Overview
This week, I focused on enhancing my player input system by adding controller support:
Below is a GIF demonstrating the new controller functionality in my game:
SDL import
To enable controller support, I integrated SDL (Simple DirectMedia Layer) into the project.
SDL is a cross-platform development library that provides low-level access to essential hardware components such as audio, keyboard, mouse, joystick, and graphics through OpenGL and Direct3D. After downloading the development version, I added it to the “External” folder within my solution. I then configured the include paths and library directories in Visual Studio, successfully enabling SDL for the player input system.
System Variable Configuration
To ensure the program runs correctly, it’s essential to configure the location of SDK.dll in the system variables. Without this setting, the game will throw an error upon startup.
Controller Logic Implementation
Left Stick Controls Object Movement
Moving the left stick in any direction (forward, backward, left, or right) will cause the in-game object to move accordingly.
Right Stick Controls Camera Movement
The right stick controls the camera, allowing it to shift forward, backward, left, or right as the stick is moved in each direction.
A Button Switches Object Mesh
Pressing the A button will switch the mesh of the first object to the mesh of the second object.
B Button Exits the Game
Pressing the B button will exit the game.
TO DO
For the final week, here are some key tasks I still need to complete:
- Polish and Bug Fixing: I’ll thoroughly test the controller support and other features to identify and fix any remaining bugs. I’ll make sure the controller input is smooth and responsive, and that all inputs work as expected across different hardware setups.
- Optimize Performance: I’ll check for any performance issues, especially if the new controller input or SDL integration has introduced latency or hitches. I’ll optimize any code that might be causing slowdowns, particularly during input handling or rendering.
- Document the Code: I’ll add final comments and documentation to the codebase. I’ll clearly explain the purpose of each class or function, especially around the controller logic, to make future updates or maintenance easier.
- Create Final Build and Test: I’ll compile the game for a release version and test this final build extensively. I’ll ensure that it runs correctly on different systems without any missing dependencies, such as
SDK.dll, and confirm that the system variable configurations are clear for new users.
