Platform-Specific Programming, Game Programming, Windows/Windows 95 & 98

Tricks of the Windows game programming gurus

Name: Tricks of the Windows game programming gurus
Author: Andre LaMothe
ISBN: 9780672313615

by Andre LaMothe

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Overview

Newly updated to include full coverage of 16-bit high-color modes and much more, this volume takes you through Win32 programming, covering all the major components of DirectX, including DirectDraw, DirectSound, DirectInput (including Force Feedback), and DirectMusic. Then you dive off the deep end with 2D graphics and rasterization techniques. Once that's under your belt, get ready for the most intense coverage of game algorithms, multithreaded programming, text games and parsing, artificial intelligence (including fuzzy logic, neural nets, and genetic algorithms), and physics modeling you have ever seen in a game book. On the CDs are two more online digital books covering General 3D graphics and algorithms, along with solid coverage of Direct3D Immediate mode. And if that's not enough, there are numerous articles contained on the CDs by other contributing authors covering a plethora of game programming topics.

About the Author, Andre LaMothe

Andrè LaMothe (a.k.a. Lord Necron) has been programming for over 24 years and holds degrees in mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering. He has written numerous articles on the subjects of graphics, game programming, and artificial intelligence. He is the author of Tricks of the Game Programming Gurus, Sams Teach Yourself Game Programming in 21 Days, The Game Programming Starter Kit, The Black Art of 3D Game Programming, and Windows Game Programming for Dummies, all bestsellers. In addition, he coauthored Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar I and II. Mr. LaMothe has also taught at the University of Santa Cruz Extension Multimedia Department.

Last, but not least, Andrè is the founder and CEO of Xtreme Games LLC (www.xgames3d.com) and the Xtreme Games Developers Conference (www.xgdc.com). He can be reached at [email protected].

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Andre LaMothe’s been a legend among game programmers since the DOS ages. His Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus, Second Edition is a rollercoaster of a book. First, you slowly edge your way up to the top, reviewing the fundamentals of Windows programming as the anticipation builds...then, instantaneously, you start a wild ride that doesn’t stop for more than 1,000 pages, when -- breathless -- you look back and realize you’ve covered the most intense terrain of your programming life.

The book’s definitive coverage of DirectX includes everything from simple DirectDraw interfaces to vector rasterization; 2D transformations; force feedback controls via DirectInput; MIDI; and a whole lot more. Then it’s on to hardcore stuff: advanced gaming algorithms; optimization theory; data structures; memory management; and multithreading.

LaMothe surveys today’s most powerful AI game development techniques, from pathfinding to collision avoidance, genetic algorithms to fuzzy logic. There’s a full chapter on physics modeling for more realistic collisions, bounces, acceleration, trajectories, friction, and gravity effects. Finally, you wrap up with a complete case study that takes you from initial design to runtime files. What a ride! Bill Camarda

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.