About this ebook
This book is intended for those who wish to learn the concepts of game development using libGDX. An understanding of Java and other programming languages would definitely be helpful, although it is not a must.
What You Will LearnCreate and configure a libGDX project to get started with making gamesGet to grips with a simple game loop that will drive your gamesManage game assets to reduce code duplication and speed up developmentPack game assets together into single assets to increase your game's performanceDisplay textures on the screen and manipulate them with play inputPlay various types of sounds that a game can generateDesign and modify a game user interface with libGDX's built-in toolsDevelop a game that will run across various platformsIn DetailLibGDX is a cross-platform game development framework in Java that makes game programming easier and fun to do. It currently supports Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, Android, and HTML5.
With a vast feature set on offer, there isn't a game that can't be made using libGDX. It allows you to write your code once and deploy it to multiple platforms without modification. With cross-platform delivery at its heart, a game can be made to target the major markets quickly and cost effectively.
This book starts with a simple game through which the game update cycle is explained, including loading textures onto your screen, moving them around, and responding to input. From there you'll move on to more advanced concepts such as creating a formal game structure with a menu screen, adding a game screen and loading screen, sprite sheets, and animations. You'll explore how to introduce a font to optimize text, and with the help of a game that you'll create, you'll familiarise yourself with the 2D tile map API to create worlds that scroll as the characters move.
In the final sample game of the book, you'll implement a basic version of an Angry Birds clone, which will allow you to use the physic library box2D that libGDX provides access to. An overview of exporting games to different platforms is then provided.
Finally, you will discover how to integrate third-party services into games and take a sneak peak at the Social Media API to get a basic understanding of how it fits into the libGDX ecosystem.
Style and approachWith this book you'll learn game development with libGDX through example game projects. You'll finish the book with a thorough understanding of libGDX game development, along with completed games that you'll have built yourself.
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About the author
James Cook is a Java software developer from London, England. He is currently touring Australia. He has developed software ranging from banking and mobile applications to games. He has worked for large gaming companies, such as Electronic Arts, Playfish, and Plumbee. During the day, he can be found working on rapid application prototyping for new social casino experiences. However, during the night, he collaborates with his longtime working partner, Dan Smallman, for Super Cookie Games to create games such as Super Bomb Noms, OMG Dancer!, and Betamax—Sherbet Plains. Super Cookie Games started out as a simple endeavor for James and Dan to learn how to make games and deliver them to Android, iOS, and the Web. Choosing LibGDX as the platform was a key component for the success of this duo, with six different games across three app stores culminating in 50,000 downloads—a testament to LibGDX and its brilliant feature set and ability.
