GraphObject

A GraphObject is a reusable ScriptableObject that defines combat and gameplay logic using a node-based graph.

You can create a GraphObject by right-clicking in the Project Window:

• Create > SoftKitty > Node Graph Object

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What Is a GraphObject?

A GraphObject is a design-time asset. It stores node data and connections, but it does not execute logic by itself.

Think of a GraphObject as a blueprint:

• It defines how logic should work

• It contains nodes, connections, and configuration

• It can be reused across multiple systems and entities

• It requires a runtime executor (such as CombatDamage or OverTimeEffectInstance) to run

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Typical Use Cases

GraphObjects can be used to define:

• Damage Graphs

• Buff / Debuff Graphs

• Damage Over Time (DoT) Graphs

• Attribute Modification Graphs

• Conditional Logic Graphs

The same GraphObject can be shared across:

• Multiple weapons

• Multiple skills

• Multiple entities

• Multiple gameplay systems

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Design-Time vs Runtime

Aspect	GraphObject
Asset Type	ScriptableObject
Purpose	Define logic
Execution	❌ Does not execute
Reusability	✅ Highly reusable
Runtime Data	❌ None

At runtime, a GraphInstance is connected with a GraphObject. The GraphInstance handles:

• Runtime state
• Cached values
• Entity references
• Execution flow

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Inspector Behavior

When a GraphObject is selected in the Project Window, the Inspector displays:

• Graph Summary (from Sticky Notes marked as summary)

• Node statistics

• Dynamic Variable list

• Detailed node configuration

This allows designers to understand a graph’s purpose without opening the visual editor.

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Graph Editor

When you double-click a GraphObject:

• The Visual Graph Editor opens

• All nodes, connections, and groups become editable

• Changes are saved directly to the GraphObject asset

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Share Graph with Community

Master Combat Core allows you to easily share Graphs created by developers with the community using a built-in export workflow.

A shared Graph is packaged together with all required data, making it safe and easy for others to import and use without missing dependencies.

How to Share a Graph

1. Select the GraphObject you want to share in the Project window.

2. In the Inspector, click the Share With Community button.

3. Choose a folder where the package file should be saved.

4. The system will automatically:

   • Analyze the selected GraphObject

   • Collect all associated data assets (such as AttributeObject and OverTimeEffectObject)

   • Package everything together with the Graph into a single .unitypackage file

Once exported, the Graph can be shared with other developers and imported into any project using Master Combat Core.

Why Use This?

• No manual dependency tracking

• Preserves asset references and IDs

• One-click import for recipients

• Ideal for community sharing, tutorials, and sample Graphs

This makes GraphObjects truly reusable, portable, and community-friendly.

Share on Community (GitHub Discussions)

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Key Takeaways

• GraphObject = logic definition

• GraphInstance = logic execution

• One GraphObject can power many gameplay systems

• Clear separation of design and runtime logic

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