July 2006 | PDF Format | 80 Pages

In Unit Operations, Ian Bogost argues that similar principles underlie both literary theory and computation, proposing a literary-technical theory that can be used to analyze particular videogames. Moreover, this approach can be applied beyond videogames: Bogost suggests that any medium–from videogames to poetry, literature, cinema, or art–can be read as a configurative system of discrete, interlocking units of meaning, and he illustrates this method of analysis with examples from all these fields. The marriage of literary theory and information technology, he argues, will help humanists take technology more seriously and hep technologists better understand software and videogames as cultural artifacts. This approach is especially useful for the comparative analysis of digital and nondigital artifacts and allows scholars from other fields who are interested in studying videogames to avoid the esoteric isolation of “game studies.”

OpenGL® Shading Language, Second Edition, extensively updated for OpenGL 2.0, is the experienced application programmer’s guide to writing shaders. Part reference, part tutorial, this book thoroughly explains the shift from fixed-functionality graphics hardware to the new era of programmable graphics hardware and the additions to the OpenGL API that support this programmability. With OpenGL and shaders written in the OpenGL Shading Language, applications can perform better, achieving stunning graphics effects by using the capabilities of both the visual processing unit and the central processing unit.

Do you love video games? Ever wondered if you could create one of your own, with all the bells and whistles? It’s not as complicated as you’d think, and you don’t need to be a math whiz or a programming genius to do it. In fact, everything you need to create your first game, “Invasion of the Slugwroths,” is included in this book and CD-ROM.

Author David Conger starts at square one, introducing the tools of the trade and all the basic concepts for getting started programming with C++, the language that powers most current commercial games. Plus, he’s put a wealth of top-notch (and free) tools on the CD-ROM, including the Dev-C++ compiler, linker, and debugger–and his own LlamaWorks2D game engine. Step-by-step instructions and ample illustrations take you through game program structure, integrating sound and music into games, floating-point math, C++ arrays, and much more. Using the sample programs and the source code to run them, you can follow along as you learn.

Bio: David Conger has been programming professionally for over 23 years. Along with countless custom business applications, he has written several PC and online games. Conger also worked on graphics firmware for military aircraft, and taught computer science at the university level for four years. Conger has written numerous books on C, C++, and other computer-related topics. He lives in western Washington State and has also published a collection of Indian folk tales.

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Master the craft of game design so you can create that elusive
combination of challenge, competition, and interaction that players
seek. This design workshop begins with an examination of the
fundamental elements of game design; then puts you to work in
prototyping, playtesting, and redesigning your own games with exercises
that teach essential design skills. Workshop exercises require no
background in programming or artwork, releasing you from the
intricacies of electronic game production, so you can develop a working
understanding of the essentials of game design.

The
ideas and exercises in this Game Design Workshop answer the questions
asked by every aspiring game designer: How do I learn to design games?
What skills do I need to become a professional game designer? Game
design is demystified with a clear, accessible analysis of the formal
and dramatic systems of game design. Examples, illustrations, and
exercises strengthen your understanding of what makes game systems
function; and teach you the skills and tools that you need to create a
compelling game.

Refined over a number of years, this workshop
curriculum has provided the foundation for hundreds of careers in all
areas of the game industry including game design, producing,
programming, visual design, quality assurance, and marketing. This
guide to the language and business of game design will help anyone
pursuing a career in the industry.

Have you ever seen players? eyes light up as they explore the worlds that you?ve created in your games? If you have, then game development probably has you hooked firmly in its grasp! If you?ve never taken your games beyond the PC, now’s the time! “J2ME Game Programming” is a hands-on guide that teaches you how to create games for micro-devices. You?ll be amazed at just how cool the games you create can look and play. Focusing primarily on mobile phone game creation, you?ll jump right in and create your own games as you work your way through the book. The thought has surely crossed your mind that it would be nice to make some money off of this cool hobby of yours. J2ME offers real opportunity to profit from your games. Learn how you can earn revenue from your games by taking them to market. If you have a basic understanding of Java, then you?re ready to explore all that “J2ME Game Programming” has to offer!

Game Testing All in One” reveals how to apply software test engineer
methodologies to the game industry. It examines several game genres,
detailing the product cycle and testing fundamentals specific to each.
Master testing techniques as you work through a set of tutorials on
four methodologies for producing tests for your game. Learn how to
quickly produce useful test documents, capture important data, and
analyze measurements. “Game Testing All in One” outlines the roles and
responsibilities of a game tester, offering an in-depth look at the
responsibilities of each member of the game team. You’ll even get tips
for finding employment in the industry as a game tester.

Introduction to 3D Game Engine Design Using DirectX 9 and C#
will illustrate the process of creating a simple 3D game engine. During
this process, many facets of the DirectX 9 software will be
demonstrated. The C# language is used to show the power of developing a
game using a Rapid Application Development (RAD) language. In the
course of the book, readers will learn to develop an off-road driving
game that brings such features as management of large scenes,
environmental effects, and physics into play.