3D Game Engine Programming (Game Development Series)

Rating:
Summary: You need to know your business
Review: While reading this book I got frustrated while trying to run the samples too. You cannot just copy the cd-rom and start the programs. But then I contacted the author I got my problems solved. It is a pity that the compiled libraries are not included on the cd-rom but if you know how to you can compile the whole stuff and try the samples within 5 minutes. You can find the support page for this book on the web and there you can find all information to run the samples. You also get update files to replace those which are defect on the cd-rom (actually only two files) and caused the crashes while loading the indoor level. Just go to this place: http://stefan.zfx.info/3dgep.html

In order to like this book you must also know your business and you should have worked with a comprehensive c++ project before. This book is not suitable for copy and paste code. If you look for that than you should not buy it. The book is meant to be read and understood as nearly each chapter introduces only a single component of the engine. And as you can see in the two final projects (level editor and deathmatch demo) the engine is well suited to be used for different purposes as it provides graphics, sound, keyboard, mouse, joystick input, and network. The structure of the book is also well done and the content is split into logical parts you can approach one after another and understand them separate from each other to combine all of them at the end.

I liked reading it and with the support from the author you can just ignore the defect cd-rom and concetrate on the contents of the book. Without this support I would rate the book 2 stars only because if you spend money on a product you want to get what you paid for. But now you get replacements and a guide how to work with the cd-rom so finally its a very well product.

Rating:
Summary: A highly recommended book for game programmers
Review: Yes, the book's CD had some issues. Yes, the code on the CD and the code on the book are sometimes different. That being said, show me a programming book that

1) Publishes every line of code
2) Every published line matches that on the CD
3) The code on the CD contains no errors

and I will show you a GREAT book. (BTW, this book does not exist.)

Criticizing the author for not publishing all source code is ludicrous as half the book would have had to be cut to make room, and then everyone would be complaining about not having enough content. All source code is provided and this book is NOT for beginners, so having to look at source code that was not published is not a problem.

Stefan does an excellent job of presenting a workable engine that could be used to create a modern game that could fit about any genre. He also presents methods to allow for upgrading the engine without requiring all games that use it to be recompiled. He covers many issues in the space he has and provides a workable game in the final chapter. He also shows how to implement an editor for the game (albeit a simple one), which is something I had not seen in other books.

If you are looking for a book that shows how to step into game engine programming and ALREADY know about game programming itself, then this is a good book.

If you are new to programming this book is not for (and is not intended for) you, so please do not read it and then complain when you do not understand.