Overview

Update Variable Nodes are a fundamental part of the Flow logic, allowing you to modify the state of your application during execution. They are used to update variables, change asset properties, or manipulate collections of data. By using Update Variable Nodes, you can track player progress, manage inventory, calculate stats, and control dynamic game states.

Configuration Steps

1. Select the Target

The first step is to choose what you want to update. You can target:

• Project Variables: Global or Local variables defined in your project (e.g., CurrentScore, IsGameOver, PlayerInventory). (Note: To update properties directly on an Asset, use the Update Asset node instead.)

2. Choose an Operation

The operation determines how the target value will change. The available operations depend on the Data Type of the target:

For Numbers (Integer, Float)

• Set To (=): Overwrites the current value with a new one.
• Add (+): Adds a value to the target.
• Subtract (-): Subtracts a value from the target.
• Multiply (*): Multiplies the target by a value.
• Divide (/): Divides the target by a value.

For Text (String), Booleans (True/False), and Single Assets

• Set To (=): Overwrites the current value.

For Collections (Lists of Assets)

• Add Element: Adds a new item to the collection.
• Remove Element: Removes a specific item from the collection.
• Clear: Removes all items, resulting in an empty list.
• Sort: Reorders the collection based on a specific property of the items (e.g., "Sort variable Inventory by property Value in Descending order").

3. Define the Value

Once you've chosen an operation, you need to provide the value to use. You can source this value from:

• Manual Input: Type in a static number, text, or select a specific asset from a dropdown.
• Variable: Use the current value of another variable.
• Asset Property: Dynamically pull a value from a property on an asset (e.g., "Set Player.Gold to TreasureChest.GoldAmount").

Common Use Cases

Logic & State Management

• Tracking Health: Use Subtract to decrease Player.Health when they take damage.
• Toggling Switches: Use Set To to change Door.IsOpen to True.
• Game Loops: Use Add to increment a TurnCounter by 1 at the end of every turn.

Inventory System

• Looting: Use Add Element to add a found Item to the PlayerInventory collection.
• Consuming Items: Use Remove Element to take a Potion out of PlayerInventory when used.