Book sales-XNA Game Studio 4.0 for Xbox 360 Developers

XNA Game Studio 4.0 for Xbox 360 Developers By Jonathan S. Harbour List Price: $49.99 Price: $36.49 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Discover how to create exciting and challenging games for the Xbox 360 using XNA Game Studio 4.0 and the Visual C# programming language. XNA Game Studio 4.0 for Xbox 360 Developers provides experienced game developers with a comprehensive overview of the XNA Framework, providing all the tools, source code, and information you need to develop Windows and Xbox 360 games. You’ll find an introduction to programming in XNA, the XNA Framework, and all the new features included in XNA 4.0 to get you started. The bulk of the book focuses on the XNA Framework, in particular the features of the Xbox 360, including the controller, playing audio, and creating graphics. The final part of the book covers the major features of Xbox Live, including creating and rendering an avatar, 3D programming, loading and rendering a mesh using a basic shader, and networking via system link and online. You’ll tie together all the skills you’ve learned in a final game project that demonstrates the networking capabilities of XNA and acts as a rudimentary, sprite-based networked game engine for your own projects.
Source code and artwork from the book as well as Visual C# 2010 projects for Windows and Xbox 360 are available as accompanying downloads.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1036085 in Books
• Published on: 2011-02-16
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.11" h x 7.39" w x 9.12" l, 1.87 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 414 pages

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Features of XNA Game Studio 4.0 for Xbox 360 Developers

• The only book on the market to cover advanced-level XNA features.


• Can be used as a reference or worked through in sequence.


• Covers the new version of the XNA toolkit, version 2.0.


• All source codes and artwork from the book is available for download.


• Notes and sidebars throughout the book highlight important portions of text.

Contents

The book is divided into three major parts:

Part I: Introduction and Primer
This part includes two chapters that will help get you started programming in XNA, with an introduction to the new features in XNA 4.0 as well as coverage of the XNA Framework and how to create new projects with Visual C# 2010.

1. Introduction to XNA Game Studio 4.0
2. Peeking Under the Hood

Part II: XNA Framework Library
This part includes nine chapters that provide a reference for the NXA Framework with sample codes to show how each namespace in the XNA Framework can be used in a game project.

3. XNA Framework Overview
4. Audio
5. Content
6. Gamer Services
7. Graphics
8. Input
9. Media
10. Net
11. Storage

Part III: XBOX Live
This part includes six applied chapters covering the major features of Xbox Live that can be utilized in an XNA 4.0 project, including coverage of avatars and multiplayer networking. The final chapter culminates in a multiplayer Tank Battle game that demonstrates the networking capabilities of XNA and acts as a rudimentary networked game engine for your own projects. Chapters 12 and 15 both cover 3D programming, loading a mesh, and rendering it using a basic shader.

12. Avatars
13. Guide
14. Multiplayer Networking
15. Meshes
16. Sprites
17. Multiplayer Game Engine

1. Appendix: Resources for Further Study

From the Author
Source code for the projects in this book may be downloaded from these book resource locations:

• courseptr.com/downloads (search by author or book title)
• jharbour.com/forum (must create a free account first)

About the Author
Jon Harbour has been programming video games since the 1980s. His first video game system was an Atari 2600 which he played with disassembled on the floor of his room as a kid. He has written on languages and subjects that include: C++, C#, Basic, Java, DirectX, Allegro, Lua, DarkBasic, XNA Game Studio, Pocket PC, Nintendo GBA, and game console hacking. He is the author of Visual Basic Game Programming for Teens, 3rd Edition; Visual C# Game Programming for Teens; Beginning Game Programming, 3rd Edition;Multi-Threaded Game Engine Design and XNA Game Studio 4.0 for Xbox 360 Developers. Visit his blog and forum at jharbour.com.

Book sales-Learning XNA 3.0: XNA 3.0 Game Development

Learning XNA 3.0: XNA 3.0 Game Development for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune By Aaron Reed List Price: $34.99 Price: $22.15 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Do you have what it takes to become a game developer? With this hands-on book, you'll learn quickly and easily how to develop computer games with Microsoft's XNA 3.0 framework-not just for your PC, but for Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune as well.

Written by an experienced university-level game development instructor,Learning XNA 3.0 walks you through the framework in a clear and understandable step-by-step format. Each chapter offers a self-contained lesson with lots of illustrations and annotated examples to help you master key concepts. Once you finish the book, you'll know how to develop sophisticated games from start to finish.

• Learn game development concepts from 2D animation to 3D cameras and effects
• Delve into high-level shader language (HLSL) and introductory artificial intelligence concepts
• Develop three complete and exciting games using 2D,3D and multiplayer concepts
• Develop and deploy games to the Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune

While teaching XNA to beginning game developers, author Aaron Reed noticed that several key concepts were difficult for students to grasp.Learning XNA 3.0 was written specifically to address those issues. With this book, you can test your understanding and practice new skills as you go with unique "Test Your Knowledge" exercises and review questions in each chapter.

