Game Dev Digest — Issue #57 - Cutscenes, Grids, VFX and more
Tags: gamedev, unity3d, csharp, news
Published: 2020-08-14 10:18:27

---
title:  Game Dev Digest — Issue #57 - Cutscenes, Grids, VFX and more
published: true
date: 2020-08-14 10:18:27 UTC
tags: gamedev,unity,csharp,news
canonical_url: https://gamedevdigest.com/digests/issue-57-cutscenes-grids-vfx-and-more.html
series: Game Dev Digest - The Newsletter About Unity Game Dev
---

###Issue #57 - Cutscenes, Grids, VFX and more

![Issue #57 - Cutscenes, Grids, VFX and more](https://gamedevdigest.com/assets/social-posts/issue-57.png)

Unity has released their 2021 roadmap, and it is good news. Focusing on stability and interoperability of systems should mean less pain points for developers in the future as Unity continues to rapidly expand features. As a bonus, Dark Theme is now free to everyone in the latest releases.

In the here and now though, you can enjoy great posts on VFX, Cutscene authoring, grid based games, and tons more.

Enjoy!

---

[**Procedural Paintings with Genetic Evolution Algorithm**](https://medium.com/@shahriyarshahrabi/procedural-paintings-with-genetic-evolution-algorithm-6838a6e64703)  - Procedural paintings based on genetic algorithm made in Unity 3D using only Compute Shaders. Depending on who you ask, I guess you can also call this AI paintings. You can find the [source code](https://github.com/IRCSS/Procedural-painting) as usual on my Github.
[_Shahriar Shahrabi_](https://medium.com/@shahriyarshahrabi/procedural-paintings-with-genetic-evolution-algorithm-6838a6e64703)

[**Full Screen Shaders in HDRP, URP, and Built In Renderer**](https://gamedevbill.com/full-screen-shaders-in-unity/)  - Full screen shaders, also referred to as custom post processing effects, are a critical tool in the arsenal of most game makers. In Unity, utilizing full screen shaders is dependent on which of the three rendering setups you are using. All three techniques are covered relatively well across the internet, just not all in one place. So I decided to bring it all together here, and only have one place I needed to reference.
[_Game Dev Bill_](https://gamedevbill.com/full-screen-shaders-in-unity/)

[**Feature highlight: Improved workflows for editing Prefabs in Unity 2020.1**](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/11/feature-highlight-improved-workflows-for-editing-prefabs-in-unity-2020-1/)  - In Unity 2020.1, you can enter Prefab Mode without leaving the context of your scene. The new default means that when you open a Prefab Asset via an instance in the scene, you’ll be able to edit it with the background grayed out.
[_Unity_](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/11/feature-highlight-improved-workflows-for-editing-prefabs-in-unity-2020-1/)

[**Realizing rapid conceptual design with kitbashing**](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/11/realizing-rapid-conceptual-design-with-kitbashing/)  - Our small team quickly mashed up Snaps, KitBash3D, and other Asset Store packages to demonstrate what can be achieved with a little work and a whole lot of prefabs.
[_Unity_](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/11/realizing-rapid-conceptual-design-with-kitbashing/)

[**Cutscenes in a grid-based Unity games**](https://pavcreations.com/cutscenes-in-a-grid-based-unity-games/)  - In this tutorial, I will develop a cutscene manager system. I’m going to build this system on a basis of my previous tutorials on [grid-based movement](https://pavcreations.com/grid-based-movement-in-unity-game-deployed-on-iphone/) and [interactions system](https://pavcreations.com/interactions-system-in-a-grid-based-game-world-in-unity/) so I recommend reading them beforehand.
[_pavcreations.com_](https://pavcreations.com/cutscenes-in-a-grid-based-unity-games/)

