VB.NET Book

[T.Jackson]

:: Video game programming in Visual Basic.NET for the absolute beginner ::

Chapters ...

1. Introduction to discrete mathematics (mostly basic algebra)
2. Applied problem solving ...
3. Introduction to programming (if, for, do etc)
4. Object orientated programming unleashed
5. Introduction to Windows APIs
6. Collision detection ...
7. GDI+ (graphics)
8. Sound & music ...
9. Character maps
10. Special effects and animation
11. Making Snake step-by-step
12. Making Pacman step-by-step
13. Making Tetris step-by-step
14. Making Space Invaders step-by-step
15. Making Super Breakout step-by-step

Any requests / suggestions?

I want the absolute novice to be able to make a high quality game after reading this e-book, which is going to be an absolute steal at only $5 a copy. The book will come coupled with 5 complete game examples (see above chapters 11-15)

Best regards,

Trent Jackson

[tenaja]

Sounds like a more "modern" version of the Apple Graphics and Arcade Game Design from the 80's. (there was an Atari version, too.)

A scrolling chapter &/or example would probably be nice, too. (i.e. driving games and defender style games.)

BTW, I'd buy one.

[mackrackit]

Where is the chapter about PicBasic and MicroChips?

By advertising the book here one would think the above would be included. Or are you confusing this forum with another? I bet that is it.

[tenaja]

Where is the chapter about PicBasic and MicroChips?

By advertising the book here one would think the above would be included. Or are you confusing this forum with another? I bet that is it.

Perhaps YOU are confusing this forum for another one. This is the OFF TOPIC forum. NOT the PIC forum.

[T.Jackson]

Dave is right, I really am on the wrong forum. I haven't done a PBP project for almost 2 years now, and it is highly unlikely that I will be able to recoup my passion for PBP / electronics anytime soon.

However, I feel that the first 3 chapters in my book will be highly relevant to any programming language.

1. Introduction to discrete mathematics (mostly basic algebra)
2. Applied problem solving ...
3. Introduction to programming (if, for, do etc)

I will be placing a huge emphasis on those chapters. Perhaps I should call the book "learn how to program through making video games"

Anyhow, I'm outta here. Take care all.

Oh and happy new year everyone.

Trent Jackson

[mackrackit]

Trent,
I was just giving you a hard time :)

What about a chapter telling how to interface a game on a PC with an external gizmo (home made joy-stick, or some other controller)?

[T.Jackson]

Thanks for the good suggestions ...

An RPG (role playing game) -- would probably be the easiest introduction to scrolling techniques I think. Tile graphics with maps, and as such, Pacman uses a map, but without the tile graphics.

I have some good joystick routines actually, and perhaps a chapter which deals strictly with IO could be some food for thought.

I have nothing set in concrete at the moment, besides around 90% of 3 of the games completed.

Trent Jackson

[Ioannis]

Any book, e-book or whatever, will be most welcome to enter the world of VB. I still would want to see some relation to PIC, connecting maybe as a peripheral device to the VB program.

Ioannis

[Acetronics2]

Any book, e-book or whatever, will be most welcome to enter the world of VB.
Ioannis

Hi, Ioannis

these ones exist ....

http://www.elektor.com/products/books/programming/visual-basic-for-electronics-engineering.12244.lynkx

http://www.elektor.fr/products/books/computer/petites-experiences-d-electronique-avec-mon-pc.12589.lynkx

Alain

[T.Jackson]

Looks like an interesting book.

I tell ya I would never go back to VB5 / 6 after using .NET

Trent Jackson

[mackrackit]

Looks like an interesting book.

I tell ya I would never go back to VB5 / 6 after using .NET

Trent Jackson
The last time I used any VB, 5 was fairly new.

What are the advantages and or disadvantages in using .NET?

[T.Jackson]

What are the advantages and or disadvantages in using .NET?

.NET is very similar to Java. VB.NET is half of C# in my opinion.

:: Advantages ::

# Fully object orientated ...
# Built-in libraries replace the need for quirky Windows APIs
# Just as powerful as Java

:: Disadvantages ::

# Framework is 20MB, VB6 is ~1.2
# Windows XP users need to acquire it
# GDI+ libraries are slow compared to discrete APIs


Trent Jackson

[Ioannis]

Thanks Alain.

Trent, looks like it is one way to the .NET. Despite the size of the Framework.

Is it possible to NOT include it in the produced code, assuming the user has the Framework installed already?

Ioannis

[T.Jackson]

I definitely recommend the transition to .NET, particularly if you know Java.