Why wait? Amaze your family and friends by building your own games for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune-with Learning XNA 3.0.

"An outstanding book! Teaches you XNA development in a smart way, starting from 2D basics and going into 3D and shader development. What I really like is the 'peeling the onion' approach the author takes, which builds up knowledge from previous chapters." --David "LetsKillDave" Weller, CEO, Cogito Ergonomics, LLC, and former XNA program manager

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #236705 in Books
• Published on: 2008-12-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.06" h x 7.14" w x 9.16" l, 1.44 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 512 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780596521950
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

Book sales-Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0

Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0: Learn Programming Now!: How to program for Windows Phone 7, Xbox 360, Zune devices, and more By Rob Miles List Price: $29.99 Price: $19.75 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Now you can build your own games for your Xbox 360®, Windows® Phone 7, or Windows-based PC—as you learn the underlying concepts for computer programming. Use this hands-on guide to dive straight into your first project—adding new tools and tricks to your arsenal as you go. No experience required!

• Learn XNA and C# fundamentals—and increase the challenge with each chapter
• Write code to create and control game behavior
• Build your game’s display—from graphics and text to lighting and 3-D effects
• Capture and cue sounds
• Process input from keyboards and gamepads
• Create features for one or multiple players
• Tweak existing games—and invent totally new ones

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #464573 in Books
• Published on: 2011-02-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .98" h x 7.37" w x 8.96" l, 1.68 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 464 pages

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rob Miles has been teaching computer programming for more than 25 years. An expert on Visual C#® and a Microsoft® MVP for Device Application Development, Rob enjoys inspiring new and experienced programmers. As well as writing his own games, programs, and poetry, Rob has consulted on a wide range of commercial software projects.

3D Graphics with XNA Game Studio 4.0

3D Graphics with XNA Game Studio 4.0 By Sean James List Price: $44.99 Price: $38.91 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Product Description This book is designed as a step-by-step tutorial that can be read through from beginning to end, with each chapter building on the last. Each section, however, can also be used as a reference for implementing various camera models, special effects, etc. The chapters are filled with illustrations, screenshots, and example code, and each chapter is based around the creation of one or more example projects. By the end of the first chapter you will have created the framework that is used and improved upon for the rest of the book, and by the end of the book you will have implemented dozens of special effects, camera types, lighting models and more using that framework. This book is mainly written for those who are familiar with object oriented programming and C# and who are interested in taking 3D graphics of their XNA games to the next level. This book will be useful as learning material for those who are new to graphics and for those who are looking to expand their toolset. Also, it can be used by game developers looking for an implementation guide or reference for effects or techniques they are already familiar with. Product Details Amazon Sales Rank: #525429 in Books Published on: 2010-12-14 Released on: 2011-01-18 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Dimensions: 1.11 pounds Binding: Paperback 292 pages Editorial Reviews About the Author Sean James Sean James is a computer science student who has been programming for many years. He started with web design, learning HTML, PHP, Javascript, etc.In addition to web design he has interests in desktop software development and development for mobile devices such as Android, Windows Mobile, and Zune. However, his passion is for game development with DirectX, OpenGL, and XNA. Sean James lives in Claremont, CA with his family and two dogs. He would like to thank his family and friends who supported him throughout the writing of this book, and all the people at Packt Publishing who worked hard on the book and to support him. He would also like to thank the XNA community for providing such amazing resources, without which this book would not have been possible.

XNA Game Studio 4.0 Programming: Developing for Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360

XNA Game Studio 4.0 Programming: Developing for Windows Phone 7 and Xbox 360 (Developer's Library) By Tom Miller, Dean Johnson List Price: $39.99 Price: $21.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Get Started Fast with XNA Game Studio 4.0–and Build Great Games for Both Windows® Phone 7 and Xbox 360®

This is the industry’s best reference and tutorial for all aspects of XNA Game Studio 4.0 programming on all supported platforms, from Xbox 360 to Windows Phone 7 and Windows PCs. The only game development book authored by Microsoft XNA development team members, it offers deep insider insights you won’t get anywhere else–including thorough coverage of new Windows Phone APIs for mobile game development.

