Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus [Paperback]

Jamie McCornack (Author), Ingemar Ragnemalm (Author), Paul Celestin (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1995

This Mac game programming sourcebook contains source code, tips and instruction from the experts in Mac game development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus is a comprehensive resource for beginning to expert programmers who want to create their own game. Loaded with tips, tricks, and detailed instructions, this book guides users through the world of Mac game programmi "CD-ROM is packed with various tools, libraries, utilities, sample code, game demos, and shareware, as well as commercial games. Includes tips and tricks from Mac game programming experts. Shows users how to develop a game--from start to finish. Explore". Covers Various Macintosh Tools. -- HAYDEN BOOK CO

Product Details

• Paperback: 900 pages
• Publisher: Hayden Books (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568301839
• ISBN-13: 978-1568301839
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,310,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to code Games on the Mac, you need this book., May 1, 1999

By 

Jon Beyer ([e-mail]) (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus (Paperback)

This is an essential guide to the tricks and finer points of Macintosh game programming. This book has the best examples I've seen in any programming reference. The concepts and programming tips are taught in a manner that help you go beyond what the book contains and develop your own methods as well.

The writing is excellent (you can read this book like a novel, rather than just use it as a reference), and the topics covered are just what a beginning or slightly seasoned programmer are looking for - from sprite blitting routines that blow away what the toolbox has to offer, to multi-channel audio tips, to networking and AI development, and a great chapter on porting from Windows.

I cannot stress highly enough how much help this book is to a MacOS game programmer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for learning game programming on the Mac., December 31, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus (Paperback)

This book is by far the best book I've ever read on Macintosh programming. You should have knowledge of basic C programming on the Mac (buy Dave Mark's Learn C on the Macintosh) and then you can just jump right in.

I have taken two classes on C++ programming (for UNIX) and I had virtually no experience programming for the Mac. This book covers absolutely anything you want to know about making games; from an excellent chapter on networking (written by Stuart Chesire, creator of Bolo) to an even more impressive chapter on PowerPC optimization. It covers basic sprite animation, advanced sprite animation, and it also has a great chapter on audio... this is the MUST GET Mac game programming book.

Above all this, it is an absolute joy to read. It contains interviews with other big names in the mac industry - for instance, Jason Jones of Bungie - and gets their tips and tricks for making killer games.

This is one of those books that you will consult every day in the development of a mac game.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Mac programming reference, February 1, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus (Paperback)

This book gives many insights into practical programming for the Macintosh. Game programmers typically have unique obstacles to overcome. This book describes many programming techniques not described in other books on Macintosh programming.

One of its strengths is that it's written by experts in their field. The chapter on porting games from other platforms, for example, was written by people who have ported many popular games to the Macintosh platform. Thirteen authors are listed in the book, each covering topics they know well.

Modern topics, such as QuickDraw 3D and optimizing code for PowerPC are covered. Enjoyable reading and an excellent reference. CD-ROM included.