[**Unity Sprites: Full-Rect or Tight?**](https://thegamedev.guru/unity-gpu-performance/unity-sprites-full-rect-or-tight/)  - Should you choose tight-fit or full-rect for your sprites in Unity? You know, these graphical elements you use in ALL your games... After all, you most likely use sprite renderers. Or at least, UI Images. In this post, you will learn the difference between these two mesh types. And when to use each. No more guesstimates. Know exactly what you're doing.
[_The Gamedev Guru_](https://thegamedev.guru/unity-gpu-performance/unity-sprites-full-rect-or-tight/)

[**How To Do Secure Saving with Binary – Unity C#**](https://stuartspixelgames.com/2020/07/26/how-to-do-easy-saving-loading-with-binary-unity-c/)  - With most games, you want the player to be able to save their progress, but it’s not obvious how to do that in Unity without a bit of help. I will show you how to easily and securely create a save system in Unity using binary files.
[_Stuart's Pixel Games_](https://stuartspixelgames.com/2020/07/26/how-to-do-easy-saving-loading-with-binary-unity-c/)

[**Using Custom Editors to interact with Unity ECS World**](https://blog.gemserk.com/2020/08/13/using-custom-editors-to-interact-with-ecs/)  - In order to modify values using Unity ECS, custom tools have to be created. I want to share a possible way to do with the Unity’s Editor.
[_Gemserk_](https://blog.gemserk.com/2020/08/13/using-custom-editors-to-interact-with-ecs/)

[**The road to 2021**](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/13/the-road-to-2021/)  - We are excited to share our plans for 2021. We’ve listened to your feedback and established our plan based on what we’ve heard.
[_Unity_](https://blogs.unity3d.com/2020/08/13/the-road-to-2021/)

[**Unity Releases (and Dark Theme now free)**](https://unity3d.com/unity/whats-new/2020.1.2)  - Unity versions [2020.1.2](https://unity3d.com/unity/whats-new/2020.1.2) and [2019.4.8](https://unity3d.com/unity/whats-new/2019.4.8) have been released. Also thanks to [Game From Scratch](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ygpnj0MT2Q) for pointing out that Dark Theme has quietly been released for free to everyone!
[_Unity_](https://unity3d.com/unity/whats-new/2020.1.2)

## Videos

[![Unity VFX & Shader Graph - Warp Drive / Hyperspace Effect Tutorial](https://gamedevdigest.com/assets/images/8c0eba6c2c97960ad0883c21d51b7d0f.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGG5JYlqIU&amp;feature=youtu.be)
[**Unity VFX & Shader Graph - Warp Drive / Hyperspace Effect Tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGG5JYlqIU&amp;feature=youtu.be)  - Let's see how to create the Warp Drive / Hyperspace / Speed Tunnel / Lightspeed effect like we see in Star Wars or Star Trek, but we are going to add a little touch of our own!
[_Gabriel Aguiar Prod._](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsGG5JYlqIU&amp;feature=youtu.be)

[**Multi Layered Effects with Visual Effect Graph in Unity! (Tutorial)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UybzSIUlzC0)  - The VFX Graph allows us to create stunning and performant visual effects in Unity with a simple to use visual tool. In this video, we're taking a closer look at the Visual Effect Graph in Unity 2019.3, and will be exploring fundamental ideas and concepts to help you get started designing visual effects in Unity!
[_Unity_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UybzSIUlzC0)

[**Wind Waker-style Water in Unity Shader Graph and URP**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHy3rSKtRmc&amp;feature=emb_title)  - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker is most well-known for its bold switch to a cel-shaded aesthetic, and for its Great Sea. In this tutorial, learn how to use Shader Graph to turn a lowly plane into vibrant stylised water!
[_Daniel Ilett_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHy3rSKtRmc&amp;feature=emb_title)

[**Custom Image Effects | Gradient Map in Unity URP**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv9W7qQ0ONY)  - Post containing Shaders, Code, and textures.
[_MinionsArt_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv9W7qQ0ONY)

