How to Write Retro Games - Web Programming (Paperback)

About This Book

What is a game? Why do you play games? What happens when you play games? Do you feel excited? Frustrated? Challenged? Games are more than just entertainment - they are fundamental to how we learn and grow. From childhood to adulthood, games help us develop skills, test our limits, and engage with the world in ways that few other activities can. Not all games are created equal - different games teach us different things. Some sharpen our reflexes, others train our strategic thinking, and some immerse us in rich narratives that expand our imagination. But writing games can be just as rewarding and challenging as playing the game! When I ask my students in computer graphics to choose a project, many of them want to develop a video game. And why not? A well-designed game can be just as rigorous and complex as any 'serious' software project - if not more! The next question they ask is, 'How do I write a video game?' That's why I wrote this book - to provide a practical guide to game development, breaking it down into clear, approachable steps. Computer games are not just about interactive graphics; they are carefully crafted experiences that blend mechanics, design, and challenges together to keep players engaged. Fortunately, modern computers - and even mobile devices - are powerful enough so anyone can create their own games. With the right skills, knowledge, and patience, anyone can build something amazing. This book will help you develop those skills and expand your knowledge - the patience part is up to you. To make learning accessible and experimentation easy, I've chosen to write the examples in JavaScript using the HTML Canvas API. This allows you to run games directly in a web browser, making them easy to edit, test, and share. Don't underestimate what a web browser can do - it provides access to a vast range of built-in resources and makes rapid prototyping simple. The concepts you learn here can be built upon or adapted to other languages and platforms.

Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced professional seeking advanced knowledge, this book has something valuable to offer.

Key Features

Comprehensive coverage of Books concepts
Practical examples and real-world applications
Step-by-step tutorials and exercises
Written by industry experts
Companion website with additional resources

Book Statistics

Rating: 3.5

Reviews: 254

Pages: 517

Language: English

Sales Rank: #2366

Popularity: 100%

Customer Reviews

Drew Roberts

Book Enthusiast at LitVerse Publishing

I had such a great time reading this one! It's all about graphics, and - Refreshing. I loved how it mixed serious insight with friendly storytelling. It somehow made me laugh and think at the same time. Give it a try—you might just love it too!

Skyler Scott

Tech Lead at TechSpring

Alright, this book? Totally worth it—especially if you’re into graphics. Not too heavy. It’s one of those reads you can chill with. The vibe is relaxed but still makes you think. The writer doesn’t overdo it—just solid points and good flow. Good one to keep around when you want something casual.

Morgan Roberts

Open Source Contributor at TechSpring

This scholarly exploration of javascript proves to be Meticulously researched. Key themes are examined with clarity and depth. Methodology is sound and consistently applied. I would highly recommend this book to both students and established professionals.

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