Controlling Virtual Lights in Unreal Engine via OSC from TouchDesigner

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Unreal Engine, well known for its association with video games including the Unreal series (for which it was named) and more recently Fortnite, has been gaining popularity as a tool for virtual production, interactive/immersive projects and realistic real-time rendering.

Many developers augment their TouchDesigner projects with Unreal to take advantage of the 3D capabilities Unreal offers, while working with TouchDesigner for its ability to quickly prototype, Python integration, and connect to a wide variety of devices and protocols. As both Unreal and TouchDesigner support OSC messaging, it’s a common tool to use for sending control information and data from one software to the other.

In this tutorial, Jack DiLaura walks you through setting up a simple OSC-based connection between TouchDesigner and Unreal Engine, allowing you to control the overhead lights of a highly detailed model of a subway car rendered in Unreal with CHOP signals from TouchDesigner. You’ll learn how to set up basic functionality within Unreal Engine to receive OSC messages, parse their addresses, and route the content to parameters of the objects within your scene.