Game development is a complex craft that requires understanding both the theoretical foundations and practical implementations that power modern games. In this extensively updated third edition, Jason Gregory draws on his nearly two decades of experience at industry giants like Midway, Electronic Arts, and Naughty Dog to provide a comprehensive look at what goes into building industrial-strength game engines.
This edition builds upon the solid foundation of previous versions while incorporating crucial updates to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of game development. You'll find fresh coverage of computer hardware architecture, CPU memory caches, compiler optimizations, and the latest C++ language standards. The book also delves into the IEEE-754 floating-point representation and modern 2D user interface techniques.
What sets this book apart is its unique approach of combining theoretical concepts with practical, real-world examples. Each technology and technique is explained not just in isolation, but in the context of how it fits within a complete game engine architecture. The mathematical background necessary for game development is thoroughly covered, making complex topics accessible without oversimplifying.
Whether you're just beginning your journey into game development or you're a seasoned programmer looking to expand your technical toolkit, this book offers valuable insights. Beginners will appreciate the systematic introduction to core concepts, while experienced developers will discover new perspectives on technologies they may not have deeply explored.
With copious references and citations throughout, this third edition serves not just as a learning resource but as a springboard for further exploration into specialized areas of game development technology. It's more than just a textbook—it's your guide to understanding the intricate systems that bring virtual worlds to life.
