Ask Epic: Village and Camera Control | December 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM EDT

Yes! It feels good to be able to answer this question. The properties on the Third Person control device are a large part of the core system, which got us to *Early Access before the holidays. We’re continuing to invest in the device, focusing on both usability and functionality and will be following up with updates in the new year.

We’re actively exploring these types of options, with genre diversification being a primary goal. The specifics are still up in the air, as we continue to refine the existing devices and look to release more in the new year.

We’re exploring ways to change the focus target on the new gameplay cameras. There are a few edge cases to consider, to make sure that we’re not boxing ourselves in technically or with upcoming properties and devices. It’s fun to think about all the cool things that could be done with this functionality though, and something we talk about internally on a regular basis.

Like sliding, we recognize that there are lot of post process effects tied to the camera that translate well to experiences built around a different perspective. We’re investigating improvements, which will most likely be rolled out over time.

There are a couple less-than-ideal ways of achieving that now, including boxing the player into a confined space using invisible volumes. I recognize that there’s a lot more that goes into making a side scroller feel good though, and it’s a genre that we’re eager to see more of. Unfortunately, there’s also a lot of edge casing needed to do this right. While I can’t give you a firm answer on when or what this would look like, it’s definitely something we’re interested in and talk about regularly.

Hi again! As of right now, the cameras automatically readjust themselves if you try to roll them, which is great if you’re angling them in Creative instead of UEFN, but the roll can be useful sometimes, like creating a camera with a Dutch angle. Will this be possible in the near future?

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We had to remove camera roll from the initial release, as it had unwanted side effects. We definitely plan to support roll in the new year, it’s just a matter of working through a few technical issues.

That’s all for today, folks!

Thanks to everyone for posting your excellent questions and to our Epic Experts for their responses!

Since these devices are Early Access, we hope you will continue to try them out and give us feedback in THIS thread.

Also, be sure to check the Village developer blog to learn how Village was built and explore the camera controls.

See you next month!

Hey All,

Thanks for the great questions. I am already blown away but what has been created in the short time since the Camera & Controls devices were released. It’s truly exciting to see and work with such a passionate and talented community!

Andrew

Thanks for all the great questions today. I love seeing all the cool games everyone is making with these new devices. Being early access, we’re going to be working hard to improve them, refining the properties and adding functionality. Please keep involved in the forums, posting your questions and feedback! :slight_smile:

Matt

In 28.00, The Fixed Angle Camera, Fixed Point Camera, and Third Person Control devices were released to creators in Early Access.

You can find out more information about these devices here

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