Overview
Based on the curriculum guidelines of the IGDA, Introduction to Game Development is the first book to survey all aspects of the theory and practice of game development, design, and production. The book, which might be used as a text for introductory courses or as a comprehensive reference for game developers and designers, is divided into seven independent parts: Critical Game Studies, Game Design, Game Programming (Languages and Architecture), Game Programming (Mathematics, Collision Detection, and Physics), Game Programming (Graphics, Animation, Artificial Intelligence, Audio, and Networking), Audio Visual Design and Production, and Game Production and the Business of Games. Twenty-seven of the leading game developers, programmers, and designers have contributed chapters that discuss state of the art principles and techniques from the game development industry. The accompanying CD-ROM covers tutorials, animations, images, demos, source code, and Microsoft® PowerPoint lecture slides that reinforce the concepts presented in the book. This is a must-have resource for anyone looking to understand the entire game development process.
Synopsis
Based on the curriculum guidelines of the IGDA, Introduction to Game Development is the first book to survey all aspects of the theory and practice of game development and design. The book, which might be used as a textbook for an introductory course, or for newcomers to the game development arena, is divided into several independent parts, including game programming, game production/design, and the business of game development. Selected topics include discussions of basic programming in C++ and Java(tm), visual design, culture and society, mathematics, physics, artificial intelligence, business, level design, game genre, sound, and many more. The accompanying CD-ROM covers tutorials, animations, images, demos, source code, and Microsoft PowerPoint lecture slides to reinforce the concepts presented in the book. Each chapter has been written by leading game developers in their respective areas. This is a must-have resource for anyone looking to understand the entire game development process.
KEY TOPICS
Critical Game Studies: The History of Video Games; Game Studies (Ludology); Games and Society
Game Design: Conceptual Game Play; Play Mechanics; Ideas; Game Theory; Abstract Design Elements; Psychological Design Considerations; Interface Design; Gender Inclusive Design; Practical Game Design; Spatial Design; Task Design; Design Integration; Control Schemes; Training; Play Testing; Player Analysis; Design Implications of Platform Choice
Game Programming: The Process of Game Programming; Practical Game Programming Issues; Programming Fundamentals; Math and Physics; Artificial Intelligence; Graphics and Animation; Audio Programming; Network Programming
Visual Design and Production: Graphics Design; User Interface Design; 3D Modeling; 2D Textures and Texture Mapping; Animation; Cinematography in Games; 3D Environments; Lighting and Shadows; Surface Effects
Audio Design and Production: Audio Design; Skills; Fundamentals; Interactive Audio; Sound Effects; Music; 3D Audio
Game Production and Management: Team Make-up; Phases of Game Development; Group Dynamics; Design Documentation; Scheduling; Quality Assurance; Coordinating Efforts; Product Post Mortems
The Business of Games: Business of Gaming; The Publisher-Developer Relationship; Marketing; Intellectual Property; Content Regulation
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewBy 2008, the video game industry will soar past $55 billion. If you want to work your way into the industry, it’s not enough to be a programmer or an artist: You should understand the entire game development process and where your skills fit into it. Where can you find comprehensive, trustworthy, up-to-date information about every facet of game development and every area of the industry? Here.
Introduction to Game Development brings together the insights of 25 leading game industry professionals: experts in everything from C++ to collision detection to marketing and law. Each expert was asked to present their area of expertise in all the detail they felt necessary. The result is one big, remarkably meaty book.
You’ll start with some perspective: How did the industry get where it is? Why, exactly, do people play video games? (“Because it’s fun” is not a sufficient answer.) Speaking of which: What exactly is fun, and how do game developers deliver it? Next, you’ll learn the language of game design: how to think about play mechanics, interfaces, constraints, and game psychology.
There are 450 pages on programming and the constellation of tasks surrounding it. That includes development processes, software architecture, math and physics, graphics and animation, artificial intelligence, even network and multiplayer programming. You’ll also find a full section on A/V design and production: everything from 3D modeling and environments to cinematography. Last but most assuredly not least, there’s systematic coverage of business issues: publisher/developer relationships, marketing, intellectual property law, even content ratings. You’ll be hard pressed to find something that isn’t covered thoroughly and well in this book. Bill Camarda, from the July 2005 Read Only