Game Programming Ebook

[new-b]

I want to learn game programming
but, i confuse to choose nice ebook for learn it.

what is the best ebook for learn game programming?
and,what is the best language for learn game programming?

[valaris]

This is a C forum of course, but since your question makes it seem as if you don't know how to program and the fact that you sound quite interested in picking up a kit to write something fun "quickly" then I would check out DarkBASIC - Home.

You could also look into C# and XNA as it is quite friendly to use with a pretty decent community.

Finally you could move onto c++ and opengl/directx.

[new-b]

@valaris:thanks for your advice.

but, if i want learn game programming from C or C++, where must i start?
is there any good ebook about it?

[MK27]

is there any good ebook about it?

If you mean for free, I doubt it. But new game programming books come out a few times a month. If you can order thru Amazon, you should be able to take your pick of used titles for < $20 US.

[new-b]

@MK27

thanks or your information.
but, can you give some titles of game prrogramming book that is good for beginner?
thanks.

[MK27]

@MK27

thanks or your information.
but, can you give some titles of game prrogramming book that is good for beginner?
thanks.

I actually don't have much interest in it, but I dabble in 3D stuff. A few months ago I ordered a bunch of programming books from Amazon and tacked on a used "Game AI" book for like $7, out of curiosity.

Amazon keeps a record of your purchases so they can send you little promos. Evidently the other topics in which I was interested do not see a lot of new releases, but every week now I get something like this

Amazon.com recommends "The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design" and more

Which leads me to believe that is a booming market and no one is giving the stuff away.

I did have a book out from the library, "Mathematics for Game Developers" by Christopher Tremblay, which seemed very good if you need help with the math concepts used. IMO that is the hardest part, so if you find enough general tutorials on-line but struggle with the complicated mathematical stuff, think about that. However, that book did not really deal with programming details, so if you need something that demonstrates syntax, keep that in mind and choose something that deals specifically with the language, etc. you are working with.

Also, it depends what you mean by "game". If you are just learning programming, IMO focussing on games is fine as long as you are not hell bent on graphical stuff. In other words, think about games like tick tac toe or hangman, where you play against the computer. A significant aspect of "game logic" -- even the game logic in high end 3D stuff -- has nothing to do with graphics, and will be a better introduction to general programming logic and concepts.

But if you really want to do graphical stuff, pick an API (directX, SDL, etc.) and start learning to do basic "non-game" stuff in that (eg, my spinning cube avatar is not a game). Just, that will still be very very hard if you have not done much other programming first.

Anyway, as I said there are *tons* of game programming books around, but choose carefully. And good luck.

[BuzzBuzz]

If you're looking to learn C++ and get an idea about game programming then consider "Beginning C++ Game Programming" by Michael Dawson. It teaches you the basics of C++ by text game examples (no graphics).

If you find the normal academic approaches to teaching in most books difficult to associate with what you want to do then this book will serve you well.

Once you've mastered the lessons in it you can move onto more advanced concepts including graphics.

[new-b]

thanks all for your information.

it helped me so much.
i think i will read "Beginning C++ game programming" first.

[medievalelks]

Why not search amazon.com for "game programming" and read all of the reviews?

[MK27]

Why not search amazon.com for "game programming" and read all of the reviews?

Yes, then in the afternoon you can tackle War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy.

I bet that "Beginning C++ Game Programming" is a good one; I was looking thru the online contents and it appears to be just what buzzbuzz sez. Plus you can get it for <$10 used.