You’ll quickly build simple games and get comfortable with Microsoft’s powerful XNA Game Studio 4.0 toolset. Next, you’ll drill down into every area of XNA, including graphics, input, audio, video, storage, GamerServices, and networking. Miller and Johnson present especially thorough coverage of 3D graphics, from Reach and HiDef to textures, effects, and avatars. Throughout, they introduce new concepts with downloadable code examples designed to help you jumpstart your own projects. Coverage includes

• Downloading, installing, and getting started with XNA Game Studio 4
• Building on capabilities provided in the default game template
• Using 2D sprites, textures, sprite operations, blending, and SpriteFonts
• Creating high-performance 3D graphics with XNA’s newly simplified APIs
• Loading, generating, recording, and playing audio
• Supporting keyboards, mice, Xbox 360 controllers, Touch, accelerometer, and GPS inputs
• Managing all types of XNA storage
• Using avatars as characters in your games
• Utilizing gamer types, player profiles, presence information, and other GamerServices
• Supporting Xbox LIVE and networked games
• Creating higher-level input systems that seamlessly manage cross-platform issues

From Windows Phone 7 mobile gaming to Xbox 360, XNA Game Studio 4.0 creates huge new opportunities for experienced Microsoft developers. This book helps you build on skills you already have, to create the compelling games millions of users are searching for.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #112664 in Books
• Published on: 2010-12-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.09" h x 7.08" w x 8.96" l, 1.75 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 528 pages

Microsoft XNA Game Studio Creator's Guide, Second Edition

Microsoft XNA Game Studio Creator's Guide, Second Edition By Stephen Cawood, Pat McGee List Price: $39.99 Price: $22.84 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25.

Product Description

Bring your PC, Zune, and Xbox gaming visions to life with Microsoft XNA Game Studio

Develop complete 2D and 3D games with step-by-step hands-on instruction, advice, and tips from two industry professionals. Fully revised to cover the latest features, Microsoft XNA Game Studio Creator's Guide, Second Editionlays out the essentials of game programming alongside exciting examples and C# code samples. Learn how to create 3D models, virtual worlds, and add stunning animation. You'll also discover how to incorporate 3D audio into your projects and handle PC and game controller input devices.

• Create, draw, and update XNA game windows and 3D objects
• Add dazzling animation and fluid character motion
• Render photorealistic terrains, landscapes, skies, and horizons
• Program custom lighting and shading effects using HLSL
• Integrate sound effects, game dashboards, and stat tracking
• Work with game cameras, keyframes, sprites, and loaders
• Design natural collision detection, ballistics, and particle effects
• Develop, import, and control Quake II models using MilkShape

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #203487 in Books
• Published on: 2009-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.12" h x 7.45" w x 9.16" l, 2.05 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Stephen Cawood is a former program manager at Microsoft Corporation and the author of several gaming titles.

Pat McGee is a faculty member and course developer at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. He is a game programmer.

XNA 4.0 Game Development by Example: Beginner's Guide

XNA 4.0 Game Development by Example: Beginner's Guide By Kurt Jaegers List Price: $44.99 Price: $38.07 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Product Description

This book is a step-by-step tutorial that includes complete source code for all of the games covered. It adopts an engaging style to teach all the game development concepts. Each block of code is explained, and game development concepts are diagrammed and covered in detail. Each game begins with a concept description and concludes with suggestions for expanding on the finished game. If you are an aspiring game developer who wants to take a shot at creating games for the Microsoft Windows platform with the XNA Framework, then this book is for you. Using this book, you can get started with creating games without any game development experience. A basic knowledge of C# would be helpful to kick-start your game development, but it's not essential.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #48705 in Books
• Published on: 2010-09-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.61 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 428 pages

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Kurt Jaegers

Kurt Jaegers is a database administrator by day, and a long-time hobbyist game developer, having built games for everything from the Commodore 64 to the Xbox 360. He is the owner of xnaresources.com, one of the earliest XNA-focused tutorial websites.

Learning XNA 4.0 : Game Development for the PC Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7

Learning XNA 4.0: Game Development for the PC, Xbox 360, and Windows Phone 7 By Aaron Reed List Price: $39.99 Price: $23.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details

Product Description

Want to develop games for Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7? This hands-on book will get you started with Microsoft's XNA 4.0 development framework right away -- even if you have no experience developing games. Although XNA includes several key concepts that can be difficult for beginning web developers to grasp, Learning XNA 4.0 shortens the learning curve by walking you through the framework in a clear and understandable step-by-step format.

Each chapter offers a self-contained lesson with illustrations and annotated examples, along with exercises and review questions to help you test your understanding and practice new skills as you go. Once you've finished this book, you'll know how to develop your own sophisticated games from start to finish.

• Learn game development from 2D animation to 3D cameras and effects
• Delve into high-level shader language (HLSL) and introductory artificial intelligence concepts
• Build three complete, exciting games using 2D, 3D, and multiplayer techniques
• Develop for and deploy your games to the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone 7

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24922 in Books
• Published on: 2010-12-27
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 1.20" h x 7.00" w x 9.20" l, 1.85 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781449394622
• Condition: New
• Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aaron Reed has extensive software development experience and more importantly, experience in software development education. Since 2004 he has taught courses at Neumont University in .NET, web development and web services, XNA, systems design and architecture, and more.

Aaron's experience in teaching both DirectX and XNA for several years to university-level students helps him understand what topics are easily understood and which ones need more depth and emphasis. Through experience in the classroom he also has a good understanding of what format and sequence makes the most sense to present the material. This book follows that format and is meant to present game development concepts in the way most efficient and most comprehendible as proven in the classroom.