Latest version (09.01.2025):
(For Windows)
1. Download this zip file and extract it.
2. In the extracted folder go to \Windows and double click the "fake_trail_camera.exe" file.
3. The game should now open.
Description
This project simulates a nature scene inspired by real trail cameras used to observe wildlife. The simulation features a forest environment with three fixed camera perspectives that users can switch between. As time progresses, various animals appear, exploring the scene and interacting with each other. Some animal activity is immediately noticeable, while other moments require careful observation and switching between cameras.
In this project Blender was used for modelling, rigging and animations + Unreal Engine for creating the environment and the final composition with the animals. All foliage is created with packs made by user Project Nature from the Fab library.
Initial Progress
Animal models
At this step we created three animal models with armatures and a basic environment made with assets from the Fab library. The animals don't have any animations yet but they are moving around in the environment. There is also a camera with a night vision effect that is pointed at the animals.
Animals in UE with AI logic
Final Progress
Sequences
There are three main animals that each of us worked on: a wolf, badger and deer. We created the necessary animations (walk, run, idle, etc), that we thought were later needed in the events.
One of the wolf animations
After polishing the animations we removed the current AI logic (animals moving around randomly) and replaced it with sequence logic. The Unreal Engine sequencer was used for creating specific events with the animals and overall 7 sequences were created.
One of the sequences in the Sequence editor
The logic for choosing a random sequence was done in the level blueprint. When the simulation starts, it chooses a random sequence from the sequence array and plays it. After the event reaches the end there's a small delay before the next event will play. This logic loops infinitely.
Logic for playing sequences randomly
Cameras
We added 2 more cameras, that showed the same area from different angles. Then we added an overlay, that showed which camera was chosen and a small guide on how to "play" the game on the bottom right of the screen. We also added rain dripping effect on the lens, to make the camera look more realistic and blend in with the environment.
Final camera overlay
Foliage
After this we noticed that the scene looked a bit bland with only trees, so we added some flower foliage aswell. This made the environment look more natural and pretty in general. Because the camera had rain drops on the lens, using the Niagara System rain was also added to create a more realistic feel.
Unlit view of foliage
Demo Video