Unity Drone Game Prototype

Drone Racer is a split-screen local multiplayer drone racing prototype, developed in Unity as part of a Software Engineering project.

🕹️ Features

• Local split-screen multiplayer (2 players)
• Physics-based drone flight with support for pitch, roll, yaw, and lift
• Checkpoint-based racing system with visual indicators
• Countdown at race start and timer for both players
• Result screen with positions, finish times, and DNF status
• Support for keyboard and controller input
• Responsive UI with race timer, directional arrow, and restart options
• Implemented with Unity and the Unity Input System

📦 Project Goals

• The game is designed as a low-barrier introduction to drone control mechanics, focusing on:
• Spatial awareness and flight orientation
• Basic maneuvering with real drone-like dynamics
• Fun and competitive learning through racing gameplay

🧩 System Overview

Architecture

• LR_Game_Manager: Manages game states, timers, and transitions.
• LR_Drone_Controller: Controls physics and drone movement logic.
• LR_Drone_Inputs: Captures player input using Unity's Input System.
• LR_Drone_Engine: Simulates force output from drone motors.
• LR_Track_Checkpoints: Controls race progress and triggers checkpoints.

UI Manager

• Displays time, countdown, results

Gameplay Mechanics

• Only the current checkpoint is visible
• A dynamic arrow guides players to the next one
• The second-place player has 5 seconds to finish after the first player completes the race

📌 What's Missing?

• ❌ Online multiplayer
• ❌ AI opponents
• ❌ Vehicle upgrades
• ❌ Saving best times
• ❌ Persistent data storage

🧪 Technical Overview

• Engine: Unity
• Language: C#
• Architecture: Component-based, event-driven
• Input: Unity Input System
• Physics: Rigidbody with custom force application
• Rendering: Dual camera setup for split-screen

📅 Development Timeline

• Concept Phase: Game design, control system draft
• Implementation: Feature development, continuous testing
• Finalization: Bug fixing, polishing, and documentation

🖼️ Media

Main Menu

Game Start

Gameplay

In-game Controls Overview

Race Over Interface

🙌 References

• Unity Drone Controller Tutorial by Indie-Pixel - https://youtu.be/vUyAev7YAV8?list=PL5V9qxkY_RnLyWVtxIbWY0ihiyOaAYoRr
• Split Screen Game Tutorial by One Wheel Studio - https://onewheelstudio.com/blog/2022/2/3/split-screen-multi-player-with-unitys-new-input-system
• Unlit racing drone by pebegou - https://www.fab.com/listings/94279cd0-b30f-4bdd-b56f-a7e09fb78573
• Various 3d assets by Synthy Studios - https://syntystore.com

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Project by Leander Renholzberger (gradler)

Developed as part of a university software engineering course.