Best books?
by Kelvin MacKenzie · in General Discussion · 07/30/2005 (10:07 am) · 3 replies
Greetings,
Ive played PC games for many years, MMORPGS being my favorite. Like most gamers Ive entertained the thought of someday becoming a game designer. Especially after finishing a new title and being left with the thought "it would be great if only they XXXXXX." Problem being I have no real knowledge in programming or the other needed skills. The most Ive picked up is a tad of texturing and basic building skills from the online world... 2nd Life.
To cut it short, my fiance has finally won a minor battle and Ive agreed to move to her country (a 3rd world country) for six months after we get married this fall. Since Ill be living in a area which at best Ill be able to surf the web once a week, and no distractions other then my new wife; Ive decided to spend this six months learning to everything I can (in the time alloted) about game designing.
My question for the more experinced around here, is if in my situation, armed only with Torque and a deep eagerness to learn; which books would you bring along? Keeping in mind I have zip, zero, nata knowledge of programming. Theres so many books C++ that I have no clue which are worth buying and which arent. Since after lot research, I decided Torgue is probably the best toolset for me, I already have the book "3D Game Programming All-in-One." As well as a few on texturing, photoshoping, and basic design theory.
Any sugestions would be greatlly appreciated!
Ive played PC games for many years, MMORPGS being my favorite. Like most gamers Ive entertained the thought of someday becoming a game designer. Especially after finishing a new title and being left with the thought "it would be great if only they XXXXXX." Problem being I have no real knowledge in programming or the other needed skills. The most Ive picked up is a tad of texturing and basic building skills from the online world... 2nd Life.
To cut it short, my fiance has finally won a minor battle and Ive agreed to move to her country (a 3rd world country) for six months after we get married this fall. Since Ill be living in a area which at best Ill be able to surf the web once a week, and no distractions other then my new wife; Ive decided to spend this six months learning to everything I can (in the time alloted) about game designing.
My question for the more experinced around here, is if in my situation, armed only with Torque and a deep eagerness to learn; which books would you bring along? Keeping in mind I have zip, zero, nata knowledge of programming. Theres so many books C++ that I have no clue which are worth buying and which arent. Since after lot research, I decided Torgue is probably the best toolset for me, I already have the book "3D Game Programming All-in-One." As well as a few on texturing, photoshoping, and basic design theory.
Any sugestions would be greatlly appreciated!
About the author
#2
I am a fan of Borlands C++ Builder, but many people like Microsoft's Visual C++. And then there's Metrowerks CodeWarrior.
I myslef classify books in two main categories. Those specific to the compiler, and those general ones that teach C++.
Those specific to the compiler will have the compiler in the name. Teach Yourself [bold]C++ Builder[/bold] in 21 Days, [bold]Visual C++ 5[/bold] from the ground up.
These books not only teach the language C++, but also teaches the reader the interface of the specific compiler.
The other general books [bold]only[/bold] teaches C++, and not the interfaces.
08/01/2005 (3:27 pm)
After that, you need to decide which compiler you're going to use.I am a fan of Borlands C++ Builder, but many people like Microsoft's Visual C++. And then there's Metrowerks CodeWarrior.
I myslef classify books in two main categories. Those specific to the compiler, and those general ones that teach C++.
Those specific to the compiler will have the compiler in the name. Teach Yourself [bold]C++ Builder[/bold] in 21 Days, [bold]Visual C++ 5[/bold] from the ground up.
These books not only teach the language C++, but also teaches the reader the interface of the specific compiler.
The other general books [bold]only[/bold] teaches C++, and not the interfaces.
#3
I would definatly decide on your toolset however so you can pick books and such from the net to play and download tutorials. Remember that IE has a save for offline mode where you can save alot of web pages for later use.
Pick your modeling app, and your texturing app up front and take the time to learn them. sigh the things I could learn if I could get away from the world for a few months hehe.
08/01/2005 (3:38 pm)
Ahh don't forget the book of all books coming out this month. Advanced 3D game programming all in one. Ken wrote another one that goes into AI and advanced modeling and such. C++ I am learning and I can't say any one particular book has been a motivator I pick up a bit here and there because some books cover subjects differently making it easier to learn.I would definatly decide on your toolset however so you can pick books and such from the net to play and download tutorials. Remember that IE has a save for offline mode where you can save alot of web pages for later use.
Pick your modeling app, and your texturing app up front and take the time to learn them. sigh the things I could learn if I could get away from the world for a few months hehe.
James