Exploring Unreal Engine’s 9-Slice Feature

Are you an Unreal Engine developer? Do you want to take your 2D game development skills to the next level? Then you should definitely check out the 9-slice feature in Unreal Engine.

What is the 9-Slice Feature?

The 9-slice feature in Unreal Engine is a tool that allows you to create complex 2D graphics with minimal effort. It works by dividing your image into nine slices, which can then be combined to create different parts of your game, such as characters or backgrounds.

How it works

To create a 9-slice image in Unreal Engine, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Open your image in an image editor that supports slicing, such as Adobe Photoshop or GIMP.
2. Divide the image into nine equal parts using the slice tool.
3. Save each slice as a separate file with a unique name.
4. Import the nine slices into Unreal Engine and assign them to the appropriate materials.
5. Combine the slices in Unreal Engine to create your 2D graphic.

Benefits of using the 9-slice feature

There are many benefits to using the 9-slice feature in Unreal Engine, including:

• Reduced texture memory usage: By dividing your image into smaller slices, you can reduce the amount of texture memory required to display it. This is especially useful for games that run on low-end hardware or have limited memory.
• Faster loading times: By breaking down your image into smaller pieces, you can also speed up loading times. This is because the game only needs to load the parts of the image that are visible on screen.
• Easier animation: The 9-slice feature makes it easy to create complex animations by combining different slices in different ways. For example, you could create a character with different poses by combining different slices for each pose.
• Greater flexibility: The 9-slice feature gives you greater flexibility when creating 2D graphics. You can combine different slices to create unique shapes and designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve using other methods.

Real-World Examples of the 9-Slice Feature in Games

The 9-slice feature is already being used in many games, including:

• Overwatch: Overwatch uses the 9-slice feature to create its characters and backgrounds. Each character is divided into nine slices, which are then combined to create a unique 3D model.
• The Binding of Isaac: The Binding of Isaac uses the 9-slice feature to create its characters and enemies. Each character or enemy is divided into nine slices, which are then combined to create a unique 2D sprite.
• Civilization VI: Civilization VI uses the 9-slice feature to create its buildings and units. Each building or unit is divided into nine slices, which are then combined to create a unique 2D sprite.

How to get started with the 9-Slice Feature

If you’re interested in using the 9-slice feature in your Unreal Engine projects, here are some tips to get you started: