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Overview
The multimedia and computer-games industry has exploded in recent years. Games have gotten incredibly sophisticated—and incredibly entertaining. The programs used to create them have improved also, to the point that you don’t necessarily have to be a nerd deluxe to do it yourself. Even so, game programming can be challenging—even if you’re a veteran C/C++ programmer and licensed technogeek. Challenging, sure…but also incredibly cool.Using DirectX—the latest and greatest technology for making games on PCs—Windows Game Programming For Dummies will help you write just about any 2D game you can conjure. Now updated to cover new DirectX and Windows releases, your friendly yellow-and-black companion will show you:
- The basics of video game design
- The nuts and bolts of Windows programming
- How to work with DirectX—and play with DirectDraw
- How to make a real game, with an actual, step-by-step example
- How to market your mind-blowing new creation
- The ten biggest mistakes made by game programmers—and how to avoid them
From graphics to sound to input and installation, legendary game developer and Xtreme Games CEO André LaMothe takes you right into the guts of the game—in an entertaining style that won’t send you retreating to the nearest joystick. André’s witty, he’s tons of fun, and before you know it he’ll have you up to speed on:
- Setting up your game programming workstation
- Getting into DirectDraw: animation techniques, bitmaps, color keying, and more
- Adding Direct X subsystems such as DirectSound, DirectInput, and AutoPlay
- Getting your hands dirty by making a real game
- The physics of asteroids and other flying objects: time, velocity, force, and all that
- Game programming websites, downloads, 3D engines, usenet groups, and more!
Synopsis
Interested in developing your own game software, but have no idea where to begin? Windows Game Programming For Dummies takes you straight from mystery to mastery! Based on the latest DirectX technology from Microsoft, the steps and procedures outlined by André LaMothe will help you start writing games in no time.
Inside, find helpful advice on how to
- Write Windows applications without dealing with the complexities of MFC and C++
- Use DirectX technology to take advantage of video acceleration and the latest hardware
- Create lightning-fast 2D games that run in Windows 95, Windows NT, and the new Windows 98
- Use artificial intelligence to create "thinking" opponents
- Make music and sound effects on your PC
- Sell your games via the shareware market
- Use your knowledge of C programming to create Windows-based games with DirectX
Copyright © 1997 IDG Books Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduced here by permission of IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
Book published by IDG Books Worldwide.