With the sharp increase in mobile devices also comes a proportional increase in the demand for game apps. Developing game apps is a complex process, which involves several stages of planning, design, execution and finally, deployment of the app to different mobile devices. While there are several good books for game app development, here are 5 of the most popular, as also the most lucid, books on different aspects of game development.
Game Development Essentials: Mobile Game Development
The book, “Game Development Essentials: Mobile Game Development”, authored by Kimberly Unger, goes into the details of the art and science of game app development. The book talks about the general process of approaching game development, plus creating videogames and game apps for a variety of mobile devices as well. The book tutors game developer hopefuls right from the initial process of game development to creating the right design for their app. Including examples, detailed illustrations, interviews by well-established game developers and also questions and assignments at the end of each chapter; this book is very educative, providing a wealth of useful information to amateur game developers, looking for a way to begin with game programming.
The Art of Game Design: A Deck of Lenses
Authored by Jesse Schell, the book, “The Art of Game Design: A Deck of Lenses”, is a veritable game design toolkit in itself. A sort corollary to the acclaimed book, “The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses”, this book comprises unique “lens cards”, each of which addresses vital principles of game development. These “lenses” treat all aspects of game design and development, covering all topics such as aesthetics, creativity, technology, teamwork, testing and even certain tips on the business of game development. Covering various levels of card and board game development, this book is ideal for beginners and experienced developers alike.
Beginning Mobile Phone Game Programming
Authored by Michael Morrison, this book teaches you to develop fully functional games, plus a game engine, which you can use for developing mobile phones game apps. A CD, which is included in the package, offers you all the tools, graphics and codes, which will be needed in order to complete the exercises and assignments provided to you in each chapter. The book also gives lucid instructions on wireless game programming and Java programming, also providing practical assignments on using the J2ME Game API. Important lessons include adding music to mobile game apps; control graphics and animation; and use mobile networks to develop multiplayer games.
Mobile 3D Game Development: From Start to Market
This handy book on mobile 3D game programming teaches you to work with Java, to develop interesting and engaging games for mobile devices. A vast source of information, this book is good for both amateur and experienced game developers and 2D mobile game developers as well. Including theoretical and practical training sessions, this book teaches developers to create high quality 3D games, usingJava ME and 3D API. Further, this book also walks you through the process of developing three games from start to finish, namely, Space Busters, a multiplayer racing game and an FPS.
Corona SDK Mobile Game Development: Beginner's Guide Ebook
Authored by Michelle M. Fernandez, this book offers a brief crash course in both Lua and Corona, after which it takes developers straight into the art of creating complete and fully functional games, through the course of each of its chapters. Once you learn the basics of mobile game app development, you will also be taught how to add advanced features, cross-platform format for different mobile devices, integrate your app with social networks and also monetize your app. Suitable for both amateurs and fairly experienced developers, this book is for those who are serious about developing commercially successful mobile game apps for Android and iOS.
