Get on the fast track to creating computer games Ever want to develop your own computer game? Learn the practical concepts of object-oriented programming for game design using Python(r) in this easy-to-follow, content-filled guide. Whether you’re a student, aspiring game developer, or veteran programmer, you’ll gain skills as you progress from station to station in a series of clear-cut tutorials on different styles of games. The last stop will be a finished game program for you…
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Get the scoop on DirectDraw, DirectInput physics modeling, and more! The one book you need to begin building your own games Game programming is a challenge – even if you’re a veteran C/C++ programmer. This friendly guide by a legendary game developer delivers just what you need to get started on 2D games. Now revised to cover the latest DirectX and Windows releases, it shows you step by step how to tackle everything from graphics and sound to input and installation – even gam…
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Learn to program fun and challenging games using Silverlight, a rich, web-based application that is ideal for rapid, casual game development. Game Programming with Silverlight shows anyone interested in game design and development how to build web-based games using any of the major operating systems and browsers. This comprehensive guide walks readers through every feature of Silverlight used in game creation. You?ll get an introduction to Silverlight 3 and all of its cool feature…
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IF EVIL’S YOUR NAME, THEN THESE ARE YOUR GAMES! Always wanted to be a genius game creator? This Evil Genius guide goes far beyond a typical programming class or text to reveal insider tips for breaking the rules and constructing wickedly fun games that you can tweak and customize to suit your needs! In Programming Video Games for the Evil Genius, programming wunderkind Ian Cinnamon gives you everything you need to create and control 57 gaming projects. You’ll find…
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What is it that sets games apart from other forms of entertainment, keeping players coming back for more? Interactivity. The ability to control the outcome. Programming is an integral part of that interactivity, and C++ is a vital skill in programming for games. Beginning C++ through Game Programming, Second Edition will provide you with the core skills you need to begin programming with C++ specifically as it relates to games. You’ll reinforce each new skill by creating small game…
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The Game Makers Apprentice shows you how to create nine exciting games using the wildly popular Game Maker game creation tool. This book covers a range of genres, including action, adventure, and puzzle games complete with professional quality sound effects and visuals. It discusses game design theory and features practical examples of how this can be applied to making games that are more fun to play. Game Maker allows games to be created using a simple drag-and-drop interface,…
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Programming Game AI by Example provides a comprehensive and practical introduction to the bread and butter AI techniques used by the game development industry, leading the reader through the process of designing, programming, and implementing intelligent agents for action games using the C++ programming language. Techniques covered include state- and goal-based behavior, inter-agent communication, individual and group steering behaviors, team AI, graph theory, search, path planning…
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Gary Rosenzweig’s ActionScript 3.0 Game Programming University shows you how  to use ActionScript, the programming language behind Flash CS3 Professional. The lessons teach you all the basics of ActionScript programming through game examples, but the code can be easily adapted to non-game-oriented projects, such as web training and advertising. Written by a real-world Flash developer, this book presents you with the source code of 16 complete games and lays the foundation for y…
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For the programmer who is looking to expand his options, books on programming are the most successful way to go. Technical book stores have lists of popular programming books that can help with the technical issues.
The three most popular and best reviewed books are: “Game Programming Gems;” “World of Warcraft Programming,” and “The Game Maker’s Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners.”
I decided to check out “The Game Maker’s Apprentice” first. First impressions with this book were good. This manual uses illustrations and easy to understand explanations which allow anyone and everyone interested in game programming to be able to participate. The great thing about The Game Maker’s Apprentice is that it shows you how to create games using the Game Maker game creation tool. Game Maker is a hit for beginning game programmers because you can create a game through use of the Game Maker tool without having any prior coding experience. Coding, which can be difficult for some new programmers is completely eliminated in this manual and instead uses a very easy drag and drop interface.
Continuing on my quest for a great programming book I kept coming across comments pointing toward “Game Programming Gems”. This is a series is more geared towards the working Visual c/C++ game programmer. It is much more technically written and less user friendly. As far as getting the job done it does just that, with over 60 programming tips from experts in the field. Many programming sites list it as their number one programming guide. I would definitely recommend this to someone seriously diving in and missing the time they spend during the school year with text books. This is not a light and fluffy read but you will not regret it. Over twenty other books cite this book. That shows what a great comprehensive series this really is. The topics covered in this book are numerous but really seem to be in touch with exactly what a programmer needs. I especially found it helpful with lighting calculations and curved surfaces, two areas that I have always struggled with. For whatever area is holding you back in your game development this really is the best book for you.
“World of Warcraft Programming: A Guide and Reference for Creating Wow Addons”, who doesn’t love World of Warcraft. I would have to say for myself it really is the game that got me interested in programming. I love any opportunity to develop World of Warcraft which is why I really like this book. This again is a great book for any level of programmer. It is designed to fit the needs of every skill level and I feel does a great job at that.