Real-Time 3D Terrain Engines Using C++ and Directx9 (Charles River Media Game Development) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

With recent advancements in programmable 3D rendering hardware, game developers can create engines capable of making complete outdoor landscapes. Many of today's popular games include entire outdoor environments, but making these environments realistic and fast is a challenge for even the best programmers. Real-Time 3D Terrain Engines Using C++ and DirectX 9 is written to help make the process more efficient, and to bring new programmers into the field of 3D computer game programming. The book is dedicated to teaching the fundamentals of programming a popular 3D engine type - the "Real-Time 3D Terrain Engine." Throughout the book, the focus is on the essential topics of outdoor terrain rendering. So whether you are new to 3D engine programming or a seasoned veteran, Real-Time 3D Terrain Engines Using C++ and DirectX 9 will teach you how to use the latest advancements in hardware-accelerated rendering, and provide all of the tips, tricks, and ideas you need to build your own, complete 3D terrain engine. Skills Needed: It is assumed that you are familiar with C++, Direct X, math, and geometry and that you're ready to move into 3D engine design and real-time terrain visualization.

Many popular computer games include entire outdoor environments and making these environments realistic and fast is a challenge for even the best programmers. This text is written to teach users how to design a complete 3D game engine for outdoor environments using DirectX and C++. Covering everything from the fundamentals of DirectX 9, and creating realistic weather effects, to advanced terrain geometry management, the book works through the complete construction of a robust outdoor game engine. This is a practical reference for any programmer tasked with creating a realistic outdoor environment.

Greg Snook (Sammamish, WA) has been a game programmer and artist for over eight years. He has worked on a number of successful games with several game development companies. He currently works as an Xbox programmer for Bungie Studios, and has contributed to all three volumes of the Game Programming Gems series.