What s in This Book?

What's in This Book?

This book is divided into five main parts.

• Part 1 gives an overview of the tools and skills you'll need to write games. It also covers the most basic programming concepts.

• Part 2 dives into object-oriented programming, which is a style of programming used by all professional game programmers.

• Part 3 shows how game programs are constructed. Here, you'll write your first gamePing, a clone of the ancient Pong game. You'll also learn to add sounds to your games.

• Part 4 raises your C++ skills to a level that enables you to write real games.

• Part 5 enables you to pull everything you've learned together to write the game Invasion of the Slugwroths, and leaves you fully equipped to go on and write your own games.

In addition, I provide you with a glossary that explains all of the technical terms presented in the book. I've also compiled an extensive list of books that I recommend you read after you finish reading this one. That will help you move forward into topics like 3D graphics. You'll find the list of recommended reading on the CD that comes with this book.