Programming a Multiplayer FPS in DirectX SYNOPSIS
If you have experience with C++ and DirectX and have always wanted to program
your own game, this is the book for you. Programming a Multiplayer FPS in
DirectX takes you from the basic game design to a fully functioning game! All of
the source code, assets, and tools are includedyou just work through the
tutorial-based chapters and watch the game come to life as you develop it. And
as new features are added, you can begin playing with them to see them in
action. Following a typical game development process, the book is separated
into two distinct parts: Part One focuses on the design and development of the
game engine, and Part Two concentrates on putting the game together using the
engine. The theory has been kept to a minimum, so that you are following a
hands-on approach and adding new functionality to your engine as you proceed. In
the first part, you'll learn about the many facets of DirectX, C++, and
object-oriented programming. You'll also learn how to design the engine and put
the infrastructure into place. The next chapters will each add a new module to
your engine including input, scripting, 3D rendering, sound, networking, and
scene management. The second part covers the final development stages, including
everything from game play to player management; it culminates with the complete
multiplayer FPS game.
Throughout the book you'll learn key topics that will bring you up to speed
with industry proven techniques, while improving your confidence as a developer.
And because DirectX is the most prevalent game development tool available, once
you master this project, you'll have the skills you need to create a variety of
games!
FEATURES:* Provides a detailed, step-by-step approach through the
creation of a complete multiplayer FPS* Covers a variety of key topics
beyond the basics needed for the game creation, including occlusion culling and
scene management* Prepares users with the skills needed to code using the
latest DirectX API* Includes a companion CD-ROM with all the source code and
assets for the complete game, the DirectX SDK, and other useful tools
On the CD!* All of the source code and assets used to create the complete
game* The DirectX SDK 9.0c installation package used to develop the code in
the book* Panda DirectX Exporter (by Andy Tather) to use in conjunction with
3ds max to produce meshes in .x file format* Paint Shop Pro fullfeatured,
trial version great for creating textures* Improved Collision Detection
Article (by Kasper Fauerby): provides more details about the collision detection
algorithm used in the sample game SYSTEM REQUIREMENTSTo compile
the source code provided on this CD-ROM you will need a C++ compatible compiler.
Microsoft Visual C++ 6 was used to create and compile this source code, however,
it has been tested and successfully compiled on newer versions of Visual C++.
(Although the source code may compile under a different product, it has not been
tested.) The workspaces provided on the CD-ROM are for Visual C++ 6, but the VS
Conversion Wizard will automatically update the workspaces to your version. To
run the sample game, you should have at least a 1 GHz CPU and at least 256MB of
RAM. You'll need a 3D accelerated video card with at least 32MB of onboard
memory. DirectX 9.0c will be used, but no version specific features that require
a DirectX 9 compliant video card are used, so any video card supporting DirectX
8 or above should function. Remember to always ensure your system matches the
minimum system requirements before installing any of the third-party
products.
ACCREDITATION
VAUGHAN YOUNG (Queensland, Australia) is an experienced C++ and DirectX programmer. His degree in IT is complemented by further studies in software development, focusing primarily on game development. Currently, he operates his own software development business, producing and managing software solutions. On the side he maintains his own Web site dedicated to his passion for computer game development.
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