The best books on how to make a video game

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How-to books on Video Game Design


Video Game Building

These are the books that actually show you how to build a video game from start to finish.
If you really want to give it a serious shot and learn how to make outstanding video games then I recommend you buy these two books: The First book (Sam's Teach Yourself C++ in 21 Days) is an excellent step by step guide to C++ programming which is an excellent language for game programming. The Second book (Beginning C++ Game Programming) uses your new found C++ skill and applies it to game making..You will make simple games and develop to more complex ones as you progress through the book If you really start developing here, or if you have a reasonable grasp of C++ already, you should move on to this book. (Game Programming All In One) Books on making models and characters for your games Go To the Page on Designing and Building Models and Characters in your Video Games

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Video Game Art Books

	Creating the Art of the Game The key word here is art: the dynamic 3D art that defines the world of computer games. This book teaches you everything you need to know about the planning, modeling, texturing, lighting, effects creation, and interface design that go into creating today's most advanced and stunning video games.
	3D Game Art I own this book and it is simply fantastic. Clear and well written. Perfect for beginners and still takes you all the way into getting game art that looks right.

Game Design Books

	Game Design for Teens This is a great book for learning all about game design. This isn't a book that you can use to make a game on your own. It shows you the real process for game design. If you are considering a career in games you should get this book.
	Ultimate Game Design: Building Game Worlds Many game design books give you an overall view. This book actually gives you real results and help with designing levels, textures and lighting. Good book for adults.

No Programming Required OK so you are a real beginner and don't want to learn C++ This is the book for you. I have an earlier edition of this book and it really works. Awesome 3d Game Development: No Programming Required teaches aspiring game developers how to create their own computer games without programming skills and provides an in-depth understanding of how the game design process works. Using hands-on tutorials and "drag-anddrop" game engines, readers learn to make and modify their own interactive 3D computer games, create models, and select game assets. The CD-ROM has most of the demos of the development tools used in the book, including 3D GameMaker, Reality Factory, Multimedia Fusion, MilkShape 3D Modeler, and Paint Shop Pro. This is a great way to learn the fundamentals of game design and game creation no programming skills required!