ScriptableObjects

ScriptableObjects

A ScriptableObject is a data container that you can use to save large amounts of shared data, independent of GameObject instances.

ScriptableObjects vs MonoBehaviours

• MonoBehaviour: Attached to GameObjects. Every instance in the scene copies all variables, consuming duplicate memory.
• ScriptableObject: Stored as an asset file in your project. Multiple GameObjects can reference a single ScriptableObject asset, sharing its data.

Declaring a ScriptableObject

Inherit from ScriptableObject instead of MonoBehaviour:

using UnityEngine;

[CreateAssetMenu(fileName = "NewItemData", menuName = "Inventory/Item Data")]
public class ItemData : ScriptableObject
{
    public string itemName;
    public Sprite icon;
    public int goldValue;
}

The [CreateAssetMenu] attribute allows you to create instances of this data file directly in the Project Window by right-clicking and selecting Create -> Inventory -> Item Data.

Practical Uses

• Weapon/Item Stats: Configuring bullet damage, speed, and fire rates.
• Game Configurations: Storing level data or difficulty settings.
• Pluggable AI States: Storing modular AI behaviors.

TL;DR

• ScriptableObjects are assets that store configuration or shared data.
• They do not attach to GameObjects, which saves scene memory.
• Use the CreateAssetMenu attribute to create data assets in the Project window.
• Multiple GameObjects can reference a single ScriptableObject asset.