Game Programming Text Books

This is off topic for the SDL list so please don’t reply on the list.

It looks like I am going to be teaching a class on game programming in
the spring. This will be an introductory class. The people who take are
expected to have C/C++ but little else. I plan to use SDL, but people
will be allowed to develop on any OS they chose. I am concentrating on
principles, not on specific operating systems and I do not want to
fixate on a specific game programming API. The game market is changing
drastically and cross platform skills are vital.

I have looked around and I have not found a text book that meets my
requirements. They all seem to be some variation of “Learn game
programming on (insert OS here) using (insert API here) for dummies in
21 days” :slight_smile:

I want something that covers the basics of computer graphics, animation,
and sound in a concept oriented way with some physics and math but no
differential equations…

Anyone know of such a book? Right now I am leaning towards using 2 or 3
books, but I don’t really want people to have to spend over $100USD for
books. Especially since I would only use a small part of each books.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions for a single
book or a combination of books would be of great value to me.

	Bob Pendleton-- 

±----------------------------------+

You’ve still got a bit of time. I suggest you create a course manual
containing the outline, class notes, practical material, etc. It will be
essential to create a “resources on the web” section. I would avoid
using a game programming book. They’re either hideously expensive,
useless, or both. Include a CD packed full of resources.

  • Steve

Bob Pendleton wrote:> This is off topic for the SDL list so please don’t reply on the list.

It looks like I am going to be teaching a class on game programming in
the spring. This will be an introductory class. The people who take are
expected to have C/C++ but little else. I plan to use SDL, but people
will be allowed to develop on any OS they chose. I am concentrating on
principles, not on specific operating systems and I do not want to
fixate on a specific game programming API. The game market is changing
drastically and cross platform skills are vital.

I have looked around and I have not found a text book that meets my
requirements. They all seem to be some variation of “Learn game
programming on (insert OS here) using (insert API here) for dummies in
21 days” :slight_smile:

I want something that covers the basics of computer graphics, animation,
and sound in a concept oriented way with some physics and math but no
differential equations…

Anyone know of such a book? Right now I am leaning towards using 2 or 3
books, but I don’t really want people to have to spend over $100USD for
books. Especially since I would only use a small part of each books.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions for a single
book or a combination of books would be of great value to me.

  Bob Pendleton

try the programming linux games. Its definitely for linux but its downloadable, and guides you through the setting up steps very smoothly. You can translate the code to other platforms if you wish, it`s not difficult to do.

Bob Pendleton wrote:>

This is off topic for the SDL list so please don’t reply on the list.

It looks like I am going to be teaching a class on game programming in
the spring. This will be an introductory class. The people who take are
expected to have C/C++ but little else. I plan to use SDL, but people
will be allowed to develop on any OS they chose. I am concentrating on
principles, not on specific operating systems and I do not want to
fixate on a specific game programming API. The game market is changing
drastically and cross platform skills are vital.

I have looked around and I have not found a text book that meets my
requirements. They all seem to be some variation of “Learn game
programming on (insert OS here) using (insert API here) for dummies in
21 days” :slight_smile:

I want something that covers the basics of computer graphics, animation,
and sound in a concept oriented way with some physics and math but no
differential equations…

Anyone know of such a book? Right now I am leaning towards using 2 or 3
books, but I don’t really want people to have to spend over $100USD for
books. Especially since I would only use a small part of each books.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Suggestions for a single
book or a combination of books would be of great value to me.

  Bob Pendleton


±----------------------------------+


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