Book details of 'Basic Game Design & Creation for Fun & Learning (Game Development Series)'

Title	Basic Game Design & Creation for Fun & Learning (Game Development Series)
Author(s)	Nanu Swamy
ISBN	1584504463
Language	English
Published	February 2006
Publisher	Charles River Media

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Back to shelf Computer programming

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virtualbookcase.com score: 4.0   Vote for this book

The Virtual Bookcase Reviews of 'Basic Game Design & Creation for Fun & Learning (Game Development Series)':

Reviewer Koos van den Hout wrote:
Basic Game Design & Creation tries to teach game programming to an audience interested in creating their own games but without programming experience. Using the (included) game creation system GameMaker and a set of samples the book introduces the ideas needed for game building with GameMaker and how to reach certain goals. Needed information like the basic ideas behind object oriented programming are explained clearly. Using a set of samples, with information how to improve them, the reader gets guided through GameMaker and how to use it. I think the book is great in encouraging the reader to try things, whilst giving enough guidance to help the reader who doesn't understand the concepts in one go, but still wants to be encouraged by seeing results: the game he/she created does work. Each chapter has a clear way from introducing new concepts, how they connect together to a conclusion recalling what was taught. The book (and GameMaker) introduce game programming in an object-oriented way, making all (visible and invisible) parts of the game objects that interact. Graphic design for games is also explained, using the included graphic editor in GameMaker but also using external programs, for creating game backgrounds and sprites. A basic game is designed with keyboard controls. Later the game design is enhanced using multiple levels, rules for gravity and other enhancements. Debugging the results and common errors are also mentioned. A great book for those without (object oriented) programming experience wanting to try their hand at game programming. I think anyone with a bit of creativity and enough time can write their first game to surprise their friends with.

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Book description:

Basic Game Design and Creation for Fun & Learning teaches you how to make your own computer games?no programming skills required! Whether you're a game player who wants to try making your own games or a teacher who wants to provide a new way for students to learn, you'll find everything you need to get started! Basic Game Design and Creation for Fun & Learning breaks the complex process of game design into an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format. Each chapter helps you create a 2D game using the popular game development software, GameMaker 6.1, and each game project provides reference figures and sample demonstrations, so that you can track your progress as you go. Throughout the book, you'll find real-life examples to explain advanced concepts that would otherwise frustrate beginning game designers. This storybook approach allows you to learn just what you need to get started making your own games quickly, while giving the basic skills you need for creating any kind of game. So if you want to get started turning your own game ideas into reality, or you're thinking about a career in game creation, this is the place to get started!