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Game Development Books...

  • Game Design
  • Game Programming
  • AI Programming
  • Graphics Programming
  • General Development
Name Details
Game Design: The Art and Business of Creating Games Game Design: The Art & Business of Creating Games - Bob Bates
This book covers many of the aspects of game design as well as addressing some of the general business topics such as what the roles of the various people in a game design company are.  It is a good starter book for any person wanting to get into the game development business regardless of whether a programmer, artist, designer or business person. 
Game Design: Theory and Practice Game Design: Theory and Practice (With CD-ROM)
- Richard Rouse III
This book is huge and solid!  There are a lot of case-studies about various titles and "what makes them tick".  In addition, there are interviews with many of the top game creators like Sid Meier and Will Wright.  This is definitely NOT an entry level book, however.  There are a lot of advanced topics discussed herein.  Use with caution!

Name Details
Game Programming Gems Game Programming Gems 2 Game Programmings Gems 3 Game Programming Gems - Mark DeLoura (editor)
Game Programming Gems 2 - Mark DeLoura (editor)
Game Programming Gems 3 - Dante Treglia (editor)
Game Programming Gems 4 - Andrew Kirmse (editor)
Game Programming Gems 5 - Kim Pallister (editor)

These books are highly regarded by many people that I have talked to.  Each book is divided into different sections covering the various disciplines in game programming.  Each section contains juicy little tricks and tips that you can use in your own games. 

Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus Tricks of the Windows Game Programming Gurus - Andre Lamothe
This is a whopper of a book - not for the beginner.  If you are good and want to get great... this might be a good buy!

Name Details
AI Game Programming Wisdom AI Game Programming Wisdom 2 AI Game Programming Wisdom - Steve Rabin (editor)
AI Game Programming Wisdom 2 - Steve Rabin (editor)
AI Game Programming Wisdom 3 - Steve Rabin (editor)

These books are a fantastic resource in the style of the "Gems" books above.  While not a book to give you basic knowledge of the types of AI, it is great for fleshing out the base level topics.  There are many tricks and tips for everything from designing the structure of your AI down to speeding up pathfinding and LOS calculations. 

AI Game Development AI Game Development - Alex J. Champandard
Alex is the founder and host of the AI Depot web site.  The approach of the book is dealing with the creation of "animats" or independent agents that are so crucial to the realism of today's expansive, non-scripted worlds.  You can see more about it at the book's website.
(Flip open the front cover to see a review by OGDA's Dave Mark!)
Programming Game AI by Example - Mat Buckland
Mat Buckland runs the AI Junkie website. He is a fantastic author and very knowledgable about the material. This is a deep and illustrative resource.

Name Details
If you have suggestions as to what books should go here, contact me!

Name Details
Code Complete Code Complete - Steve McConnell
The standard style manual for all programmers.  All programmers, regardless of language, should be required to re-read this book between each project just so they get their head on straight.  It's amazing how many bad habits we all have and how, if we read this book, how we would all "just get along."

 

 

 

If there are any books on game development-related subjects that you feel should be added here, please contact me so that I can get them added!