Video Game Building

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

The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners

The Game Maker's Apprentice shows you how to create nine exciting games using the wildly popular Game Maker game creation tool. This book covers a range of genres, including action, adventure, and puzzle games&emdash;complete with professional quality sound effects and visuals. It discusses game design theory and features practical examples of how this can be applied to making games that are more fun to play.

Game Development Essentials: An Introduction offers a thorough and insightful introduction to the game development industry, with industry updates that will keep readers current and well-prepared for a career in the field. The book begins with a highly informative chapter on the evolution of game development, providing a historical context for later chapters, and moves on to examine content creation and the concepts behind the development of story, character, environment, level design, user interface, and sound. With the same engaging writing style and examples that made the first edition so popular, this new edition features expanded coverage of today's hottest topics - such as next-generation platforms (Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii), level design, interface design, project management, serious games, game accessibility, and online social networks. New game-related technology, development techniques, and the latest research in the field make this an invaluable resource for anyone entering the exciting, competitive, ever-changing world of game development.

Game Development Essentials: Video Game Art The premiere title in the Game Development Essentials series explores the art of bringing a game designer's concepts to life. A strong foundation in game artistry is the essential first step, and leading game art designer Todd Gantzler takes readers behind the scenes to show them how to create the entire visual world - from characters to environments - that a game player encounters on the computer screen. Hands-on tutorial instruction suitable for beginning-to-intermediate-level game artists explains the process involved in creating art for real-time 3D digital games and, specifically, video games. The book highlights the technical aspects of preparing art quickly and effectively while conforming to the limitations and specifications of today's most widely used 3D game engines.

DarkBASIC Programming for the Absolute Beginner (No Experience Required (Course Technology))

Want to really learn how to make video games the professional way but don't know anything about programming?

DarkBASIC is a great way to learn about programming while you learn how to make video games - gives a beginner the best of both worlds. You will learn fundamental concepts of programming while simultaneously learning fundamental concepts of game development.

3D Game Art f/x and Design This is one of the best books on the design and graphics of video games there is. I bought this book when it first came out and I still refer to it. It has a cd with lots of free software. If you can only get one book you might want to consider this one. Highly Recommended

Introduction to Game Development, Second Edition

Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques

With increasingly sophisticated video games being consumed by an enthusiastic and expanding audience, the pressure is on game developers like never before to deliver exciting stories and engaging characters. With Video Game Storytelling , game writer and producer Evan Skolnick provides a comprehensive yet easy-to-follow guide to storytelling basics and how they can be applied at every stage of the development process-by all members of the team. This clear, concise reference pairs relevant examples from top games and other media with a breakdown of the key roles in game development, showing how a team's shared understanding and application of core storytelling principles can deepen the player experience. Understanding story and why it matters is no longer just for writers or narrative designers. From team leadership to game design and beyond, Skolnick reveals how each member of the development team can do his or her part to help produce gripping, truly memorable narratives that will enhance gameplay and bring today's savvy gamers back time and time again.

Game Development Essentials: Video Game Art

The premiere title in the Game Development Essentials series explores the art of bringing a game designer's concepts to life. A strong foundation in game artistry is the essential first step, and leading game art designer Todd Gantzler takes readers behind the scenes to show them how to create the entire visual world - from characters to environments - that a game player encounters on the computer screen. Hands-on tutorial instruction suitable for beginning-to-intermediate-level game artists explains the process involved in creating art for real-time 3D digital games and, specifically, video games. The book highlights the technical aspects of preparing art quickly and effectively while conforming to the limitations and specifications of today's most widely used 3D game engines.

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!

Game Design: Principles, Practice, and Techniques - The Ultimate Guide for the Aspiring Game Designer

Practical, complete coverage of game design basics from design process to production This full-color, structured coursebook offers complete coverage of game design basics, focusing on design rather than computer programming. Packed with exercises, assignments, and step-by-step instructions, it starts with an overview of design theory, then progresses to design processes, and concludes with coverage of design production. s of video games there is. I bought this book when it first came out and I still refer to it. It has a cd with lots of free software. If you can only get one book you might want to consider this one. Highly Recommended

Game Programming for Teens, Second Edition You?ve played plenty of games. Now it?s time to create your own! "Game Programming for Teens, Second Edition" helps you develop the skills you need to create every element of your first video game?from graphics and animation to sound and music. You?ll even learn how to incorporate artificial intelligence. You don?t have to have any programming experience to get started. You?ll learn everything you need to know along the way using BlitzPlus, an easy-to-learn programming language that the author will teach you. By the end of the book, you will have created your first computer game. Game programming doesn?t have to be difficult. With a copy of this book and your own curiosity, you?re off to the perfect start!

Ultimate Game Design: Building Game Worlds Build games with techniques and insights from a pro. Author and game developer Tom Meigs shows you the finer points of world building and behavior scripting. Learn about level stubbing, lighting, prop and item placement, camera tricks, particle and effects systems, communication loops, Massively Multiplayer Online Games, and much more.

Learn C++ By Making Games (Charles River Media Programming) Learn C++ by Making Games teaches the fundamentals of C++ from a unique and fun perspective. Using game specific code and examples, the book helps anyone wanting to learn C++ progress from the basics to more advanced topics.

• Amazon.com has lots of great books on programming video games. Check it out. This link will take you directly to their section on Programming.Books on Programming
• Amazon.com Best selling books on Game Develoment. Go directly to the list of top sellers.Top Selling Game Development Books