Game feature plugins with data layers for worldpartition maps

Development Programming & Scripting
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Hi,

We’re considering using game feature plugins to isolate various data layers - relatively typical use, say seasonal decoration content - out of a common base map. So base map in the game project, data layer A in game feature A, data layer B in game feature B, and at runtime activating/deactivating a gamefeature would activate/deactivate the associated data layer. This sounds like something that should be supported in 5.6 according to the game features doc, but it’s surprisingly obscure:

  • the built-in game feature actions provide a “add world partition content” option which takes a “content bundle descriptor” which doesn’t seem to provide any useful option or do anything
  • this post by Vincent Beauchemin hints at an “external data layers” system that does exactly what I’m trying to do, but though it exist in code I could not find any doc for it nor any way to set it up in the data layers ouliner.

So I guess the question is what’s the status and timeline on data layers provided by a game feature plugin?

Thanks,

Ben

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Ah I just discovered the editor preference option to activate the external data layer. Trying it out now.

The status and roadmap question is still of interest to me though!

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Salut Benjamin!

External Data Layers are indeed what you are looking for. There isn’t much doc on it since it’s fairly simple. https://dev.epicgames.com/community/learning/knowledge\-base/r6wl/unreal\-engine\-world\-building\-guide\#datalayers\-importantchangesin55

The feature is being used in Fortnite for time limited and seasonal content so it should work for your title as well. Feel free to come back with questions and comments if the WB guide is not clear enough.

Martin

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Merci Martin!