Navigating the Game Map: A Minimap Odyssey

Author: Daniel Ben Zvi

Date: 11/10/2023 EST

Part 1: The Challenge

This week, my focus shifted to one of the critical elements in our game - the minimap. While the process seemed straightforward, ensuring its seamless integration and functionality posed its own set of challenges. I delved into various tutorials and references to grasp the intricacies of minimap implementation in Unreal Engine.

Part 2: Overcoming Hurdles

Despite not encountering major issues, achieving the desired results required meticulous attention to detail. Calculating distance ratios, implementing clamping, and managing rotations were key aspects that demanded precision. Additionally, integrating scene components instead of actor components played a pivotal role. This decision allowed for automatic relative location calculations and enhanced the overall efficiency of the minimap. (additional images can be found above)

Part 3: Work in Progress

As of now, the minimap is still in progress. Entities within the game must integrate the new component for optimal performance. However, I'm contemplating a potential shift from a partial round minimap to a complete square design. This adjustment aims to enhance the player's experience and provide a clearer representation of the game environment on the minimap.

Part 4: Exploring Possibilities

Looking ahead, there are several avenues to explore in expanding the minimap's functionality. Incorporating features like enemy facing direction indicators, distance indicators, zoom capabilities, and more are on the horizon. Each of these enhancements demands thorough research and implementation, ensuring a comprehensive and player-friendly minimap system.

Conclusion:

The journey into minimap implementation has been both enlightening and challenging. As we strive for a seamless player experience, every detail matters. The ongoing work and future possibilities for the minimap underscore the iterative nature of game development, where continuous improvement is key.