REVIEW - The Zen of Direct3D Game Programming


Title:

The Zen of Direct3D Game Programming

Author:

Peter Walsh

ISBN:

Publisher:

Course Technology (2001)

Pages:

863pp

Reviewer:

Max Palmer

Reviewed:

December 2001

Rating:

★★☆☆☆


Part of a new series by Prima Tech examining various aspects of game design, this book covers Direct3D, the latest version of Microsoft's game programming libraries. Direct3D in fact includes support for 2D graphics, music, device handling (mouse/keyboard) as well as 3D graphics; all of these topics are covered except (Direct)Music. The book is quite long, at over 800 pages and assumes you are using Visual C++. Despite its length, it is an easy read as long as you don't mind the author's quite chatty, 'tekkie' style.

One of the book's strengths is in providing a number of entry points that cater for readers with different levels of experience. For example, an appendix introduces C programmers to C++, while 'Part two' provides a basic overview of Windows programming and COM, both being fundamental in the development of a game engine based upon Direct3D. The author explains difficult concepts well and takes care to make sure novices aren't left behind at any stage in the development of the book's game engine. The obvious drawback to this approach is that people with a reasonable level of experience may find themselves skipping large sections of text in search of new information.

My main criticism is that the book contains a number of mistakes, making me wonder whether it has been rushed through the final stages of production. While the majority of these mistakes are relatively benign, like code listings with formatting problems, there are a couple of more serious errors in one section, which I feel could confuse a beginner. My other minor criticism is that I had to make a change to the code for the 3D samples (supplied on the CD) to get it to run on both my laptop and desktop PC. It is a shame these problems are present, since they detract from what is otherwise a good, clear introduction to the subject.


Book cover image courtesy of Open Library.





Your Privacy

By clicking "Accept Non-Essential Cookies" you agree ACCU can store non-essential cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Current Setting: Non-Essential Cookies REJECTED


By clicking "Include Third Party Content" you agree ACCU can forward your IP address to third-party sites (such as YouTube) to enhance the information presented on this site, and that third-party sites may store cookies on your device.

Current Setting: Third Party Content EXCLUDED



Settings can be changed at any time from the Cookie Policy page.