It’s been said that nerds are simply people who have strong interests. If you are a nerd and proud of it, and your strong interest happens to be game development, then you should be happy to know that there is a book market catering to nerds just like you. Want to know more about pursuing your passion? Here are five great books for learning game programming:
5. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming by Michael Dawson
Written with newbie programmers in mind, this text offers comprehensive, easy-to-understand instructions for learning the C++ programming language in a step-by-step format. Build your knowledge and understanding as you go, by completing one project (per chapter) at a time.
4. Game Engine Architecture by Jason Gregory
Intended as a textbook for college-level game programming classes, this book is chock-full of useful information covering a wide array of subjects. You don’t have to have prior knowledge to benefit from the text, though.
Game Engine Architecture is appropriate for nerds of all types, from home-based do-it-yourselfers to more experienced amateur programmers.
3. The Game Maker’s Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners by Jacob Habgood
This book is exactly what it sounds like: a guide to game programming, for those who are just starting out and who are interested in learning how to create games using the Game Maker Tool and programming language.
Written by a professional game programmer and developer of the Game Maker Tool, this informative guidebook also comes with a CD for easy reference.
2. Super Scratch Programming Adventure: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games by The LEAD Project
Many experienced game programmers claim that Scratch is one of the easiest to learn and simplest to use programming languages there is, and this book is so easy to follow that even a kid could use it!
In full comic book format, Super Scratch Programming Adventure leads readers through the fascinating world of programming, from basic terminology to the creation of a variety of game platform types.
1. Programming Video Games for the Evil Genius by Ian Cinnamon
This book’s author is a veteran game programmer, and you can put his vast knowledge to work for you by taking advantage of the text’s many great features, from programming language how-to’s to in-depth game creation strategies.
If you are interested in learning all you can about game programming, then you should be pleased to find that there is no shortage of great books for self-motivated apprentices. No matter what your current skill level is, you can be sure to find a lot of new knowledge to add to your database by drawing from these great resources.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post Heather, totally loved it and gonna bookmark it for future read. Thanks again. I used to have a book to make Java games or applications, but never really learned it seriously because i’m confused about what i should learn first before jumping to the game making process. Maybe it’s not my talent after all. But thanks for this post.