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UnrealScript is a proprietary, object-oriented scripting language developed by Epic Games for their Unreal Engine. It was designed specifically for high-level game programming and was the primary method of creating gameplay elements in the Unreal series. UnrealScript incorporates concepts from Java, C++, and other programming languages. It was used extensively in the development of video games until it was replaced by Blueprint Visual Scripting and C++ in Unreal Engine 4. The language offers a robust toolset for developing complex game logic, including AI behaviors, player controls, and interactive environments.

Ask the right questions secure the right UnrealScript talent among an increasingly shrinking pool of talent.

First 20 minutes

General UnrealScript app knowledge and experience

The first 20 minutes of the interview should seek to understand the candidate's general background in UnrealScript application development, including their experience with various programming languages, databases, and their approach to designing scalable and maintainable systems.

How would you define UnrealScript?

UnrealScript is a programming language used for scripting in the Unreal Engine. It's an object-oriented language, similar to Java and C++, and is used to define game logic and gameplay elements.

What are the basic data types in UnrealScript?

The basic data types in UnrealScript include int (integer), float (floating point number), bool (boolean), string (text string), name (unique string), byte (8-bit number), and vector (3D coordinate).

Describe the difference between 'state' and 'function' in UnrealScript.

In UnrealScript, a 'state' is a set of functions that are executed in a specific context or situation, while a 'function' is a reusable piece of code that performs a specific task. States can contain functions, and the functions that are executed can change depending on the current state.

How would you use the 'simulated' keyword in UnrealScript?

The 'simulated' keyword in UnrealScript is used to indicate that a function or state should be executed on the client side in a networked game. This is useful for things like animations or sound effects, which need to be seen or heard by the player but don't affect the game state.

What are the different types of operators in UnrealScript?

UnrealScript supports a variety of operators, including arithmetic operators (like +, -, *, /), comparison operators (like ==, !=, <, >), logical operators (like &&, ||), and bitwise operators (like &, |, ^).

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What you’re looking for early on

Does the candidate have a solid understanding of UnrealScript?

Has the candidate demonstrated problem-solving skills?

Is the candidate familiar with the Unreal Engine environment?

Has the candidate shown experience with game development?

Next 20 minutes

Specific UnrealScript development questions

The next 20 minutes of the interview should focus on the candidate's expertise with specific backend frameworks, their understanding of RESTful APIs, and their experience in handling data storage and retrieval efficiently.

Describe the difference between 'class' and 'struct' in UnrealScript.

In UnrealScript, a 'class' is a blueprint for creating objects, and can contain variables, functions, and states. A 'struct', on the other hand, is a complex data type that can contain multiple variables of different types, but cannot contain functions or states.

How would you use the 'defaultproperties' block in UnrealScript?

The 'defaultproperties' block in UnrealScript is used to set the default values for the variables in a class. These values are used when a new instance of the class is created, unless they are overridden in the constructor.

What are the different types of loops in UnrealScript?

UnrealScript supports several types of loops, including 'for' loops, 'while' loops, and 'do until' loops. These can be used to repeat a block of code a certain number of times, or until a certain condition is met.

Describe the difference between 'native' and 'final' functions in UnrealScript.

'Native' functions in UnrealScript are functions that are implemented in C++, rather than UnrealScript. They are used for performance-critical code, or for interfacing with the underlying engine. 'Final' functions, on the other hand, are functions that cannot be overridden by subclasses.

How would you use the 'extends' keyword in UnrealScript?

The 'extends' keyword in UnrealScript is used to create a subclass that inherits the properties and methods of a superclass. This allows you to create more specific types of objects without having to redefine all the common functionality.

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At this point, a skilled UnrealScript engineer should demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities, proficiency in UnrealScript programming language, and knowledge of software development methodologies. Red flags include lack of hands-on experience, inability to articulate complex concepts, or unfamiliarity with standard coding practices.

Digging deeper

Code questions

These will help you see the candidate's real-world development capabilities with UnrealScript.

What does this simple UnrealScript code do?
class HelloWorld extends Actor;

DefaultProperties
{
    Begin Object Class=SpriteComponent Name=MySprite
        Sprite=Texture2D'EngineResources.AICON-Green'
    End Object
    Components.Add(MySprite)
}
This code defines a new class 'HelloWorld' that extends the Actor class. It then sets default properties for instances of this class, including a SpriteComponent with a green sprite texture. The SpriteComponent is then added to the class's list of components.
What will be the output of this UnrealScript code?
class MyActor extends Actor;

function BeginPlay()
{
    `log("Hello, World!");
}
This code will output 'Hello, World!' to the console when an instance of the MyActor class begins play in the game.
What does this UnrealScript code do with an array?
class MyActor extends Actor;

var array MyArray;

function BeginPlay()
{
    MyArray.AddItem(5);
    MyArray.AddItem(10);
    MyArray.RemoveItem(5);
}
This code declares an array of integers, adds the values 5 and 10 to it, and then removes the value 5 from it when an instance of the MyActor class begins play.
What does this UnrealScript code do with threading?
class MyActor extends Actor;

var int MyInt;

function Tick(float DeltaTime)
{
    MyInt++;
    `log("MyInt: " $ MyInt);
}
This code increments the value of the variable 'MyInt' every frame (or 'tick') of the game, and outputs the current value to the console. It demonstrates a simple form of concurrency, as the Tick function runs alongside the main game loop.

Wrap-up questions

Final candidate for UnrealScript Developer role questions

The final few questions should evaluate the candidate's teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, assess their knowledge of microservices architecture, serverless computing, and how they handle UnrealScript application deployments. Inquire about their experience in handling system failures and their approach to debugging and troubleshooting.

What are the different types of inheritance in UnrealScript?

UnrealScript supports single inheritance, where a class can only inherit from one superclass. However, it also supports interfaces, which are similar to multiple inheritance in that a class can implement multiple interfaces and inherit their methods.

Describe the difference between 'public' and 'private' variables in UnrealScript.

'Public' variables in UnrealScript are variables that can be accessed from any other class, while 'private' variables can only be accessed from within the class they are defined in. This is a fundamental concept in object-oriented programming, and is used to encapsulate data and protect it from being modified inappropriately.

How would you use the 'super' keyword in UnrealScript?

The 'super' keyword in UnrealScript is used to call a method in the superclass. This is useful when you want to override a method in a subclass, but still want to use some of the functionality of the original method.

UnrealScript application related

Product Perfect's UnrealScript development capabilities

Beyond hiring for your UnrealScript engineering team, you may be in the market for additional help. Product Perfect provides seasoned expertise in UnrealScript projects, and can engage in multiple capacities.

UnrealScript Consultive assessments

UnrealScript Application Conversion Assessment UnrealScript Application Integration Assessment UnrealScript Data & Database Integration Assessment

Custom UnrealScript development projects

Custom UnrealScript App Conversion UnrealScript Custom App Development Process App UI Design for UnrealScript Facelifts

Hiring guide for UnrealScript Engineers

UnrealScript Developer Hiring Guide

What you’re looking for early on

The ideal back-end app developer

What you’re looking to see on the UnrealScript engineer at this point.

UnrealScript Consultive assessments

Custom UnrealScript development projects