MP_ChatSystem

MP_ChatSystem is a powerful, efficient, and modular multiplayer chat system built for Unreal Engine. It supports Global, Team, Party, and Private channels with a room-based design and highly optimized message replication - ideal for both Listen Server and Dedicated Server projects.

Technologies Used

Unreal Engine 5C++FastArray ReplicationNetwork RelevancyRoom-based Architecture

Plugin Info

Completed

startDate: 2024-04-01

endDate: 2024-04-15

teamSize: 1

role: Lead Developer

engine: Unreal Engine 5.3+

compatibility: Windows, Linux, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch

Repository

Gallery

youtube

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MP_ChatSystem: Complete multiplayer chat system demonstration

Plugin Specifications

Compatibility Matrix

Windows

Linux

macOS

PlayStation

Xbox

Nintendo Switch

Dependencies

Unreal Engine Replication System

API Documentation

Key Functions

AMP_ChatManager::CreateChatRoom(FMP_ChatRoomDesc RoomDesc)

Creates a new chat room with specified description and settings

AMP_ChatManager::JoinChatRoom(FMP_ChatRoomKey RoomKey, APlayerController* Player)

Adds a player to an existing chat room

AMP_ChatRoom::AddChatMessage(FMP_ChatMessage Message)

Adds a message to the room and replicates it to relevant clients

UMP_ChatBox::AddMessageToDisplay(FMP_ChatMessage Message)

Displays a chat message in the UI chat box

Integration Guide

Add MP_ChatSystem plugin to your project

Place AMP_ChatManager in your level or spawn via GameMode

Implement IMP_Chat_PlayerController_I in your PlayerController

Add UMP_ChatBox to your UI widgets

Use AMP_ChatManager functions to create rooms and send messages

Key Features

Structured support for Global, Team, Party, and Private chat channels

Room-based system for clean conversation isolation

Network-efficient via FastArray Replication - not RPC per message

Temporary and persistent room support per use case

Client-specific relevancy filtering - only receive relevant messages

Full runtime control: create, join, route messages through code or UI

Built-in scrollable chat box system for easy UI integration

Easy to extend, debug, and customize for games and simulations

Technical Challenges

Technical Challenge 1

Problem:

Ensuring efficient message replication across variable network conditions

Solution:

Implemented FastArray Replication instead of individual RPC calls

Result:

Reduced network overhead and improved message delivery reliability

Technical Challenge 2

Problem:

Managing client-side message filtering and relevancy

Solution:

Developed network relevancy system using IsNetRelevantFor()

Result:

Clients only receive messages for rooms they have joined

Integration Challenges

Integration Challenge 1

Problem:

Seamless integration with existing multiplayer architectures

Solution:

Created modular room-based design with extensive plugin APIs

Result:

Compatible with all major Unreal Engine networking solutions

Integration Challenge 2

Problem:

Supporting multiple chat channel types and room configurations

Solution:

Implemented flexible channel system with temporary/persistent rooms

Result:

Versatile system supporting various game communication needs

Results Achieved

Successfully implemented room-based chat system

Integrated efficient message replication using FastArray

Created comprehensive channel support (Global, Team, Party, Private)

Developed client-side message filtering for performance

Established foundation for scalable multiplayer communication

What I Learned

Unreal Engine replication systems and FastArray optimization

Network relevancy and client-side filtering techniques

Room-based architecture for multiplayer communication

Efficient message delivery in multiplayer environments

Development Journey

Foundation Phase: Basic text chat and room creation systems

Core Features: FastArray replication and network relevancy implementation

Advanced Features: Channel support, room management, and UI integration

Quality Assurance: Extensive testing across platforms and network conditions

Completion: Open source release and documentation