Free eBooks On C++ Game Programming

C++ is indeed the industry's standard language in game programming especially because it is an object oriented and mid-level language that compiles to binary. Also because it is fast and uses less memory. So if you are planning to jump into the world of C++ game programming, then here we bring 6 free ebooks to help you through.




1. wxWidgets tutorial
by Jan Bodnar - ZetCode , 2007
The book is wxWidgets tutorial for the C++ programming language. wxWidgets is a cross platform toolkit or framework for creating C++ GUI applications. After reading the book, you will be able to program non trivial wxWidgets applications.

2. C++ GUI Programming with Qt 4
by Jasmin Blanchette, Mark Summerfield - Prentice Hall , 2008
this book reveals today's best Qt programming patterns with realistic examples and in-depth advice. It covers everything from implementing model/view architecture to using Qt 4.3's improved graphics support.

3. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming
by Michael Dawson - Course Technology PTR , 2010
If you're ready to jump into the world of programming for games, Beginning C++ Through Game Programming will provide you with a solid foundation in the game programming language of the professionals.

4. Learning to Draw Basic Graphics in C++
by Michael Morrison - InformIT , 2004
Learn how to use C++ code to create basic animated graphics in this chapter from Beginning Game Programming by Michael Morrison. Practical lesson based on C++ programming, the basics of drawing graphics using the Windows Graphics Device Interface.

5. C++ GUI Programming with Qt 3
by Jasmin Blanchette, Mark Summerfield - Prentice Hall PTR , 2004
The book teaches solid Qt programming practices and covers everything one need to know to build industrial-strength applications with Qt 3.2.x and C++ on Windows, Mac OS X, Linux/Unix, and embedded Linux with no source code changes.

6. Cross-Platform GUI Programming with wxWidgets
by Julian Smart, Kevin Hock, Stefan Csomor - Prentice Hall PTR , 2005
wxWidgets is a free C++ API for writing GUI applications. This book is the best way for beginning developers to learn wxWidgets programming in C++. It is a must-have for programmers thinking of using wxWidgets and those already using it.

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill    

Here Are 8 Free Online Courses In Game Design

Choose the course that's right for you and start designing! 

Are you an aspiring game developer, a designer or just want to try out different things? Information is available online for all your needs and more. Online courses are the latest trend in learning, and subsequent developing. Game design and development involves various fields and can be quite a tough nut to crack, but once you have your basics right, you might just end up making that big budget game of your own!

Here are 8 free online courses in game design:

1. Blender 3D Design at Tufts University

-Learn how to use the Blender software for modeling and 3D animation.

-The free course includes lecture notes, project assignments, samples of other students' works and additional supplemental materials.

-Students must have Blender downloaded to a computer (its free), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Python and a media player.

2. Computer Game Programming at Eastern Michigan University

-Learn how to design, implement and test a 2D or 3D game.

-Visual C++ or other integrated development environment (IDE) software program is needed to do the assignments in the course.

3. Computer Games and Simulations for Investigation and Education at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

-Learn how to design educational games and simulations.

-Create your own board and video games.

4. Game Design at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

-The course covers card games, board games, sports and role-playing games through study materials, assignments and other resources.

-More than 30 audio lectures are available on topics such as strategy and skill, iterative design, prototyping, puzzles etc.

5. GameMaker Tutorial at University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA)

-Go through a step-by-step process of programming a game that makes balls bounce inside a box until they break the walls to escape.

6. Instructional Games at Utah State University

-Study the academic benefits of video games and ways to assess the value of educational games.

7. The Mathematics in Toys and Games at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

-Study game theory through subjects such as probability and basic programming.

-Use math skills to devise games through readings, lecture notes, homework and completed sample projects.

8. Game Design Tips from New Mexico State University (NMSU)

-Provides an overview of how programmers can develop good educational games.

Author : Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

8 Free Open Source Game Engines For Android Game Development

Want to make 3D games for mobile platforms? These should help! 

Game engines give developers the tools required to pull the several elements of a game together into one unit. With mobile gaming picking up, more developers are paying attention to Android and iOS platforms. So, keeping that in mind, here are eight free gaming engines that you can use for your next game! 1. Alien3D: This is an OpenGL ES-based game engine for the Android operating system that is available for free. Language: Java Platforms: Android Price: Free License: Apache License 2.0 (Open Source) 2. AllBinary Platform: This is another OpenGL ES-based game engine that can be used for Android games. The ZeptoRacer 3D game was developed on this. Language: Java Platforms: Android HTML5 Price: Free License: AllBinary Open License Version 1 (Open Source) 3. AndEngine: This free 2D OpenGL-based game engine was used to design games like Spaceman Bob, Man vs Mosquito, Xelorians, Save the Earth and many others. Language: Java 2D games Platforms: Android Price: Free License: Apache license (Open Source) 4. Android Box2d: This rigid 2D body physics engine has been written in C++ and is an open source engine available for free. Language: Java Platforms: Android Price: Free License: GNU GPL v2 (Open Source) 5. Android GL Engine: This engine, coded in Java, can be used in order to develop 2D games for Google’s Android operating system. Language: Java Platforms: Android Price: Free License: GNU Lesser General Public License (Open Source) 6. App Game Kit: This game engine allows you to code once and then run your game on multiple platforms. It has been used for games like App-In-Ball Pinball Simulator for Android and Big Guys for iPhone. Language: C++ Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Price: Free Trial License: Proprietary 7. Ardor3D: Using this engine, you can run your games on computer platforms as well. These include Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and Solaris. The engine supports both Java and OpenGL. Language: Java Platforms: Android Price: Free License: libpng/zlib license (Open Source) 8. BatteryTech Engine: This engine can again be used for a variety of mobile platforms like Android, iOS and others. It provides direct access to several XCode and Android projects and uses many open standards. You can use it for both 2D and 3D games. Language: C++ Platforms: iPhone, Android Price: Free License: Proprietary

