TikTok project overview video
My roles:
I was responsible for everything related to the game itself, including:
- Integration of Tommy ORTIGOSA’s 3D assets into Unreal Engine
- Lighting (baking and synchronized lightshows using virtual DMX controlled light fixtures)
- Shader development
- Full sound integration / programming using FMOD Audio Middleware
- Optimization, game logic, VR support
- Community management (trailers, TikTok, Itch.io, Youtube...)
- Additional 3D modeling and scene completion
- Project coordination / R&D etc...
- Lighting (baking and synchronized lightshows using virtual DMX controlled light fixtures)
- Shader development
- Full sound integration / programming using FMOD Audio Middleware
- Optimization, game logic, VR support
- Community management (trailers, TikTok, Itch.io, Youtube...)
- Additional 3D modeling and scene completion
- Project coordination / R&D etc...
Overview of the project:
Ride experience
Each train has it's own programmed lightshow
Soundtracker 1 (Green)
Soundtracker 2 (Purple)
Soundtracker 4 (Red)
Soundtracker 3 (Multicolor)
Soundtracker 5 (Blue)
Queue / Preshow:
Exterior (Backlot):
Optimised lighting scenarios:
To ensure optimal performance, all exterior and static lighting was fully baked.
Additionally, the game dynamically adjusts the lighting based on your real-world system time, automatically displaying morning, noon, or night depending on when you launch the experience.
Constant updates:
This project is actively updated, you can see below some updates trailers showcasing the revamp of the VR Built-in support as well as other improvements.
Technical showcase:
Adaptive Audio using FMOD
One of the core technical challenges was recreating the ride’s dynamic audio system. Instead of using pre-mixed tracks, I built a fully responsive sound setup that reacts to the train’s position and state in real time just like the original hardware-controlled system.
This allowed me to sync onboard music, with precision. I made use of different effects to fake the human hear (moving your head from left to right or closer / further from a speaker)
DMX Hybrid Dynamic Lighting
I am using Unreal Engine’s built-in DMX plugin, combined with some custom code I wrote. This lets me control lighting behavior based on which soundtrack (train) is running, each one can trigger unique colors and effects, synced to the music, this was crucial to recreate the show of the ride accurately.
Some lights are animated using Sequencer + DMX fixtures, while others are driven with logic-based code and flash effects I built by hand (like the green/blue washes or randomized strobe bursts). For areas where DMX performance isn’t ideal, I’ve created an optimized fallback shader to simulate volumetric lighting efficiently in addition to the Unreal Engine DMX volumetric shader.
There is approximately 270 moving light fixtures, so optimisation was really a challenge!
Conclusion:
This project was an incredible experience to lead and develop. It taught me a great deal about how ride shows are built and operate and, more importantly, how to translate that complexity into a digital and virtual space using a set of tools. (Unreal Engine, Epic Game's DMX Plugin, FMOD for Adaptive audio system...)
You can explore more on the Itch.io page by searching for "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster TRIBUTE", or check out the original launch trailer on YouTube (the link in the description links to the game page).
See more / Download / Links:
DISCLAIMER
This project is a fan-made digital recreation (As form of a Tribute) and is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by The Walt Disney Company, Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Imagineering, or any related entities.
The original Rock 'n' Roller Coaster concept, design, and theming remain the exclusive intellectual property of Walt Disney Imagineering.
This Unreal Engine project is an independent recreation that does not claim ownership over any of Disney’s creative elements.
Me, Raphaël PANICO & Tommy ORTIGOSA own full rights over the following elements:
Technical Development: All programming, code, game mechanics, and VR integration.
3D Models & Assets: All models, structures, and objects designed specifically for this project (except those attributed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0).
Textures: Custom-created textures. Some textures were redesigned from Disney’s original elements to fit this experience while maintaining their artistic style.
Audio Design & Mixing: All custom sound effects, ambiance, and reworked audio used in the game. Some sound effects remain the property of Disney but were remixed and reimplemented to match this project’s requirements.
