UE 5.8.3 - Auto Play, looping (indefinite) sequences causing editor, PIE and standalone sessions to briefly freeze entire game at regular intervals

Summary

I have several sequences of background NPCs and their animations with the ‘Auto Play’ and Loop (indefinite) options enabled in 5.8.3.

While using the play mode either in the selected viewport, PIE window, and standalone game, all briefly froze at each sequence loop.

To verify, I disabled the ‘Auto Play’ option for all sequences and the issue no longer persisted.

What Type of Bug are you experiencing?

Gameplay

Steps to Reproduce

Within a given level in 5.8.3, place multiple sequences containing spawned SKM actors and their animation (no audio). For each,

  1. Enable the ‘Auto Play’ and Loop (loop indefinite) options in the Details panel.
  2. Play the level long enough for the sequences to complete and loop

You’ll notice all user input, animations, etc. will briefly ‘freeze’ at each loop of the sequence(s).

Expected Result

The user will experience a brief freezing/locking of all user input/animations at regular intervals

Observed Result

With ‘Auto Play’ and indefinite loop enabled for each of the sequences placed in the level, the freezing will be observed at each loop interval. Disabling this option will end the freezing.

Affects Versions

5.8

Platform(s)

Windows