Shivam Kotwalia, CodeKill

8 Videos To Learn Game Programming Using Python!

Python is a comparatively newer programming language. But, it is still quite powerful!

Want to develop a game using Python? It can be a good way to entertain yourself. Take a look at these videos.

Game Programming Tutorial 1 in Python: Introduction

This video will introduce you to the tools you will need, provide you with some starter code, explain how it works and then move forward a little bit to the harder stuff.

Program Your Own Game With Python Narrated Walkthrough

This one uses Python 3.3.0 to make a very simple game. It also has some intentional mistakes in order to show game debugging.

Game Programming Tutorial 6 in Python: Collision detection and resolution

This one will familiarise you with vectors and what you can use them for.

Daniel Pope - Programming physics games with Python and OpenGL

Learn how to use Python and OpenGL to write the codes for different physics-based games.

Python Tutorial (13) Tic Tac Toe Game (Part 1)

This tutorial will teach you to make a Tic Tac Toe Game using Python. It's good to make little projects and games to learn the language better.

Blender 2.6 Tutorial - Python Game Engine Programming - Part 1

Here you will learn to use the Blender Game Engine via Python. It's recommended that you are familiar with Logic Bricks. Plus, you should be reasonably familiar with Blender Python programming in general.

Game Development Tutorial - 1 - Installing Pygame

Installing Pygame is important for coding games on Python.

Python Game Development Tutorial 1 - Introduction & Overview

This is a series of tutorials on game programming with Python. We're starting you off with the first one. The rest you will find easily.

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Shivam Kotwalia

28 Free eBooks On Game Programming!

Dive into the world of game programming with these free e-books by CodeKill Group! Have fun! 

Ever wanted to create all those super awesome games? Here are 28 free ebooks on Game programming!

1. The Python Game Book by Horst Jens et al. - thepythongamebook.com, 2012

The Python Game Book written by Horst Jens and friends aims to provide interested students and teachers a broad range of material to teach themselves how to write computer games using the language Python and other free Open Source tools.

2. Game Creation with XNA - Wikibooks, 2012

This book is a collection of tutorials on game creation with Microsoft's XNA framework. Contents: Basics; Game Design; Mathematics and Physics; Programming; Audio and Sound; 2D/3D Game Development; Networking and Multiplayer; AI; Kinect; etc.

3. Introduction to Programming Through Game Development Using Microsoft XNA Game Studio by Rob Miles - Microsoft Press, 2009

Learn the underlying skills and principles of software development as you design and build your first games for Xbox 360, Windows, and Zune. This curriculum teaches the fundamentals of C# programming and the XNA Game Studio framework.

4. Making Games with Python and Pygame by Al Sweigart, 2012

This is a programming book that covers the Pygame game library for the Python programming language. Each chapter gives you the complete source code for a new game and teaches the important programming concepts from these examples.

5. Programming Vertex, Geometry, and Pixel Shaders by Wolfgang Engel, et al., 2011

This reference covers the advanced rendering techniques important for graphics programmers in the game and film industries, and will help them implement these techniques with DirectX 10. Intended for people with background in DirectX8 or DirectX9.

6. BlitzMax - Wikibooks, 2010

BlitzMax is a computer programming language based on BASIC. The code is first converted to a low level assembler format which is then assembled into object code for the target platform. BlitzMax is capable of compiling for Windows, Linux and Mac OS.

7. Creating a Simple 3D Game with XNA - Wikibooks, 2010

This tutorial is designed to provide a guide to using XNA to help create games in as simple and a visual way as possible. Examples of all of the basic elements to get started on a simple game are included, including controls, sound, and gameplay.

8. Beginning C++ Through Game Programming by Michael Dawson - Course Technology PTR, 2010

If you're ready to jump into the world of programming for games, Beginning C++ Through Game Programming will get you started on your journey, providing you with a solid foundation in the game programming language of the professionals.

9. Pro Java 6 3D Game Development by Andrew Davison - Apress, 2007

Pro Java 6 3D Game Development explains how to program 3D games in Java on a PC, with an emphasis on the construction of 3D landscapes. The author assumes you have a reasonable knowledge of Java, the sort of thing picked up in a first Java course.

