Advanced 3-D Game Programming with Directx 7.0

This latest addition to the Wordware Game Developer's Library describes how to create computer games with cutting-edge 3-D algorithms and effects. Advanced 3-D Game Programming Using DirectX 7.0 is intended specifically for those who know how to program with C++ but have not yet explored game or graphics programming. The authors include coverage of artificial intelligence, client-server networking using UDP, multi-texture effects, multi-resolution surface techniques, alpha blending, and more. Along with several sample applications that target specific algorithms, full source code is provided for a client-server networked 3-D first-person game that demonstrates many of the techniques discussed in the book, while giving the reader the opportunity to make their own additions. On the CD: - Full source code in C++, including a complete game demonstrating techniques covered in the book - Microsoft's DirectX 7a SDK - Source code to other 3-D engines, including Quake, GL Quake, Quakeworld, Descent 1, Descent 2, Golgotha, and Crystal Space - Select articles on advanced gaming topics contributed by members of the graphics and game programming industry - Paint Shop Pro evaluation edition for making textures With this book: - Use the DirectDraw, DirectInput, and DirectSound components of DirectX to create graphics projects. - Gain an understanding of the mathematical concepts behind 3-D graphics programming, including vectors, polygons, and matrices. - Implement models to approximate correct lighting and shading and advanced lighting schemes such as radiosity. - Find out how to simulate intelligence in your game using basic and advanced steering algorithms and motivation engines. - Understand the implications of networking your game on the Internet using multithreading. - Discover the mechanics of Direct3 D and how to use it. - Implement multi-pass and multi-texture effects to create realistic-looking textured objects. - Learn about solutions to scene management problems, including portal rendering.