To even try to keep pace with the rapid evolution of game development,
you need a strong foundation in core programming techniques-not a hefty
volume on one narrow topic or one that devotes itself to API-specific
implementations. Finally, there’s a guide that delivers! As a professor
at the Spanish university that offered that country’s first master’s
degree in video game creation, author Daniel Sanchez-Crespo
recognizes that there’s a core programming curriculum every game
designer should be well versed in-and he’s outlined it in these pages!
By focusing on time-tested coding techniques-and providing code samples
that use C++, and the OpenGL and DirectX APIs-Daniel has
produced a guide whose shelf life will extend long beyond the latest
industry trend. Code design, data structures, design patterns, AI,
scripting engines, 3D pipelines, texture mapping, and more: They’re all
covered here-in clear, coherent fashion and with a focus on the
essentials that will have you referring back to this volume for years
to come.

If you thought Angelina Jolie was responsible for Lara Croft’s
curves, think again! Long before the Hollywood actress brought the Tomb
Raider heroine to life, Alias’ 3D modeling software Maya was used to
create the lovely Lara; Ms. Jolie simply filled in her curves! When
you’re ready to start creating equally compelling characters of your
own, you need this comprehensive volume! In these pages,
gaming-industry veteran Antony Ward uses a combination of informative
narrative, hands-on tutorials, and a slew of illustrations and screen
shots to show you how to use Maya to address the most complex element
of game creation-developing great characters! As you follow along,
Antony uses the development of two diverse characters-a female figure
and a fantastical character with outrageous proportions, wings, and a
demon-like face-to demonstrate the techniques involved in modeling
detailing, optimizing, texturing, rigging, binding, and animating
characters with Maya. The companion CD includes lesson files, scripts,
an automatic rigging tool, demo software, and more!

Learn the essential skills needed to demystify game programming and
harness the power of Windows� and DirectX�. “Beginning Game
Programming” teaches you everything you need to know to write 2D and 3D
games with C and DirectX 9 without any complex mathematics. Ease your
way into this exciting new world by learning to write simple Windows
programs, and then tap into the power of Direct3D! Each chapter teaches
important new skills (such as basic 3D programming with vertices,
polygons, and textures), culminating in a simple DirectX game
library?great for your own game projects! Learn the basics of 3D
modeling with the Anim8or modeling program and then learn how to load
and use 3D models in your own games. The complete game project in this
book runs in fullscreen or windowed mode, and features mouse support,
sound effects, 3D models, texture-based sprites, and 3D collision
detection. Brace yourself for an exciting introduction to game
programming!

Get ready to conquer the basics of building a strong level or mod for
your games. “Beginning Game Level Design” covers everything from
putting your ideas down on paper, to creating spaces and architecture,
through placing units and scripting their behavior. You?ll cover each
important area of expertise that goes into creating a great level. As
you cover each new topic, use the end-of-chapter projects to test your
newfound skills. “Beginning Game Level Design” gives you a step-by-step
look into the tasks a successful designer goes through in order to
create levels that keep players coming back for more.

No matter how exciting the game and how realistic the visual effects,
without catchy audio in the background it�s obvious that something is
missing. New developments in technology enable you to do things with
audio that weren�t possible before, but they also make it necessary to
find a guide that walks you through the technical hurdles. “Beginning
Game Audio Programming” covers the challenges that you will face as you
create sound effects and music for your games and gives you the
information you need to face these challenges head-on. You�ll learn how
to compose dynamic music and program 3D sound. There�s even coverage of
using DirectPlay Voice for real- time voice chat in your games! If you
are comfortable with C++ and DirectX, then you�re ready to dive into
the exciting world of audio with “Beginning Game Audio Programming”.