10. Blender 3D: Noob to Pro - Wikibooks, 2010

This book is a series of tutorials to help new users learn Blender. The tutorials increase in difficulty, and later tutorials build on the lessons in previous ones. Therefore, Blender beginners should follow the tutorials in sequence.

11. Blender Basics: Classroom Tutorial Book by James Chronister, 2009

Blender is a 3D technology rendering/animation/game development open-sourced freeware program maintained by the Blender Foundation. This tutorial book is designed to get you up and running in the basics of creating objects and scenes and animating.

12. Strategy Game Programming by Martin Fierz, 2005

These pages intend to give a comprehensive overview of the elements of a computer program which can play two-player strategy games like tic-tac-toe, connect four, checkers and chess. Code fragments in this text are written in C.

13. The Linux Gamers' HOWTO by Peter Jay Salzman, Frederic Delanoy, 2004

This is a stepping stone to to give people the knowledge to begin thinking about what is going on with their games. You need to know a little more about what's going on behind the scenes with your system to be able to keep your games healthy.

14. Killer Game Programming in Java by Andrew Davison - O'Reilly Media, 2009

This book is for people who already know the basics of Java. It teaches reusable techniques which can be pieced together to make lots of games. For example, how to make a particle system, first-person keyboard controls, a terrain follower, etc.

15. The Java Game Development Tutorial by Fabian Birzele - Java Cooperation, 2004

A very detailed introduction into the development of online games using Java. The text will lead you from the basic structure of an applet to the development of a whole game. Topics covered: AI, level editors, random generation of landscapes, etc.

16. Action Arcade Adventure Set by Diana Gruber - Coriolis Group Books, 1994

The art and science of creating side scroller games is documented quite thoroughly in this book. If you can look past some obvious anachronisms, you will find that this old book still contains a lot of useful information.

17. So you want to be a Computer Game Developer? by Diana Gruber - Fastgraph, 2000

If you have the brains, the talent, and the courage to take risks, a career in Computer Game Development may be right for you. The job security and the creative satisfaction can all be yours, but only if you have what it takes to do the job.

18. Learning to Draw Basic Graphics in C++ by Michael Morrison - InformIT, 2004

Learn how to use C++ code to create basic animated graphics in this chapter from Beginning Game Programming by Michael Morrison. Practical lesson based on C++ programming, the basics of drawing graphics using the Windows Graphics Device Interface.

19. Adventure in Prolog by Dennis Merritt - Springer, 1990

This book takes a pragmatic, rather than theoretical, approach to the language and is designed for programmers interested in adding this powerful language to their bag of tools. Much of the book is built around the writing of a short adventure game.

20. GPU Gems 3 by Hubert Nguyen - Addison-Wesley Professional, 2007

This volume provides a snapshot of the latest GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) programming techniques. Readers will find that the latest algorithms create ultra-realistic characters, better lighting, and post-rendering compositing effects.

21. Pangea Software's Ultimate Game Programming Guide for Mac OS X by Brian Greenstone - Pangea Software, Inc, 2004

Programming secrets for aspiring Mac game programmers. The book covers OpenGL, HID Manager, OpenAL, Rendezvous, Core Graphics, Quicktime, Maya plug-ins, stereo 3D rendering, AltiVec optimizations, networking, copy-protection, marketing strategies, etc.

22. The Java Game Programming Tutorial by Garry Morse, 1997

This tutorial starts with basic issues in the Java language with regard to applets, particularly for beginners or knowledgeable programmers who wish to make online Java presentations or games. The tutorial applets are available for downloading.

23. Creating Adventure Games On Your Computer by Tim Hartnell - Ballantine Books, 1984

Though dated, Hartnell's book is a good introduction to adventure game construction. While the book focuses on BASIC programming, which wouldn't be a programmer's choice today, it offers sound design techniques for the absolute beginner.

24. Michael Abrash's Graphics Programming Black Book by Michael Abrash - Coriolis Group Books, 2001

A book for game developers and serious assembly language programmers. It explores the technology behind the popular Doom and Quake 3-D games, and explains optimized solutions to 3-D graphics problems from texture mapping, hidden surface removal, etc.

25. The Art of Computer Game Design by Chris Crawford - Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1997

One of the pioneer works seriously about video game. It explains what is a game, why people play games, and how to design a game. The author describes in detail what goes into the game design including many examples from his own experience.

26. Simulating Humans: Computer Graphics Animation and Control by N. I. Badler, C. B. Phillips, B. L. Webber - Oxford University Press, USA, 1993

This volume presents the problem of providing a surrogate or synthetic human for designers and engineers. The book is intended for engineers interested in understanding how a computer surrogate human can augment their analyses of designed environments.

27. Programming Linux Games by John R. Hall - No Starch Press, 2001

A complete guide to developing 2D Linux games, written by the Linux experts. It teaches the basics of Linux game programming and discusses important multimedia toolkits. You will learn to write and distribute Linux games.

28. Invent Your Own Computer Games with Python by Albert Sweigart - Albert\Sweigart, 2008

A programming book for kids interested in learning to program their own computer games with python, a serious computer language which is used by professional programmers also. The book explains programming principles from the source code examples.