Learning XNA 3.0: XNA 3.0 Game Development for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune

by Aaron Reed

Overview

Do you have what it takes to become a game developer? With this hands-on book, you'll learn quickly and easily how to develop computer games with Microsoft's XNA 3.0 framework-not just for your PC, but for Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune as well.

Written by an experienced university-level game development instructor, Learning XNA 3.0 walks you through the framework in a clear and understandable step-by-step format. Each chapter offers a self-contained lesson with lots of illustrations and annotated examples to help you master key concepts. Once you finish the book, you'll know how to develop sophisticated games from start to finish.

• Learn game development concepts from 2D animation to 3D cameras and effects
• Delve into high-level shader language (HLSL) and introductory artificial intelligence concepts
• Develop three complete and exciting games using 2D,3D and multiplayer concepts
• Develop and deploy games to the Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune

While teaching XNA to beginning game developers, author Aaron Reed noticed that several key concepts were difficult for students to grasp. Learning XNA 3.0 was written specifically to address those issues. With this book, you can test your understanding and practice new skills as you go with unique "Test Your Knowledge" exercises and review questions in each chapter.

Why wait? Amaze your family and friends by building your own games for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune-with Learning XNA 3.0.

"An outstanding book! Teaches you XNA development in a smart way, starting from 2D basics and going into 3D and shader development. What I really like is the 'peeling the onion' approach the author takes, which builds up knowledge from previous chapters." —David "LetsKillDave" Weller, CEO, Cogito Ergonomics, LLC, and former XNA program manager

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780596521950
Publisher:	O'Reilly Media, Incorporated
Publication date:	11/18/2008
Pages:	506
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Aaron Reed has extensive software development experience and more importantly, experience in software development education. Since 2004 he has taught courses at Neumont Universityin .NET, web development and web services, XNA, systems design and architecture, and more.



Aaron's experience in teaching both DirectX and XNA for several years to university-level students helps him understand what topics are easily understood and which ones need more depth and emphasis. Through experience in the classroom he also has a good understanding of what format and sequence makes the most sense to present the material. This book follows that format and is meant to present game development concepts in the way most efficient and most comprehendible as proven in the classroom.

Table of Contents

• Dedication
• Preface
• Chapter 1: Getting Started
• Chapter 2: Fun with Sprites
• Chapter 3: User Input and Collision Detection
• Chapter 4: Applying Some Object-Oriented Design
• Chapter 5: Sound Effects and Audio
• Chapter 6: Basic Artificial Intelligence
• Chapter 7: Putting It All Together
• Chapter 8: Deploying to the Microsoft Zune
• Chapter 9: 3D Game Development
• Chapter 10: 3D Models
• Chapter 11: Creating a First-Person Camera
• Chapter 12: 3D Collision Detection and Shooting
• Chapter 13: HLSL Basics
• Chapter 14: Particle Systems
• Chapter 15: Wrapping Up Your 3D Game
• Chapter 16: Deploying to the Xbox 360
• Chapter 17: Multiplayer Games
• Answers to Quizzes and Exercises
• Colophon