Killer Game Programming in Java

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Beginners Guide

Beginning Java 5 Game Programming

Format: Paperback
Author: Jonathan S. Harbour
ReleaseDate: 25 April, 2006
Publisher: Course Technology PTR
Rating:

Good for learning basic game programming techniques using Java
However, I really coudn't find anything that was unique to Java 5 in the contents. This book is true to its name, since it is truly beginning Java game programming. Part one is actually a tutorial on the Java programming language from the perspective of what you need to know to write your own 2D game. It really is too shallow and too focused on just those parts of Java that are required to write games to be helpful to a complete Java novice. If you are a beginner to Java, you should consult "Core Java" or "Learning Java" to learn the actual Java language basics first.

Part two is particularly good for beginning game programmers who already know Java, as the chapters boil down what is necessary for programming a simple 2D game in Java complete with sound effects. The author does a good job of explaining Java2D, threads, and the concept of a game loop. I particularly liked his succinct treatment of creating a framework for Java games. He does a better job of explaining what a software framework is than many books I've read that are dedicated to the subject. He tops off part two by writing a complete 2D game in Java named "Galactic War", which you can actually play in applet form if you go to the author's website.

In summary, I would recommend this book if you already understand the basics of the Java language, need more instruction on its basic multimedia capabilities, and would like to learn those capabilities through the fun activity of building a 2D game. If you would like a more advanced book on Java game programming after you finish this one, try the excellent "Killer Game Programming in Java" by Davison. I notice Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that next:

Part I: Java for Beginners
Chapter 1 Getting Started with Java 5
Chapter 2 Java Programming Essentials
Chapter 3 Keyboard and Mouse Input
Chapter 4 Sound Effects and Music
Chapter 5 Creating Your First Java Game

Part II: Java 2-D Game Programming
Chapter 6 Java 2-D--Vector Graphics and Bitmaps
Chapter 7 The Game Loop, Timing, and Threads
Chapter 8 Basic 2-D Actors--the Infamous "Sprite"
Chapter 9 Advanced Sprite Programming--Animation
Chapter 10 Creating a Java Game Framework
Chapter 11 Enhancing and Polishing Galactic War
Chapter 12 Deploying Java Games on the Web

Part III: Appendices
Appendix A Chapter Quiz Answers
Appendix B Recommended Books and Web Sites .

Another Great Book By Jonathan Harbour
Creating games in Allegro was fun and put me on a track that has not stopped. I first bought Jon's book Game Programming all in one. When I found out (per his website) that he had a game book on Java coming out I was excited because I am hoping to getting a job Java programming very soon. He does not teach you how to program in Java but instead shows you how to create games you would love to play in a simple, entertaining and productive way. I was able to breeze through the book and start playing around with vector graphics and sprites to test out how Java would implement them. The side effect is that you will be learning the language while creating something you can show.

If you don't have some knowledge you feel you will need to use this book, I would recommend buying another Java book to keep by your side to answer any questions that the book may not answer for you. .

Great book for beginners
The book primarily focuses on applets, so you can almost instantly guarantee that thousands of gamers on the web will play your games. I remember Jonathan showing me a rough draft of one of the book's chapters, and as I scanned through it, I instantly knew this was going to be a great book for beginners. He takes you through an actual game while learning, and the book results with a great demo game. I definitely suggest that you pick up this book. .