Unreal Engine
Character Animation & Gameplay Foundations

Build a fully playable character in Unreal Engine 5 — even if you’re starting from zero.

This workshop teaches you how to create a complete animation pipeline—from blueprints and character setup to locomotion systems, gameplay interactions, and polished animation behavior. You won’t just import animations—you’ll understand how Unreal drives them through logic, systems, and real gameplay context.

After 11 weeks, you’ll have a responsive, game-ready character with a complete Animation Blueprint, integrated gameplay mechanics, and a production-ready workflow you can confidently build on.

NO PRE-REQUISITES NEEDED

What You Get (11 Weeks Access)

Live & Recorded Classes
Step-by-Step Guided Pipeline (Beginner-Friendly)
Production-Ready Animation Starter Pack (Locomotion Set)
Custom Character Integration Workflow
Blueprint + Animation System Training
Real Gameplay Integration Experience

Next Workshops Start July 6, 2026 Apply Now!

Secure Your Spot

Price Per Workshop: $999

Who you learn from Matters

Who You Learn From Matters

Learn from working professionals who understand how animation systems are built in real production—not just theory, but practical workflows used in games today.

Why This Course?

Most beginner Unreal courses show isolated features—importing animations, basic movement, simple setups. This course connects everything. You’ll build a complete system where animation, blueprints, and gameplay work together—so your character doesn’t just move, it behaves correctly in real game scenarios. After 11 weeks, you’ll have a responsive, game-ready character with a complete Animation Blueprint, integrated gameplay mechanics, and a production-ready workflow you can confidently build on.

What You’ll Be Able to Do

Build a complete animation pipeline from import to gameplay-ready character
Create Animation Blueprints with state machines and blend systems
Connect animation to gameplay using blueprints and logic
Develop responsive locomotion with jumps, transitions, and interactions
Understand how Unreal controls animation—not just how to use it

By the End of This Workshop

You'll have:

A fully playable character with polished locomotion
A complete Animation Blueprint system
Gameplay-integrated animation logic
A functional test level with interactions

You'll gain:

Confidence building animation systems from scratch
A clear understanding of Unreal’s animation pipeline
Production-ready workflows used in real studios

Week-by-Week Topic

Week 1 – Unreal Engine Foundations

Set up your project, learn the interface, and build a clean workflow using the third-person template.

Week 2 – Blueprint Fundamentals

Understand visual scripting, variables, and execution flow. Build your first interactive Blueprint system.

Week 3 – Blueprint Communication

Connect systems using casting, references, and event dispatchers. Create interactive gameplay logic.

Week 4 – Character & Pawn Setup

Customize your character, movement system, and input handling for gameplay-ready control.

Week 5 – Animation Pipeline Basics

Learn skeletons, skeletal meshes, and import workflows. Bring your character into Unreal properly.

Week 6 – Animation Assets & Physics

Import locomotion animations, configure looping and root motion, and build physics/ragdoll systems.

Week 7 – Animation Blueprint Foundations

Create your first Animation Blueprint using blend spaces and gameplay-driven variables.

Week 8 – State Machines & Montages

Build full locomotion systems and trigger animations like attacks, emotes, and interactions.

Week 9 – Advanced Locomotion Systems

Implement start/stop systems and eliminate foot sliding using professional techniques.

Week 10 – Animation Polish & Realism

Add leaning, stride warping, IK, and responsive jump/landing systems.

Week 11 – Gameplay Integration

Connect everything into a complete system—your character becomes fully playable and interactive.

Bonus Module: Cinematics with Sequencer

Learn how to create in-game cinematics using Unreal’s Sequencer. Record gameplay, build cutscenes, and connect them to gameplay events.

Workshop Instructor

See Full Bio

Student Testimonials

“The reel I submitted is the most recent work I did during my games workshops that I finished in iAnimate last 2021. My older feature workshop shots gave me my first shot in the industry, and I've been working for the past 10 months thanks to everything I've learned through iAnimate.”

Success Stories

“After doing my research it was clear iAnimate was exactly what I needed. With the small class sizes and incredible roster of instructors, there was a ton of opportunity to really pick their brains and get into the weeds of acting theory, character depth, workflow, and execution."

Industry Articles

Where do animators usually work? The stress of a lonely animator is mirrored directly in their work, which can further amplify the stress cycle. None of which is healthy for the industry or the individual. However, it should not happen.

School Comparison

All of your sessions with your instructor are live, as well as recorded for viewing later. We have an amazing line up of exclusive & unique character rigs that are available to all our students. Your skill level is personally evaluated and a workshop level recommended for you.

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Unreal EngineCharacter Animation & Gameplay Foundations