Variables

State Machine and Runner Variables

State Machine 2 introduces two types of variables that integrate with Game Creator 2's visual scripting system.

All variables can be created from the State Machine Asset, State Machine Runner, or the Blackboard in the Graph Editor.

Variable Types

Type	Scope	Use Case
State Machine Variables	Asset-level (global)	Shared state across all runners
Runner Variables	Instance-level (per runner)	Unique state per GameObject

State Machine Variables

These variables are stored in the State Machine Asset itself. All runners using the same asset share these values.

State Machine Variables in the Blackboard

Use Cases

• Global game settings

• Shared configuration values

• Default values for all instances

Behavior

• Changes affect all runners using the asset

• Values persist between play sessions (stored in asset)

• Reset when asset is reimported

Be careful when modifying State Machine Variables during runtime - changes will affect all active runners.

State Machine Runner Variables

These variables are instance-specific. Each runner maintains its own copy with independent values.

Runner Variables in the Inspector

Use Cases

• Character-specific state (health, mana, ammo)

• Individual object behavior

• Per-instance configuration

Behavior

• Each runner has independent values

• Values are initialized from the State Machine Asset

• Changes don't affect other runners

Creating Variables

From the Blackboard

1. Open the Graph Editor

2. Click + in the Blackboard panel

3. Choose the variable type

4. Name your variable

From the Inspector

1. Select the State Machine Asset or Runner

2. Expand the Variables section

3. Click Add Variable

4. Configure the variable type and name

Supported Types

Type	Description
Bool	True/false values
Integer	Whole numbers
Float	Decimal numbers
String	Text values
Color	RGBA color values
Vector2	2D coordinates
Vector3	3D coordinates/positions
GameObject	Reference to a GameObject
Sprite	Reference to a Sprite
Texture	Reference to a Texture
Material	Reference to a Material
Animation Clip	Reference to an Animation Clip
Audio Clip	Reference to an Audio Clip
Game Object List	List of GameObjects

Using Variables in Nodes

Variables can be accessed directly in node properties:

1. Click on a property field

2. Select Variables → State Machine or Variables → Runner

3. Choose the variable

Accessing Variables via Visual Scripting

Use the Properties system to read and write variables from any Game Creator 2 instruction or condition.

Network Synchronization

When using multiplayer modules (Fusion or Photon):

1. Select a variable in the Blackboard

2. Enable Network Sync

3. The variable value syncs across all clients

Only Runner Variables can be synced per-instance. State Machine Variables sync globally.

Best Practices

Use Runner Variables for Gameplay

Most gameplay values should be Runner Variables:

• Health, mana, stamina

• Inventory counts

• Quest progress

• Character state

Use Asset Variables for Defaults

Asset Variables work well for:

• Default configuration

• Shared constants

• Initial values (copied to runners)

Name Consistently

Use clear, descriptive names:

• PlayerHealth (good)

• h (bad)

• EnemyChaseSpeed (good)

• speed (ambiguous)