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Journal of Games, Game Art, and Gamification
The integration of Finite State Machine (FSM) architecture into flowchart-based visual programming environments provides a robust framework for novice users to design complex character behaviors. By utilizing a drag-and-drop interface within the Unity engine, players can define modular logic for unit actions such as moving, attacking, or fleeing. This system relies on a structured C# backend, employing an IState interface and dedicated state machine classes to ensure that units respond reliably to contextual triggers like health thresholds and proximity sensors.
Alpha testing confirms the technical feasibility of this approach, demonstrating that user-defined flowcharts successfully govern dynamic unit transitions during battle simulations. This methodology effectively lowers the barrier to entry for gameplay scripting, enabling individuals without traditional coding expertise to implement sophisticated agent logic. The architecture proves particularly effective for managing core gameplay loops, providing a tangible bridge between abstract programming concepts and functional game design.
Despite these successes, the research highlights inherent limitations regarding scalability and user experience. As state networks grow in complexity, the visual editor can become cumbersome, potentially leading to performance bottlenecks or design errors. Future iterations of this technology must address these challenges through the implementation of hierarchical FSMs and AI-assisted design feedback. By refining these visual tools, developers can better support users in managing intricate logic while maintaining the intuitive nature of the programming environment.
Bina Nusantara University · 2019