📑 v0.1 Alpha - Foundations & World Exploration

🚀 Overview

Initial alpha release of the G.E.A.R.S prototype. This phase establishes the data-driven procedural world engine and a comprehensive RTS camera framework. The focus was on building a scalable C++ architecture before implementing gameplay mechanics like resource collection.

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🌍 Procedural World Engine (C++)

• Chunk System: Grid-based generation powered by ParallelFor for global chunk processing (Perlin noise + population).
• Data-Driven Registry: Implementation of TDataRegistry for biome and resource management.
  • Optimized Access: Supports dual-lookup via GameplayTags for flexibility and Direct Indexing for fast, contiguous memory access.
• Biomes & Climate: Climate-point distribution (Temperature/Humidity) using FBM noise, enabling a variety of biomes (Jungle, Desert, Forests).
• Terrain Rendering (T2A): Dual Texture2DArray mapping system:
  • Atlas Map: Stores color/texture data for all biomes.
  • Index Map: Handles per-cell texture assignment across the world grid.

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🎮 RTS Camera & Framework

• In-Game Camera Tweaker: Debug widget to adjust settings in real-time: FOV, Auto-align, and Pitch Lock.
• Controls: Supports WASD (ZQSD) movement and point-and-click navigation with Niagara-based visual feedback.
• Resource System: Automatic spawning with transform variations (jitter/scale/rotation).
  • Note: Resources are currently visual-only with collisions; harvesting mechanics are not yet implemented.

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🎨 Art & Optimization

• LOD Management: Nanite is intentionally disabled for Low Poly assets. Using HISM (Hierarchical Instanced Static Meshes) to minimize draw calls while letting the engine handle standard LODs, avoiding Nanite's overhead in this specific art style.
• Grid Shader: Dynamic ground material with a 3-level subdivision system, transitioning based on camera distance to maintain grid legibility.
• Assets: Integration of initial biome libraries (trees, rocks, ore veins) with optimized collisions for navigation.

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📦 How to Test

1. Download the attached archive for your platform (Windows or Linux).
2. Extract the archive content.
3. Run the executable:
   • Windows: Launch GEARS_Prototype.exe.
   • Linux: Launch the GEARS_Prototype binary (you might need to run chmod u+x GEARS_Prototype in your terminal first).

For source build instructions, please refer to the project README.