Game Graphics Programming

`Game Graphics Programming` examines the many different techniques and effects that are used to create cutting-edge graphics in today?s video games and how to implement them. The book takes a detailed look at computer graphics, exploring both the theory and application of each algorithm and effect and how they are structured and executed to generate the rendered result. Detailed C++ source code and pseudocode are used as examples throughout the book to demonstrate the methods being taught, but the techniques presented can be used with any programming language or tool. You?ll begin with an introduction to basic 2D and 3D game graphics tools and components including common game mathematics, colors and pixels, and computer memory, as well as ray tracing and rasterization techniques and programmable shaders. Once you?ve reviewed the foundations of game graphics, you?ll go more in-depth with shading and surfaces, direct and global illumination, special effects, and rendering nature. After the how and why of each technique is presented, you?ll also examine optimizations that can be done to improve performance and alternative methods. `Game Graphics Programming` presents you with all of the information you need to efficiently and effectively create eye-catching graphical scenes for video games.

User review
ok, but not great
The contents of the book are relatively decent. But he never goes too in depth. It reminds me of a larger `Real-time Rendering` book. The book is easy to read, but I haven't read the whole thing.

Also, there is a lot of missing / not working code on the CD. The examples related to SH and ambient occlusion are MIA in particular. There are empty folders with respect to the HDR stuff. But I'm guessing he wanted you to view the stuff in the DX SDK.

User review
Offers techniques transferable to any programming language or operating system
Any college-level library strong in games or graphic programming needs as a basic, foundation reference Sherrod's GAMES GRAPHIC PROGRAMMING, a weighty, 644 page volume with accompanying cd-rom which offers techniques transferable to any programming language or operating system. From coverage of complex lighting and gaming techniques to the basics of game graphics, shading, and special effects, this comes from a university graduate in the Computer Information Systems program who has himself authored many games and graphics books.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch