20121028

Book Complete, First stage of Cleanup in progress...


                I’m nearly done with the book.  All chapters have been written, with one exception.  I’m finishing up a chapter on how to market the game, something many people lack.  You can get the source code with the book, but I’m releasing an installer for the game.  I make no claim that the game is an awesome product, but it is an awesome learning tool, as anyone purchasing the book will learn how to make the whole thing. 

                This book covers beginning programming in general (with C#) but as a separate section, it then shows you how to use XNA.  You’ll learn everything you need, even if you don’t have a clue when it comes to programming. 

                It’s a short game, but the engine was left in a spot where it is easy to add more levels, more characters, more power ups, more menu features etc…  It’s meant to be a good place to pick up when you finish the book.  J
Link to the Installer: http://sdrv.ms/S618fG

If you want to see a video of it, check out the latest video update on Kickstarter.com
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1667690760/completing-a-game-development-book

20121003

Book Release Coming Up!


                For the past few years, I've considered writing a book on C# and game development, but I could never get enough into it to be satisfied.  I would complete a large portion of it, or smaller sections that I would use for classes, but for a whole project, I haven't been able to express as much as I wanted to.

                But that changed.  A couple months back, I decided on a way to write it, starting out with Game Design as the first section and including how to keep a development team active.  Then I went into programming, game development and even release. 

                The book has 5 main characters. 
·         The Narrator
o   Me, the Author
·         Kathy Konfident
o   Experienced Game developer, knowledgeable in all areas, ready to dispense tips and advice
·         Daren Donagry
o   Beginner programmer, no real past experience, demonstrates a lot of classic mistakes beginners often do (I certainly am guilty of most of them, early on)
·         Wilma Wannabi
o   Really wants to be involved in the game project but doesn't have any specific trade skill. 
·         Mark Moneybaggs
o   Represents an investor, someone trying to make sure it can make money.
·         Other random characters
o   Others show up from time to time, including Socrates and Space Ghost, to help illustrate certain points.

In a short while, I'm going to be announcing a Kick Starter project about it, so that others can get involved.  At 25$ donated, you get your name in the book on a list of people who helped make the book possible, 75$ donation, and you also get a copy of the book sent to you as soon as its off the presses, and at 150$, I'll have my artist draw up a character of you (real or fictitious), and your character will show up at least once, in a helpful way.

It seems like a great gift idea if you have a family member or friend that has been interested in game development, but just hasn't taken it up.  As long as they have started Algebra (A+B=C) they should be good to learn programming.  Imagine getting them a programming book as a holiday gift, and half way through it, they find themselves in it as a helpful character in the book.

Anyway, I keep working on the book, and its closer and closer to completion.  I'm hoping to finish in late November, run it through testing for a few weeks, and then release before Christmas.  It is a close time line, and it is possible that the dates could slip.  If testers find an area complicated or confusing, I'm not going to release it as is.  I will fix it first.  No good going to the printed word, if it is wrong. 

I'll keep everyone posted with updates as we get to testing, artwork and release, on this blog.