Customer Reviews

Tricks of the Mac Game Programming Gurus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

This book is outdated as the code applies to PowerBooks, but don't let that take away from the principles of game and graphics programming.