For this chapter, you’ll need Unity Editor version 6 Preview 6000.0.4f1. The instructions should remain mostly applicable in future URP-based projects. The sample project was created using the Universal 3D Core template, which includes URP preconfigured but is otherwise minimal, requiring additional content.

Figure 1.1 – Universal 3D Core template

The provided code files for the book on GitHub include a Unity package named Chapter1_StartingPoint.unitypackage, located in the Unity Packages folder (https://github.com/PacktPublishing/Unity-6-Shaders-and-Effects-Cookbook/tree/main/Unity%20Packages). This package contains a basic scene and assets necessary to experiment with post-processing techniques. All recipes in this chapter rely on this environment to demonstrate their effects.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to set up a Unity project and enable post-processing effects in a URP project. Once enabled, you’ll gain greater control over your game’s visual style.

Earlier editions of this book used the Built-in Render Pipeline, requiring the post-processing stack from the Package Manager. However, URP includes post-processing by default, simplifying setup and allowing you to apply effects quickly.

Getting ready

To begin, launch Unity and create a 3D template project. This chapter requires an environment to observe post-processing effects. If you prefer to use the scene on its own within your own project rather than working directly from the example code, you can import the Chapter1_StartingPoint.unitypackage (found in the Unity Packages folder) which includes a basic scene and supporting assets.

For those using the example code, open Chapter 1/Starting Point from Assets/Chapter 01/Scenes folder from...

Now that we have finished setting up our project to utilize post-processing, we can create our first Post Processing Volume Profile. A volume profile is an asset that contains the settings URP uses to render a scene.

One of the most common appearances people like their projects to have is that of a film. This is used quite frequently in titles such as Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) and The Last of Us Part II (2020). It’s also used quite effectively in Resident Evil Village (2021), as its creators aimed to emulate the cinematic horror atmosphere that the game is based on.

Figure 1.5 – Final result of the filmic look

Getting ready

Make sure you have completed the Setting up post-processing recipe before starting this one.

How to do it...

Follow these steps to get a filmic look using grain, vignetting, and depth of field:

1. First, we must create a new volume profile by...

The bloom optical effect aims to mimic the imaging effects of real-world cameras. In real life, when a camera captures bright lights, the light can bleed over into adjacent areas, creating a glow around the edges of bright objects. This effect can make scenes look more vivid and dynamic, as it simulates the way cameras and the human eye perceive intense light sources. The bloom effect is very distinctive and is often used in games to create a magical or ethereal atmosphere. You’ve likely seen it employed in areas of a game that are magical, heaven-like, or otherworldly. Popular titles such as Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) and Final Fantasy XV (2016) make extensive use of bloom to enhance their visual storytelling and immerse players in their fantastical worlds.

Motion blur is another effect used to mimic real-life camera behavior. It simulates the blurring that occurs when objects move quickly within the frame, replicating...

One of the best ways to easily change the mood of a scene is by changing the colors a scene uses. One of the best examples of this can be seen in The Matrix series of films, where the real world is always blue-tinted, while the computer-generated world is always tinted green. We can emulate this in our games by using color grading:

Figure 1.22 – The final result of using color grading

Getting ready

Make sure you have completed the Setting up post-processing recipe before starting this one.

How to do it...

To add color grading, follow these steps:

1. First, we must create a new volume profile by going to the Project window. From there, right-click within the Assets/Chapter 01 folder and then select Create | Rendering | Volume Profile.
2. Once selected, we can rename the item. Go ahead and set the name to ColorGradingProfile.
3. From the Hierarchy window, select the Global Volume object. In the...

One of the genres of games that best utilizes the features of the post-processing stack is the horror genre. Using things such as depth of field to hide scary objects, as well as static to make the screen more menacing, can help set your game firmly in the right place and provide the mood you are going for.

Figure 1.25 – The final result of our horror look

Getting ready

Make sure you have completed the Setting up post-processing recipe before starting this one.

How to do it...

To add color grading, follow these steps:

1. First, we must create a new volume profile by going to the Project window. From there, right-click within the Assets/Chapter 01 folder and then select Create | Rendering | Volume Profile.
2. Once selected, we can rename the item. Go ahead and set the name to HorrorProfile.
3. From the Hierarchy window, select the Global Volume object. In the Inspector window, locate the Volume component...