From Book News, Inc.
Intended for beginning programmers familiar with C++ and DirectX, this guide walks through the design and development of a 3D game engine for the first person shooter (FPS) genre, then builds sample game play on top of it. It covers engine control, scripting, Direct3D rendering, sound, networking, meshes, objects, scene management, players, and weapons. The CD-ROM contains source code and the DirectX SDK 9.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
If you have experience with C++ and DirectX and have always wanted to program your own game, this is the book for you. Programming a Multiplayer FPS in DirectX takes you from the basic game design to a fully functioning game! All of the source code, assets, and tools are included–you just work through the tutorial-based chapters and watch the game come to life as you develop it. And as new features are added, you can begin playing with them to see them in action. Following a typical game development process, the book is separated into two distinct parts: Part One focuses on the design and development of the game engine, and Part Two concentrates on putting the game together using the engine. The theory has been kept to a minimum, so that you are following a hands-on approach and adding new functionality to your engine as you proceed. In the first part, you'll learn about the many facets of DirectX, C++, and object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to design the engine and put the infrastructure into place. The next chapters will each add a new module to your engine including input, scripting, 3D rendering, sound, networking, and scene management. The second part covers the final development stages, including everything from game play to player management; it culminates with the complete multiplayer FPS game. Throughout the book you'll learn key topics that will bring you up to speed with industry proven techniques, while improving your confidence as a developer. And because DirectX is the most prevalent game development tool available, once you master this project, you'll have the skills you need to create a variety of games! FEATURES * Provides a detailed, step-by-step approach through the creation of a complete multiplayer FPS * Covers a variety of key topics beyond the basics needed for the game creation, including occlusion culling and scene management * Prepares users with the skills needed to code using the latest DirectX API * Includes a companion CD-ROM with all the source code and assets for the complete game, the DirectX SDK, and other useful tools On the CD! * All of the source code and assets used to create the complete game * The DirectX SDK 9.0c installation package used to develop the code in the book * Panda DirectX Exporter (by Andy Tather) to use in conjunction with 3ds max to produce meshes in .x file format * Paint Shop Pro fullfeatured, trial version– great for creating textures * Improved Collision Detection Article (by Kasper Fauerby): provides more details about the collision detection algorithm used in the sample game *************************************** Take your game development to the next level. After reading this book, you’ll know how to program your own FPS game.All submissions must be received by November 4, 2005. Final prizes for the competition include the entire Game Programming Gems Series (Volumes 1 – 5), valued at $350. Others are still being added. ***************************************


About the Author
VAUGHAN YOUNG (Queensland, Australia) is an experienced C++ and DirectX programmer. His degree in IT is complemented by further studies in software development, focusing primarily on game development. Currently, he operates his own software development business, producing and managing software solutions.

SYNOPSIS

If you have experience with C++ and DirectX and have always wanted to program your own game, this is the book for you. Programming a Multiplayer FPS in DirectX takes you from the basic game design to a fully functioning game! All of the source code, assets, and tools are included­you just work through the tutorial-based chapters and watch the game come to life as you develop it. And as new features are added, you can begin playing with them to see them in action. Following a typical game development process, the book is separated into two distinct parts: Part One focuses on the design and development of the game engine, and Part Two concentrates on putting the game together using the engine. The theory has been kept to a minimum, so that you are following a hands-on approach and adding new functionality to your engine as you proceed. In the first part, you'll learn about the many facets of DirectX, C++, and object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to design the engine and put the infrastructure into place. The next chapters will each add a new module to your engine including input, scripting, 3D rendering, sound, networking, and scene management. The second part covers the final development stages, including everything from game play to player management; it culminates with the complete multiplayer FPS game.

Throughout the book you'll learn key topics that will bring you up to speed with industry proven techniques, while improving your confidence as a developer. And because DirectX is the most prevalent game development tool available, once you master this project, you'll have the skills you need to create a variety of games! 

FEATURES:* Provides a detailed, step-by-step approach through the creation of a complete multiplayer FPS* Covers a variety of key topics beyond the basics needed for the game creation, including occlusion culling and scene management* Prepares users with the skills needed to code using the latest DirectX API* Includes a companion CD-ROM with all the source code and assets for the complete game, the DirectX SDK, and other useful tools

On the CD!* All of the source code and assets used to create the complete game* The DirectX SDK 9.0c installation package used to develop the code in the book* Panda DirectX Exporter (by Andy Tather) to use in conjunction with 3ds max to produce meshes in .x file format* Paint Shop Pro fullfeatured, trial version­ great for creating textures* Improved Collision Detection Article (by Kasper Fauerby): provides more details about the collision detection algorithm used in the sample game SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSTo compile the source code provided on this CD-ROM you will need a C++ compatible compiler. Microsoft Visual C++ 6 was used to create and compile this source code, however, it has been tested and successfully compiled on newer versions of Visual C++. (Although the source code may compile under a different product, it has not been tested.) The workspaces provided on the CD-ROM are for Visual C++ 6, but the VS Conversion Wizard will automatically update the workspaces to your version. To run the sample game, you should have at least a 1 GHz CPU and at least 256MB of RAM. You'll need a 3D accelerated video card with at least 32MB of onboard memory. DirectX 9.0c will be used, but no version specific features that require a DirectX 9 compliant video card are used, so any video card supporting DirectX 8 or above should function. Remember to always ensure your system matches the minimum system requirements before installing any of the third-party products.

ACCREDITATION