Game Programming: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: (USA) Mike McShaffry
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: A master's heartfelt contribution, a comprehensive portrayal of the commercial-grade computer game development process! As the lead programmer at Origin Systems (developer of the Wing Commander and Ultima series) and a key programmer at Microsoft, Mike McShaffry starts from here and shows you how to create and write great interactive games. This book is filled with numerous tips and code examples, coupled with extensive discussions on key non-code factors, making it the ultimate guide to crafting beautiful, bug-free, high-quality game code that can pass the scrutiny of top game publishers like Electronic Arts and Microsoft. It covers all critical aspects of game development, including programming, teamwork, designing appropriate game architecture, code optimization, and more. It also includes a wealth of secret techniques and tricks used by programmers who honed their skills on cutting-edge game projects like Ultima Online. All specific programming concepts are introduced using C++. This book is destined to become a classic in every game developer's hands!
With his unique insights into the gaming industry, the author explores every facet of game development. From how the gaming industry works to the diverse people within it; from intricate techniques and algorithms to the structure and architecture of games; from debugging skills to creating milestones and managing project progress. The book is divided into four parts with 15 chapters: Part "Game Programming Fundamentals" introduces the main components of games and how they interact, showcasing some essential tools in the game programming toolbox; Part "Making the Game Run" presents a rich, content-filled game code example, including user interface code, 2D graphics code, and the main loop; Part "Building Your Game" delves into more complex code, such as 3D code, special Windows game code, and some excellent debug tools; Part "Professional Game Development" demonstrates the actual process of developing a game, from scheduling to testing to the final delivery. Whether you're a game project manager, a game programmer, or an avid enthusiast with a passion for gaming, this book will provide invaluable insights.