Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 10

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 10 provides an introduction to programming interactive computer graphics, with an emphasis on game development, using DirectX 10. The book is divided into three main parts. Part I explores basic mathematical tools, Part II shows how to implement fundamental tasks in Direct3D, and Part III demonstrates a variety of techniques and special effects. With this book: Understand how vectors, matrices, and transfomations are used in the creation of computer games. Discover how to implement lighting, texture mapping, blending, and stenciling to increase the realism of your scenes. Explore techniques for creating special effects, including terrain rendering, shadow mapping, particle systems, and reflections. Learn about new Direct3D 10 features such as geometry shaders, the stream out pipeline stage, texture arrays, and primitive IDs. Test your knowledge and programming skills with the end-of-chapter exercises.

User review
Excellent book for those looking to take their first steps into Graphics Programming
After dabbling in Ogre, Irrlicht, and such, I've decided to learn a bit more about DirectX and what goes into creating a graphics engine. This book has been a joy to read. It's complex, but still manages to present the material perfectly to the intended audience; an intermediate level C++ programmer who wishes to begin learning DirectX. The 3d Math section is tough, but interesting, at least for me. I'm certain many people may struggle with it, some may even want to run away after the first two chapters. Stick with it, it's honestly worth it, it makes many of the concepts in the book much clearer. With a bit of dedication and knowledge high school algebra, you will be able to comprehend the 3d Math. I'm very satisfied with this book, and I think anyone who wishes to learn the fundamentals of DirectX could scarcely do better than it.



User review
Oh, DirectX is great!
From previous attempts to learn DirectX, I was fed up with the API and convinced that OpenGl was far superior. But,,.

This book is great. It made me realize how powerful DirectX and DirectX shader technology is, despite Microsoft's tendency to write old school complex C-style API's. The author shows a different way of thinking about the API, and how to encapsulate the complexity in C++, yet maintain the possibility of exposing the ultimate flexibility underlying.

The sequence of topics is great, and very aggressive. The example code is very useful. This text is not watered down at all, and you will learn everything you need to know to understand all of the Microsoft SDK examples, and to start building your own shaders.

And yet it reads like an easy introductory text.

Nicely done!!

User review
A+
Coming from an intermediate C++ programmer with very basic knowledge of DirectX 9, this was a very helpful book. It explains the DirectX 10 pipeline well and provides clear code that shows the reader how to implement basic terrain, lighting, and effects.

User review
An Oasis in a DX10 Desert
Having some experience with DX9, I wanted a text that clearly explained the capabilities of DX10. I previously had purchased and used Wendy Jones' and Peter Walsh's books on DX10. I was disappointed in them because they never bothered to take on the topic of window resizing. Why?

Frank Luna's latest is a welcome treat. I would have liked to have seen it sooner, but better late than never.

Those readers fearful of vector and matrix arithmetic and algebra will undoubtedly stiffen up because Luna starts with these prerequisites. Such readers should try to tough it out. It will be worth it. Luna's treatment is thorough. Get through it, but with thorough understanding.

I've been through Chapters 1-6, and every paragraph and example program has been worthwhile. Good work, Frank.

User review
Excellent Starter Book
I've been using this book for the past few weeks to gear up for one of my new projects. It's been extremely helpful continuing my C++ learning, and the material is quite easy to follow.

Thanks Frank!