[**Making Acid Liquid with Shader Graph in Unity! (Tutorial)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyXcXm8b21k&amp;feature=youtu.be)  - For our game BEAM we recently needed a shader that visualized some sort of acid or nuclear waste. After showing some pictures on our social media channels we got a lot of requests on how to achieve this.
[_Binary Impact_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyXcXm8b21k&amp;feature=youtu.be)

[**Grid-based Movement using Tilemap and Input System in Unity 2020**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnwOoxtgZQI&amp;feature=emb_title)  - Make a grid-based movement character using tilemaps and the new input system.
[_samyam_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnwOoxtgZQI&amp;feature=emb_title)

[**2D Physics in Unity 2020.1! (Overview)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxbs9x2qB7Y)  - Unity 2020.1 brings updates to 2D Physics, so let’s take a look!
[_Unity_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xxbs9x2qB7Y)

[**Trajectory prediction in Unity**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VUmhuhkELk)  - In many games, especially in 2d puzzles, the player can see a line that represents the bullet trajectory before shooting.
[_TNTC_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VUmhuhkELk)

[**Introducing Bolt: Unity's new visual scripting tool | Unite Now 2020**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtbyC1OBpFg)  - Learn how to make games without writing lines of code! Bolt visual scripting is now available to all Unity users, so join us to learn the basics of Bolt to create your own node-based game logic.
[_Unity_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtbyC1OBpFg)

[**Unity 3D Animation Masks & Avatars (3rdPS/FPS Aiming In 2 Minutes!!!)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8VJ7wm1mcA)  - If you're working on a 3rd or First Person shooter, you're going to need to know how to separate the upper and lower body movement. Learn everything you need to set up aiming in 2 minutes!!! Hope it helps :)
[_Royal Skies LLC_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8VJ7wm1mcA)

[**Full 3D Enemy AI in 6 Minutes! || Unity Tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjkSFoLxesw)  - Today I made a quick tutorial about Enemy Ai in Unity,
[_Dave / GameDevelopment_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjkSFoLxesw)

[**What’s new in Unity’s AR Foundation | Unite Now 2020**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBRxY2KnrUs)  - Dive into the latest updates in AR Foundation, Unity’s multiplatform AR development framework for creating AR experiences that blend seamlessly into the real world.
[_Unity_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBRxY2KnrUs)

[**Fortnite Build system | Unity Tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAf5b8Wye0g)  - Hi everyone, in this video I'll make Fortnite game's build mechanics in Unity3d!
[_Coding Jedi_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAf5b8Wye0g)

[**How To Make Cutscenes/Cinematics In Unity - Easy Tutorial**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e8S8JfIy-M)  - In this tutorial I am going to create a cutscene using cinemachine cameras! It is pretty simple and easy for every beginner. And for me, one of the best ways to make a cinematic/cutscene!
[_Outrage Games_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e8S8JfIy-M)

[**How to use Git with Unity! (Tutorial)**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGFK4OHA2zQ)  - In this video, we're going to take a look at setting up and using Git & GitHub with Unity! This will allow you to use a version control system with your Unity project, make and push changes and updates quickly, and patch up your project through community commitments.
[_Unity_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGFK4OHA2zQ)

## Assets

[![Discounts & Dragons sale!](https://gamedevdigest.com/assets/images/998adaed-8ce0-4981-af81-9a0cf0226be3.jpeg)](https://assetstore.unity.com/?on_sale=true?aid=1011l8NVc)
[**Discounts & Dragons sale!**](https://assetstore.unity.com/?on_sale=true?aid=1011l8NVc)  - Unity has launched a new Discounts & Dragons sale!
Users can save up to 50% on select fantasy-themed assets. A specially curated list of sword and sorcery-themed assets are 50% off through August 23, including a wide variety of environments, tools, audio, and more.
[_Unity_](https://assetstore.unity.com/?on_sale=true?aid=1011l8NVc) **Affiliate**

[**HUMBLE BOOK BUNDLE: GAME DESIGN & ANIMATION BY PACKT**](https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-design-animation-packt-books?partner=unity3dreport)  - We've teamed up with Packt for our newest bundle! Get ebooks like Unreal Engine 4 Virtual Reality Projects, Learn Clip Studio Paint, Create a Game Character: Blender, Substance Painter, and Unity, Game Design with Unity 2019, Learn the Foundations of Blender, and Practical Game Design. Plus, your purchase will support the Arthritis Foundation!

