Game Developer's Open Source Handbook Book Released

Author: by Beth A.

Course PTR and Charles River Media announce the release of the Game Developer's Open Source Handbook, written by Steven Goodwin. The book uncovers open source software and teaches management and game developers what open source code is available, where to get it, how to incorporate it into existing processes, and how to adhere to the license agreements for redistribution. The book is for all game developers, especially independent developers, who want to use the wealth of free software in their own games to help increase the scope of the technology available and reduce the financial burden. Contingents of Linux will also find insight into the methods by which these libraries can be applied into constructing a game. With the cost of game development increasing regularly, studios are looking for innovative ways to reduce their budgets without compromising quality. At the same time, developers are looking toward more complex and customizable software, tools, and libraries to build truly next-generation games. These goals have traditionally been mutually exclusive, but open source software can solve both problems by providing game developers with free, high-quality tools and libraries for every aspect of the development process. Graphics, audio, physics, networking, and movie playback code are all available for the taking; developed, written, tested, and ready to use. This software is complemented by a wide range of end-user tools for both the programmer and artist including graphic editors, IDEs, MIDI sequencers, and 3D editors. Steven Goodwin has been in the game industry for more than 12 years, progressing from Windows programmer to lead and management roles on console platforms such as the PS2, GameCube, and Xbox. During his time, he was responsible for five titles, including the #1 selling Die Hard: Vendetta, which appeared on all three of the above platforms. He has also written more than 30 articles in major publications, including the UK games development industry trade paper, Develop, and recently wrote the book Cross-Platform Games Programming for Charles River Media. For more information, visit the Course PTR website.