Global Messages

A global message can be sent to any or all objects in a scene to trigger specific events on those objects. Unlike a custom action, a global message can be sent to any object, not just the object it was created on.

Used with broadcasting, where as message is send to all objects in a scene, global messages are very useful for telling a lot of objects to perform a specific task, even if you add them later or spawn them into the scene.

For example, a global message could be sent to ten fiery torches at the same time, telling them to ignite or extinguish. Or it could be broadcast to spawning zombies telling them to chase the Player or wander around a scene.

Explore the Demo: Global Messages experience which shows both!

How to Create and Send a Global Message

Let's start with a simpler setup, like telling five cubes to change their color.

1. Add one cube to a scene and open its Events tab.
2. Add a new Event and select the Interaction Start menu to see all available events.
3. Select the [+] button next to Global Messages.

4. In the new window, name the new global message according to the task you want it to complete, like ChangeColor.

5. Complete the event on the Cube to set its color when receiving the global message.

6. Duplicate the cube several times around the scene.
7. Add a new object, like a cylinder, to be a button that sends the global message to each cube when clicked.

8. Or use a Broadcast event to send it to all objects in the scene.

9. Play the Viewer and try it out!

The main difference between that simple demo, and telling zombies to chase the player or torches to ignite/extinguish is the events on the objects receiving the global message. What can you do with them?