniques such as LOD creation, masking, and texture optimization. Understanding these principles will help you create not only beautiful but also effective materials for your projects in Unreal Engine 5.

Blueprints Visual Scripting for Unreal Engine: Second Edition

Authors: Marcus Romeru and Brenden Sewell

Marcus Romeru and Brenden Sewell are renowned experts in their field, whose work has made significant contributions to the development of modern approaches to research and analysis. Their joint projects are distinguished by high quality and deep understanding of the subject, making them authors worth paying attention to. In their publications, they examine current topics, bringing fresh ideas and approaches, allowing readers to expand their knowledge and gain new insights. Key aspects of their work are rigorous data analysis and the use of innovative methods, which contributes to the creation of valuable materials for professionals and researchers.

Russian translation is currently unavailable.

Packt Publishing published the book in 2019, the volume of which is 380 pages. This book offers a deep dive into current topics and practical aspects, making it a valuable resource for readers. It covers key concepts and provides readers with useful tools for mastering the material, contributing to their professional development and skill advancement.

This book will be useful for game and application developers who already have experience working with the Unreal Engine 4 editor and are looking to expand their knowledge. Importantly, no programming knowledge is required to master the material.

Marcus Romero is an expert in game development, the author of the official guide to blueprints in Unreal Engine 4, and the founder of the popular Romero Blueprints blog. This has become one of the most sought-after resources for learning blueprints and developing in UE4. Markus collaborated with Epic Games during the closed beta of Unreal Engine 4 and has been recognized with awards such as the Unreal Dev Grant and Epic MegaGrant. His experience and knowledge make him a key figure in the game development community.

Brenden Sewell is an experienced game designer and creative director with over a decade of experience in the video game industry. He specializes in the development and implementation of educational games in school curricula, which highlights his passion for creating innovative content. Brenden currently leads the creative team at Blizzard Entertainment, where his primary focus is on the development and improvement of the popular card game Hearthstone. His experience and professional achievements make him a key figure in the world of game design.

This book provides readers with effective solutions for developing games and applications without the need for C++ programming. It provides an in-depth look at the Blueprint Editor, which allows the use of variables, macros, and functions. The book also covers the basic principles of object-oriented programming and the Gameplay Framework, which will help developers create interactive and dynamic projects. Readers will be able to master important aspects of game development and apply their acquired knowledge in practice.

This section, dedicated to prototyping, will step you through the process of developing FPS games. We'll start with basic shooting mechanics and move on to more complex aspects, such as enemy AI and interface elements. The book also provides detailed instructions for developing simple VR games using the Blueprint system. These materials will help you understand the key concepts and techniques necessary for successful game creation, and will also speed up the development process and improve your game design skills.

The third edition of the book on working with Blueprints in Unreal Engine 5 was published in May 2022. This edition is an up-to-date resource that covers new topics, including procedural content generation and animation implemented using Blueprints. This book will be an essential tool for developers looking to master the latest features of Unreal Engine 5 and improve their skills in creating games and interactive content.

An Overview of the Relevance of Unreal Engine Literature

In today's technological world, especially in rapidly evolving fields like Unreal Engine, books often become outdated due to rapid progress. However, even outdated publications can be useful for mastering the basics. If you encounter questions that are not answered in textbooks, we recommend consulting the official documentation or developer forums. These resources offer up-to-date solutions and tips that will help you effectively resolve issues and deepen your knowledge of Unreal Engine.

Expert Viktor Kupchenko, an Unreal Engine teacher at the HSE School of Design, emphasizes the importance of the official documentation as a primary source of information. It provides complete and up-to-date information on the capabilities of Unreal Engine, making it an indispensable resource for developers. For beginners, Kupchenko recommends the book "Unreal Engine 4 Game Development in 24 Hours," which concisely presents key concepts and important aspects covered in the documentation. This book is an excellent start for those looking to quickly master the basics of game development on the Unreal Engine platform. Unreal Engine 4.x Scripting with C++ Cookbook is an excellent choice for experienced users and programmers familiar with C++. This book covers Unreal Engine programming in detail and offers numerous practical examples to help deepen your understanding of the engine. You will learn advanced techniques and code optimization, which will significantly improve your C++ game development skills. Text-based guides have a significant advantage: they provide structured access to answers to important questions. Users can quickly skim the table of contents to find specific lines of code or node diagrams. Unlike video courses, where searching for the necessary information can take a long time, text materials are always accessible and significantly simplify the learning process. Thanks to their compactness and convenience, text guides are becoming an indispensable tool for developers and students striving to effectively master new skills.