Behaviour Tree Exporter

Python script written in order to facilitate the creation of complex behaviour trees visually in Draw.io (exported in .xml-format) and export them into ready-to-use C++ code. Developed alongside Untitled Gnome Gname and used by our level designers to design the AI behaviour of the trolls.

• The design side: Using the free-to-use program Draw.io, the designer creates a Behaviour Tree using nodes and edges (for more info on Behaviour Trees: Behaviour Tree Specialisation). The designer is limited to a set of standard nodes such as Sequencers, Selectors, Inverters, Repeaters etc. but can also add completely custom Leaf nodes (for instance "Open Door", "Fire at Target" etc.) as long as they follow the set naming standard of course. When satisfied, the designer then saves the tree and runs the exporter (a single .exe-file).

• The Python side: The script itself opens up a console asking for file name and where to export the tree. The designer provides this and the script opens the .xml-file. It reads it and for each row checks wheather it can be translated to C++ or not. If not, that row is simply discarded but if it is recognized, a corresponding row is written to a .hpp-file (see the picture on the right). So in essence, we convert a cluttered .xml-file into a neat and tidy .hpp-file.

• The C++ side: Using my previously created Behaviour Tree, the AI System in our game simply initiates the tree by calling Init() on the macro which represents the entire tree (see the picture on the right). The AI System then updates this macro and often as desired (depending on how often the AI should update for instance) by calling the previously mentioned macro. All standard nodes are already implemented such as Composite nodes and Decorators but if the designers has added any custom Leaves, these show up as errors in the .hpp-file until they have been implemented as well.

This results in the two unique troll behaviours in the game: the troll dad, Torbjorn and the troll child, Sandra. As the player progresses in the story, different Behaviour Trees are unlocked and used in order to match.