The framework can't be deployed within a setup executable as far as I'm aware. Around 50% of Microsoft users are now running Vista, and the framework is part of the OS. Version 2.0

Trent Jackson

[tenaja]

I've got a guy who does my .net coding, and I'm 99% sure you can make an installation disc with or without the .net included. It just makes you download it if you don't have it already, and it's not on the disc.

[T.Jackson]

I'd say you're 100% right, I have read about it on Microsoft's site.

Incidentally, I have a beta version of Pacman ready for download. Written entirely with GDI+ and a handful of APIs. www.trentjackson.bigpondhosting.com/pac.zip

Hope it brings back memories, it is near identical to the arcade version. Thanks to .NET's object orientated nature -- this project was a snack :D

Happy chomp'n

Trent Jackson

[T.Jackson]

Atari made 5 MILLION dollars from their 2600 console port of Pacman -- awe inspiring :D

Trent Jackson

[tenaja]

If only things were so simple now! It takes a revolutionary game like Halo or Guitar Hero to win the video game lottery these days... there are so many people vying for the spot.

Thanks for sharing pacman, by the way. Have you posted the code for tetris?

[T.Jackson]

If only things were so simple now! It takes a revolutionary game like Halo or Guitar Hero to win the video game lottery these days... there are so many people vying for the spot.


I could not agree more. Personally, I feel, you would stand a better chance at winning the lottery than making it big time from a video game these days, which is probably why I turned down the offer to spend years of my life learning C# for the Xbox. Ugh, you practically need an absolute breakthrough to get a game published for the Xbox.

The code for Tetris was posted many moons ago: http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=6803&lngWId=10

Trent Jackson

[Ioannis]

Maybe the next big thing in games (although I have no idea of games as I don't play...) might be the 3D systems with gloves full of sensors, 3D screens or 3D glasses or better a suit to wear and "live" the game. I fear that this will soon be a reality and player will escape his environment to live his virtual reality. I wonder if he could escape then back...

Ioannis

[T.Jackson]

Maybe the next big thing in games (although I have no idea of games as I don't play...) might be the 3D systems with gloves full of sensors, 3D screens or 3D glasses or better a suit to wear and "live" the game. I fear that this will soon be a reality and player will escape his environment to live his virtual reality. I wonder if he could escape then back...

Ioannis

The SMS (Sega Master System) -- was the first console to bring out 3D glasses, but they sold poorly due to the supporting games, or rather lack of. The Nintendo Wii has controllers with built-in sensors that allow the player to play a game of tennis by swinging the controller as apposed to pushing buttons. Where it is all headed is anyone's guess. The next 20-years will be very interesting.

Trent Jackson

[T.Jackson]

I'm keen to do one more game: DEAD or Alive.

I need a graphic artist, a psychologist, and 50K to pull it off. Lots of spy ware included, and plenty of colorful characters, people are guaranteed to absolutely love it.

Trent Jackson

[T.Jackson]

I think that this game would prove to be an enormous asset. I know of dozens of websites which would publish an executable.

[mackrackit]

Speaking of online executable, have you seen this?
http://www.runbasic.com/seaside/go/runbasic?_s=diwMjoKjSFgwDsRK&_k=qQJhygzx
I have been playing with it for about a year now, lots of fun.

[tenaja]

Trent, I finally opened up the pac.zip file, and it is just the exe. Did you intend to post the source code?

Thanks!

[rhino]

The Nintendo Wii has controllers with built-in sensors ...
A little OT -
Have you seen the wiimote library available for .NET? I've been playing with this for a week reading all the accelerometer, button, battery, IR information from it over bluetooth. It is Sweeeeeeet! I'm planning on utilizing the wii remote to control a little servo controlled robot I've got for a robotics presentation for a Jr. High school presentation.

[T.Jackson]

Trent, I finally opened up the pac.zip file, and it is just the exe. Did you intend to post the source code?

Thanks!

The source is not available just yet.

It needs to be commented, dusted and polished before it becomes publicly viewable on planet source code.

You may get a shock when you see it -- there's only ~50KB of code that makes this pacman tick. This is the beauty of object orientated programming.

Trent Jackson

[T.Jackson]

The source code for Pacman is now available: http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=7023&lngWId=10

A game of Snake is also available: http://www.planet-source-code.com/vb/scripts/ShowCode.asp?txtCodeId=7024&lngWId=10

Another game entitled Black Belt Legend (a fight to the death) will be available mid feb.

Trent Jackson