Preparation | Unreal Engine - Generic AI System

Overview

This document provides an introduction to the Generic AI System (GAIS), including the essential setup steps and basic concepts to help you get started quickly.

For detailed information about individual GAIS features, please refer to the dedicated documentation pages.

Getting Started

Enable the Plugins

Make sure you have installed both GenericAISystem and GenericGameSystem (GGS) through the Epic Games Launcher, and enable them in your project.

Verify Your Purchase

After your purchase has been verified, you will receive access to the complete project, including:

Core assets
Additional assets
Demo content

Please refer to Support & Purchase Verification for more information.

Understand the Project Structure

The following is the overall structure of the GAIS project. It is recommended that you explore the project alongside this documentation while learning the system.

Folder	Description
GenericGame/Shared	Contains UE4/UE5 Mannequin assets, reusable utility Blueprints, and free assets provided by Epic Games (please comply with Epic's licensing terms).
GenericGame/AISystem	Reusable AI assets that cover the fundamental requirements for AI development.
GenericGame/CommonSystem	Shared gameplay systems and common utilities used by GAIS.
GenericDemo/GAIS	Demonstration levels and character Blueprints showcasing the core features of GAIS.
Other top-level folders	May contain shared or demo assets. Check dependencies and licensing before removing them.

Migration Recommendations >Avoid modifying files under the GenericGame folder whenever possible. Instead, copy the provided assets and modify the copies. This ensures that future updates will not overwrite your work. >Likewise, it is recommended not to modify the GenericDemo folder directly. It exists purely as a learning reference. If the demo content meets your project's needs, simply duplicate the entire folder and customize the copied version.

Migrating to Your Project

Install and enable GenericAISystem and GenericGameSystem. Check the plugin dependencies StateTree, GameplayStateTree, ModularGameplay, and GameplayAbilities. The companion project enables additional engine plugins for its examples; consult the supplied GAIS_Project.uproject and enable those needed by your chosen content.
Select the assets you need in the Content Browser and use Unreal's Migrate tool to inspect and copy their dependencies. Examples may reference GenericGame/AISystem, GenericGame/Shared, and GenericGame/CommonSystem; a project does not necessarily need every asset in those folders.
Compare and merge the required configuration rather than overwriting the destination project's entire ini files. The current GAIS package combines shared, GGS, and GAIS configuration: review Config/Tags/AICoreTags.ini, AIExtrasTags.ini, CommonCoreTags.ini, CommonExtrasTags.ini, and AbilityCoreTags.ini, plus the DefaultEngine.ini, DefaultGame.ini, and DefaultInput.ini settings needed by your chosen examples. Use the actual files and dependencies supplied with your version.
Reopen the project and check missing references, Gameplay Tags, and plugin warnings. Investigate whether each missing asset is used before dismissing a warning. If you use the companion footstep effects, also check the GES SurfaceTypeToContextMap in Project Settings.

Continue with the Quick Start to verify the examples.