Game Programming Patterns

"Game Programming Patterns" is a comprehensive guide that offers invaluable insights into the intricate world of game development. Authored by Robert Nystrom, it is an indispensable resource for both novice and experienced game programmers.As a computer science graduate venturing into the software side of game development, I found "Game Programming Patterns" to be an essential addition to my library. The book covers various topics, from fundamental programming concepts to advanced design patterns specific to game development. Each chapter is meticulously crafted to provide clear explanations and practical examples, making complex concepts accessible even to those with limited experience in game programming.One of the standout features of "Game Programming Patterns" is its emphasis on practicality. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical concepts, the book delves into real-world scenarios and challenges commonly encountered in game development. Through insightful anecdotes and case studies, the author illustrates how various programming patterns can be applied to solve common problems and optimize game performance.Furthermore, "Game Programming Patterns" offers a refreshing approach to learning, with a strong emphasis on simplicity and elegance in code design. The author advocates for using clean, maintainable code that is easy to understand and modify—a philosophy that resonates deeply with my programming principles. By adopting the patterns outlined in the book, I've streamlined my codebase, improved code readability, and enhanced overall productivity in my game development projects.Another aspect of "Game Programming Patterns" I appreciate is its versatility. Whether you're developing games for desktop, mobile, or web platforms, the principles and techniques covered in the book are universally applicable. From basic concepts like the game loop and entity-component system to more advanced topics like state machines and AI algorithms, "Game Programming Patterns" provides a solid foundation for tackling virtually any game development challenge.In conclusion, "Game Programming Patterns" is a must-have resource for anyone serious about pursuing a career in game development. Whether you're a computer science graduate like myself or a seasoned game programmer looking to expand your skill set, this book offers a wealth of knowledge and practical guidance to help you succeed. With its clear explanations, insightful examples, and emphasis on best practices, "Game Programming Patterns" has become an indispensable companion on my journey to mastering the art of game development.

I was very intrigued by this book, but upon reading through a free chapter on Kindle, I initially decided not to buy it, mainly because it's C++ based. Alas, my having too little CompSci background to be able to effectively generalize from other programming languages onto my current modest knowledge of C# was entirely to blame here. The book itself is fairly priced at $19 for a Kindle edition... or FREE OF CHARGE, since it can be accessed online for free at www.gameprogrammingpatterns.com as Robert Nystrom, the author, magnanimously points out on p.3 !. It is written in a very structured and succinct manner, reliably employing relevant GameDev examples, drawings and code, and covering a total of 19 design, sequencing, behavioural, decoupling and optimization patterns. Each chapter consists of a definition of the pattern and the problem it wishes to address, advice on when to apply it, possible caveats and downsides, as well as sample code (in C++, much to my chagrin). After reading through another chapter online I decided to buy the book, as it's a solid piece of literature, the free online version really knocked me off my feet, being inline with the principle of free learning opportunities I adhere to and greatly admire in others (e.g. Unity) and who knows... I might one day go even crazier and start learning C++ and UE4 !?

Even though the author wrote this book for game developers, simple computer games work amazingly well as examples to talk about and introduce design patterns that work well in many other software domains. The simple interactive game-like examples used are easily accessible to just about anyone, don’t require wasting a lot of time on domain specific knowledge that some readers might find boring or confusing. The examples are realistic enough that they can be thought of as not purely academic exercises.The only prerequisite for the reader is knowledge of C++ (or similar Object Oriented C based language). No graphical programming knowledge is needed.The writing style is good with occasional silly jokes to keep readers from zoning out.

The book is a well-written resource for anyone interested in high-performance computing and simulations, not just game development.If you're already well-versed in design patterns or many of the strategies of game and engine development, you may not find any great epiphanies in this book. However, it's likely still a solid read to refresh yourself and perhaps get a new perspective on those solutions you haven't thought about in a while.For those who are amateur or beginner developers, this can be a great introduction to more advanced design patterns and modes of thought. As well, the topics discussed within the book apply to many problems outside of gaming that any junior programmer would do well to consider.In either case, the book is full of practical advice that's obviously founded in the author's real-world experience. He managed to write a technical book in a witty and humorous way that should be easily approachable for even the greenest of developers.