You will need a good computer that can run a PCG framework plugin and to install the following hardware and software to complete this chapter:

• Use the latest operating system, either Windows 10 or Windows 11

  Please note that this book is intended exclusively for Windows users and does not offer support for macOS.

• A GPU (an NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon RX with 8+ GB VRAM) and at least 16 GB RAM. For more information, visit the official Epic Games website: https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/hardware-and-software-specifications-for-unreal-engine?application_version=5.4.
• You will need to install the latest version of Unreal Engine 5.4 because this book is based on that version. For detailed instructions on how to install Unreal Engine 5.4, please visit https://dev.epicgames.com/documentation/en-us/unreal-engine/installing-unreal-engine. The reason for this requirement is that the latest PCG framework includes new nodes, and some...

In computing, procedural generation is a technique where data is automatically generated through the application of an algorithm as opposed to being manually crafted. This method typically involves a combination of human-designed assets and algorithms that use computer-generated random numbers and computational capabilities.

Over the past two decades, game content, encompassing terrain, characters, items, and every element in game production, has typically been crafted using two primary approaches.

The first involves manual content creation, where artists produce 3D assets and strategically place them within the game environment. Here is an example of some trees created using the standard foliage tool in Unreal Engine:

Figure 1.1 – Unreal foliage tool example

The following image is an example of PCG enabling the creation of environments within the level:

Figure 1.2 – An example of an Unreal environment...

The game industry provides a distinct environment for developers and artists to innovate, especially in art and commercials. In this space, they can navigate the complex challenges of creating and managing a vast array of technically and creatively demanding 3D assets scattered throughout a level.

However, this method has evolved in recent years, particularly within the domain of real-time game engines, where capabilities have experienced exponential growth.

It’s worth noting that, depending on the specific focus area, the use of PCG tools is not limited to game development alone. In the movie industry, in visual effects (VFX), for instance, PCG tools find valuable applications. The film industry, which has been accustomed to PCG for an extended period, has used software such as Houdini, which has been prevalent in this field for many years. Houdini is renowned for its procedural generation capabilities, enabling artists to create complex...

For a more effective comparison between ISM and HISM, let’s execute the same example using the PCG tool. As you can see, the rock formation is significantly larger, generating approximately 250,000 rocks. However, the underlying code is notably simpler and highly optimized.

Figure 1.10 – A great example of the power of PCG, which generates 10 times more rocks without a heavy performance load

The following graph is all that’s needed to produce the preceding result:

Figure 1.11 – PCG requires few nodes to produce simple results

Clear and straightforward blueprint code has been incorporated into the PCG graph. This pinpoints the nodes that produce the desired results. Remember that PCG is still relying on using HISM or ISM components, but it breaks it down in a more organized and optimized manner.

Here is the performance status for our rock formation, which was running only on PCG Volume...

This book introduces the first steps of creating a PCG graph using a PCG framework. Within this section, I will provide a fundamental explanation of PCG nodes and the overarching structure of PCG graph. I will explain how to recognize the primary components that are essential for constructing the tool.

PCG user interface

To start our journey of setting up the PCG framework, we first need to enable the plugin within the project. I will guide you through the setup process:

1. In the top left corner of your viewport, go to Edit | Plugins. In the plugins menu, search for PCG Content Generation Framework (PCG). Check the box to enable the plugin, then restart your project.

Figure 1.13 – Enabling the PCG Framework plugin

2. For this exercise, we will use models from the plugin’s Content folder, which is located inside the hidden folder of Unreal Engine’s project. To access it, we need to access...

In the previous sections, we delved into the distinctions between a conventional procedural generation technique employing HISM/ISM and the innovative tool known as PCG. We also explained the fundamental definitions of nodes and their respective functionalities. Now, let’s progress further by initiating the construction of our inaugural PCG graph.

Creating a PCG Graph

This time, you will get a chance to construct your own basic PCG graph. Let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with the PCG workflow:

1. Inside your Content Browser, create a new folder and name it PCG.

Figure 1.18 – Creating a PCG folder inside the Content Browser

2. Inside the PCG folder, right-click and look for PCG >PCG Graph. Let’s rename it PCG_Trees.

Figure 1.19 – Create a PCG Graph inside the PCG folder and rename it PCG_Trees

3. The next step is to open the PCG...

In this chapter, you learned the value of using the PCG tool and the difference between the existing techniques (that is, HISM/ISM) and the new PCG tool that came with Unreal Engine 5.2.

You’ve also gained insights into how the performance differs from the existing procedural generation methods and how the new tool can help to process a huge quantity of data and stabilize the overall performance of your levels.

Most importantly, you have learned how to create your first PCG graph by going through the step-by-step methodology of creating a PCG Graph with simple and powerful nodes.

In Chapter 2, we will cover more advanced topics. I’ll show you how to create a complex PCG graph that will generate a more diverse forest and how it can benefit your workflows.