Game Development Essentials: An Introduction (CD-ROM)

by Jeannie Novak (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
"Get ready for a fascinating ride through the fastest-growing segment of the entertainment industry!" As gaming evolves into a powerhouse industry and a dynamic career opportunity, the need has never been greater for a book that offers a penetrating introduction to the field and a clear explanation of the keys to success. A highly respected industry observer and gaming instructor in Southern California, author Jeannie Novak showcases in this definitive work every important aspect of game development, beginning with a highly informative chapter on the background of the industry that provides the historical context for later chapters. The latest addition to the Game Development Essential series, An Introduction to Game Development examines content creation and the concepts behind the development of story, character, environment, level design, user interface, and sound. Novak also looks to the future of gaming, and in particular, at such promising technologies as online and mobile gaming. An entertaining read and a thoroughly researched and knowledgeable overview of the field, this book is an indispensable gateway to one of the most exciting career opportunities in the country today.

About the Author
Jeannie Novak is Lead Author and Series Editor of the widely acclaimed Game Development Essentials series. Through Indiespace, an interactive entertainment company she founded in 1994, Jeannie consults with creative professionals in the music, film, and television industries to help them migrate to the game industry. Jeannie is the Program Director of the Game Art & Design and Media Arts & Animation programs at the Art Institute Online. She has been a game instructor and course development expert at UCLA Extension, Art Center College of Design, DeVry University, Westwood College, ITT Technical Institute, UC Berkeley, and the Academy of Entertainment and Technology at Santa Monica College. Jeannie holds a BA in Mass Communication and an MA in Communication Management. She currently serves on the MMOG and Online Excellence committees for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS).

Product Details

• CD-ROM: 456 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Cengage Learning; 1 edition (September 9, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401862713
• ISBN-13: 978-1401862718
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #68,045 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Required Reading (literally), December 18, 2004

By	Alan Emrich "Game Design Teacher" (Orange County, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I teach Survey of the Game Industry, Game Design & Game Play, and Project Management at the Art Institute of California: Orange County. Being a frugal person myself, I have not required my students purchase a textbook for any of my classes until now. Ms. Novak's book has become the single source of required reading for ALL 3 of my classes. Breezy, intelligent, and designed from the first sentence as an instructional tool, you will learn a great deal about the game industry from it. I could not possibly recommend this book any higher than to commit my classes to it.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Introductory Text, September 17, 2005

By	Game Designer (Irvine, CA) - See all my reviews

I'm a professional game designer with 7 years experience and found Ms. Novak's book to be a great introduction to the process of game development. It is well-organized and covers a wealth of relevant topics. The lucid writing and full color screenshots make it easy to read.

Unlike many other introductory books, Ms. Novak's text does not mislead the reader into thinking that becoming a game developer is an easy path, where a great idea and good pitch can allow you to create your dream game. It is a responsible and accessible text that anyone interested in game development would find helpful and insightful. Obviously, as an introductory text, its content is not particularly useful to industry professionals, though I found the profiles and the section on history to be enjoyable.

I don't understand Mark Baldwin's objection to the profiles, because I feel that they provide insight to the industry that is immensely valuable to those new to the field. Ranging from industry greats, such as Louis Castle and Richard Garriot, to current students, a wide variety of perspectives and thoughts are presented. As an aside, I can understand some of Mr. Baldwin's comments from an academic perspective, but from a practical point of view, I must disagree with his harsh appraisal.

I would recommend Ms. Novak's book to anyone who wants to learn the basics of the game development process.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers just about everything, October 4, 2004

By	Milan Petrovich (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is as good an introduction to the game development process as I have come across. Incredibly current, peppered with wonderful interviews and comments from major professionals in the field. I especially like the CD-ROM which includes a wealth of demos and development tools.