$1,190 WORTH OF AWESOME STUFF
PAY $1 OR MORE
DRM-FREE
[_Humble Bundle_](https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-design-animation-packt-books?partner=unity3dreport) **Affiliate**

[**SkinnedMeshRendererExtensions.cs**](https://gist.github.com/EntranceJew/1e39e83f9978a2389ec6e4823a9ea4af)  - If you use SkinnedMeshRenderer in #unity3d with BlendShapes, consider this extension class for: 
* Get/Set weight via BlendShape name. 
* Preventing untraceable LogErrors / silent fails, 
* Auto-scaling from/to 100.
[_EntranceJew_](https://gist.github.com/EntranceJew/1e39e83f9978a2389ec6e4823a9ea4af) *Open Source*

[**Unity Standalone File Browser**](https://github.com/gkngkc/UnityStandaloneFileBrowser)  - A simple wrapper for native file dialogs on Windows/Mac/Linux. Works in editor and runtime. Open file/folder, save file dialogs supported. Multiple file selection. File extension filter.
[_Gökhan Gökçe_](https://github.com/gkngkc/UnityStandaloneFileBrowser) *Open Source*

[**Text To TextMesh Pro Upgrade Tool for Unity**](https://github.com/yasirkula/UnityTextToTextMeshProUpgradeTool)  - This asset helps you upgrade the Text, InputField, Dropdown and TextMesh objects in your projects to their TextMesh Pro variants. It also upgrades the scripts so that e.g. Text variables in those scripts become TMP_Text variables. Then, it reconnects the references to the upgraded components (e.g. if a public variable was referencing an upgraded Text component, it will now reference the corresponding TextMeshProUGUI component).
[_Süleyman Yasir KULA_](https://github.com/yasirkula/UnityTextToTextMeshProUpgradeTool) *Open Source*

[**Save Manager (CG) - FREE**](https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/tools/utilities/save-manager-cg-176437?aid=1011l8NVc)  - Working on your next game project? Need any easy way to save and load your game? Unsure how to save and load data? This is the asset for you! This asset is a Save Manager, it is designed for beginners as well as veteran developers.
[_Carter Games_](https://assetstore.unity.com/packages/tools/utilities/save-manager-cg-176437?aid=1011l8NVc) **Affiliate**

[**Loxodon Framework**](https://github.com/vovgou/loxodon-framework)  - LoxodonFramework is a lightweight MVVM(Model-View-ViewModel) framework built specifically to target Unity3D. Databinding and localization are supported.It has a very flexible extensibility. It makes your game development faster and easier.
[_Clark Yang_](https://github.com/vovgou/loxodon-framework) *Open Source*

[**ToDo**](https://github.com/Cyanilux/ToDo)  - A simple in-editor To-Do list for Unity.
[_Cyan_](https://github.com/Cyanilux/ToDo) *Open Source*

## Spotlight

[![Fantasiege](https://gamedevdigest.com/assets/images/8362edcf7c5f03239717b1d3a11395a9.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiFR5gAEBgo)
[**Fantasiege**](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiFR5gAEBgo)  - After spending a majority of my game dev time entering in game jams, I thought it would be time to work on and commercially release a full game for once, so that's what I'm doing. Fantasiege (temporary name) is a fantasy medieval dungeon tower defense game where you manage your own dungeon by placing enemies and fending off waves of heroes. I'll be working on this and hopefully putting out a devlog every 2-3 weeks, so if you're interested make sure to like and subscribe the channel to stay around!

[Play the jam version](https://ldjam.com/events/ludum-dare/44/protect-the-dungeon)
[_MashUp Games_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiFR5gAEBgo)



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