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WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is for anyone who wants to program games. It’s aimed at the total
beginner and assumes no previous programming experience. If you’re
comfortable using your computer, then you can start your game programming
odyssey right here. But just because this book is written for the beginner, that
doesn’t mean learning C++ and game programming will be easy. You’ll have
to read, work, and experiment. By the end of this book, you’ll have a solid
foundation in the game programming language of the professionals.
HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANIZED
I start at the very beginning of C++ and game programming, assuming no
experience in either. As the chapters progress, I cover more advanced topics,
building on previous material.
In each chapter, I cover one or several related topics. I move through concepts
one step at a time by writing bite-sized, game-related programs to
demonstrate each idea. At the end of each chapter, I combine some of the
most important concepts in a single game. The last chapter of the book ends
with the most ambitious project—one that harnesses all of the major concepts
presented throughout the book.
In addition to learning about C++ and game programming, you’ll also learn
how to organize your work, break down problems into manageable chunks,
and refine your code. You’ll be challenged at times, but never overwhelmed.
Most of all, you’ll have fun while learning. In the process, you’ll create some
cool computer games and gain insight into the craft of game programming.
Chapter 1: Types, Variables, and Standard I/O: Lost Fortune. You’ll be
introduced to the fundamentals of C++, the standard language of the game
industry. You’ll learn to display output in a console window, perform
arithmetic computations, use variables, and get player input from the
keyboard.
Chapter 2: Truth, Branching, and the Game Loop: Guess My Number.
You’ll create more interesting games by writing programs that execute, skip,
or repeat sections of code based on some condition. You’ll learn how to
generate random numbers to add some unpredictability to your games. And
you’ll learn about the Game Loop—a fundamental way to organize your
games to keep the action going.
Chapter 3: for Loops, Strings, and Arrays: Word Jumble. You’ll learn
about sequences and work with strings—sequences of characters that are
perfect for word games. You also learn about software objects—entities that
can be used to represent objects in your games, such as alien spacecrafts,
healing potions, or even the player himself.
Chapter 4: The Standard Template Library: Hangman. You’ll be
introduced to a powerful library—a toolbox that game programmers (and
even non-game programmers) rely on to hold collections of things, such as
items in a player’s inventory. You’ll also learn about techniques that can help
you plan larger game programs.
Chapter 5: Functions: Mad Lib. You’ll learn to break up your game programs into smaller, more manageable chunks of code. You’ll accomplish
this by discovering functions, the fundamental units of logic in your game
programs.
Chapter 6: References: Tic-Tac-Toe. You’ll learn how to share information
with different parts of your programs in an efficient and clear manner. You’ll
also see a brief example of AI (artificial intelligence), and you’ll learn how to
give a computer opponent a little bit of personality.
Chapter 7: Pointers: Tic-Tac-Toe 2.0. You’ll begin to discover some of the
most low-level and powerful features of C++, such as how to directly address
and manipulate your computer’s memory.
Chapter 8: Classes: Critter Caretaker. You’ll learn how to create your own
kinds of objects and define the ways they’ll interact with each other through
object-oriented programming. In the process, you’ll create your very own
critter to care for.
Chapter 9: Advanced Classes and Dynamic Memory: Game Lobby.
You’ll expand on your direct connection with the computer and learn to
acquire and free memory as your game programs require. You’ll also see the
pitfalls of using this “dynamic” memory and how to avoid them.
Chapter 10: Inheritance and Polymorphism: Blackjack. You’ll learn how
to define objects in terms of other objects. Then you’ll pull together
everything you’ve learned into one big final game. You’ll see how a sizeable
project is designed and implemented by creating a version of the classic
casino game of Blackjack (tacky green felt not included).
