Input Link

When it comes to running meaningful gameplay code, InputLinks is where that code is stored.

Links are tied to an InputAction and TriggerEvents to control when their code is ran. When that action is activated with that trigger event, the InputLink will call OnInputActivated

Input events are handled like so:

Links can be dynamically enabled and disabled, for example an ability input being disabled while the ability is on cooldown.
Links will only receive the input event if:
- They are registered to the specific trigger event that is currently occurring.
- CanHandleInputreturns true
- The link is enabled.
If the link decides to consume the input, it will prevent the input event from continuing on down the chain of links for that input action.
To add a input link during runtime, in Blueprints use the ConstructObjectFromClass node, this will allow you to edit ExposeOnSpawn parameters as you wish. In C++, use NewObject<>(). Then call AddInputLink.

Runtime Input Links

InputLink's can be constructed during runtime. Sometimes, all you need is to listen to an input event as if the object is an input link. For example; a GAS ability

This GAS ability is now receiving input events as if itself was an InputLink. The events are just being filtered and forwarded through a InputLink, making it act as a proxy between GAS and InputNexus.

This method now allows you to utilize all the strenghts of InputNexus with minimal work and complexity. This ability can now benefit from input buffering, input consumption and more.

Practical examples

During the tutorial, you might want to listen to specific input events, such as the movement keys. Normally, you'd now have to hard code this into the player character and have redundant code throughout your entire game. With a InputLink, you can listen to an input event, execute custom code, then remove it. Separating that logic from the character and not have redundant code being executed throughout the game. I use the FlowGraph plugin to add a input link to the jump and movement input actions during the tutorial and broadcast an event when it happens. The input link has then been designed to remove itself when it hits a broadcast limit.

For my project, I've integrated support with ObjectTags so I can natively block InputLink's depending on a tag query. Now all I need to do to block movement is fill in what tags would block the movement InputLink, such as a stunned tag. I never have to repeat this code anywhere, I just need to make my InputLink's a child of this tag support class.

Creating custom input links

InputLink's have several functions for you to override and call.

InputNexus comes with 2 simple examples, which can be found in the Links folder.

The majority of the time, you'll be overriding either OnInputActivated or CanHandleInput

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Last updated 20 days ago

Runtime Input Links

InputLink's can be constructed during runtime. Sometimes, all you need is to listen to an input event as if the object is an input link. For example; a GAS ability

This method now allows you to utilize all the strenghts of InputNexus with minimal work and complexity. This ability can now benefit from input buffering, input consumption and more.

Practical examples

During the tutorial, you might want to listen to specific input events, such as the movement keys. Normally, you'd now have to hard code this into the player character and have redundant code throughout your entire game. With a InputLink, you can listen to an input event, execute custom code, then remove it. Separating that logic from the character and not have redundant code being executed throughout the game. I use the FlowGraph plugin to add a input link to the jump and movement input actions during the tutorial and broadcast an event when it happens. The input link has then been designed to remove itself when it hits a broadcast limit.

For my project, I've integrated support with ObjectTags so I can natively block InputLink's depending on a tag query. Now all I need to do to block movement is fill in what tags would block the movement InputLink, such as a stunned tag. I never have to repeat this code anywhere, I just need to make my InputLink's a child of this tag support class.