Learning XNA 3.0: XNA 3.0 Game Development for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune

Aaron Reed

Nov 2008 · "O'Reilly Media, Inc."

About this ebook

Do you have what it takes to become a game developer? With this hands-on book, you'll learn quickly and easily how to develop computer games with Microsoft's XNA 3.0 framework-not just for your PC, but for Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune as well.

Written by an experienced university-level game development instructor, Learning XNA 3.0 walks you through the framework in a clear and understandable step-by-step format. Each chapter offers a self-contained lesson with lots of illustrations and annotated examples to help you master key concepts. Once you finish the book, you'll know how to develop sophisticated games from start to finish.

• Learn game development concepts from 2D animation to 3D cameras and effects
• Delve into high-level shader language (HLSL) and introductory artificial intelligence concepts
• Develop three complete and exciting games using 2D,3D and multiplayer concepts
• Develop and deploy games to the Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Zune

While teaching XNA to beginning game developers, author Aaron Reed noticed that several key concepts were difficult for students to grasp. Learning XNA 3.0 was written specifically to address those issues. With this book, you can test your understanding and practice new skills as you go with unique "Test Your Knowledge" exercises and review questions in each chapter.

Why wait? Amaze your family and friends by building your own games for the PC, Xbox 360, and Zune-with Learning XNA 3.0.

"An outstanding book! Teaches you XNA development in a smart way, starting from 2D basics and going into 3D and shader development. What I really like is the 'peeling the onion' approach the author takes, which builds up knowledge from previous chapters."--David "LetsKillDave" Weller, CEO, Cogito Ergonomics, LLC, and former XNA program manager

Ratings and reviews

I've followed instructions step by step. Some of the code is broken. Some of the listed sample files are no longer hosted. Not to mention that XNA is no longer going to be updated nor supported by Microsoft. I'd advise moving on or at least finding a different guide.

This is a great book to begin learning XNA with. In response to the people that gave it a low review...It does require a bit of knowledge of programming, like basic understanding of objects and methods, etc. And sprite rotation is covered a bit in chapter 2 (Fun with Sprites). I would definitely recommend it for anyone starting XNA with at least a basic background in object oriented programming.

Najbolja knjiga za učenje XNA s C#-om koju sam ikad čitao. Ima jako puno primjera i dobra je za početnike. Svakako preporučam!