Right now, UEFN creators are extremely limited when it comes to player input. Beyond the analog input trigger device, there’s no direct way to access stick values or build on Unreal’s existing input mapping system. This makes it difficult to create anything beyond very basic control schemes, and it holds back the potential of the platform.
Why this matters:
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Unlocks Creative Possibilities – Direct access to stick values and input mapping would enable a wide range of new gameplay types: flight simulators, precision driving, advanced camera systems, FPV drones, sports games, and more. These genres rely on nuanced input control that simply isn’t possible in UEFN today.
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Parity with Unreal Engine – Unreal Engine already supports robust input mapping, so the functionality exists. Extending that to UEFN would align the creative toolset more closely with the full engine, making UEFN a more natural stepping stone for creators who want to scale their projects.
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Accessibility & Customization – Input mapping is also a major accessibility feature. Players expect to be able to customize controls, and without it, many experiences are less inclusive or even unplayable for certain audiences.
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Creator Efficiency – Having a unified, engine-level system for input mapping avoids the need for complicated workarounds or one-off devices, streamlining development and lowering the barrier to entry for new creators.
I understand there may be technical or platform-specific obstacles to bringing this functionality into UEFN, but from a creator’s perspective, this is one of the most impactful updates Epic could prioritize. Input mapping is fundamental to gameplay design and expanding it would empower creators to build more innovative, accessible, and polished projects across all genres.