C++ Game Development: Build High-Performance Games from Scratch

C++ Game Development

Build High-Performance Games from Scratch

Jarrel E.

Copyright © 2024 by Jarrel E.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

Jarrel E. has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

First edition

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Acknowledgement

I. FOUNDATIONS OF C++ GAME DEVELOPMENT

Introduction to Game Development with C++

Getting Started with Game Development in C++

Understanding the Basics of Game Development

Why Choose C++ for Game Development

Overview of Game Development Tools and Frameworks

Setting Up Your Development Environment

Installing C++ Compiler and IDE

Configuring Graphics Libraries

Setting Up Game Assets and Resources

Fundamentals of Game Design

Game Design Principles and Concepts

Creating Game Mechanics and Rules

Prototyping Your Game Ideas

Getting Started with C++ Game Programming

Understanding C++ Basics

Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming

Working with Data Structures in C++ and Algorithms

II. ADVANCED TOPICS AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

Advanced Topics in C++ Game Development

Shader Programming with GLSL

Advanced Graphics Techniques

Integrating Third-Party Libraries and SDKs

Case Studies and Game Development Projects

Building a Simple 2D Platformer Game

Developing a 3D First-Person Shooter

Creating a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) Game

Conclusion and Next Steps

Recap of Key Learnings

Further Resources for Game Development

Next Steps in Your Game Development Journey

III. CORE GAME DEVELOPMENT TECHNIQUES

Graphics Rendering with OpenGL

Introduction to OpenGL

Setting Up OpenGL Environment

Rendering 2D and 3D Graphics

Game Physics and Collision Detection

Implementing Physics in Games

Understanding Collision Detection Algorithms

Integrating Physics Engine into Your Game

Example Code for Creating Box2D Bodies:

Audio and Sound Effects

Introduction to Game Audio

Implementing Sound Effects in C++

Managing Audio Assets and Mixing

User Input and Controls

Handling Keyboard and Mouse Input

Implementing Gamepad Support

Touchscreen and Mobile Input Integration

Game AI and Pathfinding

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Games

Implementing Basic AI Behaviors

Pathfinding Algorithms for Game Characters

Networking and Multiplayer

Introduction to Network Programming

Implementing Multiplayer Support in C++

Server-Client Architecture for Online Games

Optimization Techniques for High-Performance

Profiling and Performance Analysis

Memory Management Best Practices

Optimizing Graphics and Rendering Pipeline

Testing, Debugging, and Deployment

Strategies for Testing Game Code

Debugging Techniques for C++ Games

Deploying Your Game on Multiple Platforms

Sample Game Project

References

About the Author

Also by Jarrel E.

Foreword

Welcome to the exhilarating world of C++ Game Development! In this dynamic and immersive journey, you’ll embark on an exciting adventure into the realm of game creation, armed with the powerful tools and techniques of the C++ programming language. Whether you’re a seasoned developer looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer eager to dive into the captivating realm of game design, this book is your essential companion on the path to mastering the art of game development.

Within these pages, you’ll discover a treasure trove of knowledge, insights, and hands-on tutorials that will equip you with the expertise needed to bring your gaming visions to life. From the fundamental principles of game programming to advanced techniques in graphics rendering, physics simulation, and multiplayer networking, each chapter offers a comprehensive exploration of key concepts, accompanied by practical examples and real-world applications.

With a focus on practicality and creativity, this book empowers you to unleash your imagination and transform your ideas into captivating gaming experiences. Whether you dream of crafting epic adventures, fast-paced action thrillers, or mind-bending puzzle games, the skills and techniques presented here will empower you to turn your dreams into reality.

Now grab your keyboard, fire up your IDE, and get ready to go on an exciting adventure into the core of C++ game development. Now let’s get the adventure started!

Preface

Enter the thrilling universe of C++ Game Development—a realm where imagination melds seamlessly with cutting-edge technology, and the boundaries of what’s possible are constantly pushed to new heights. In this exhilarating journey, you are invited to embark on an odyssey of creativity, innovation, and endless possibilities.

Gaming has evolved from a mere pastime to a cultural phenomenon that captivates hearts and minds across the globe. Behind every mesmerizing game lies a team of visionary developers who bring dreams to life through lines of code and pixels on a screen. Now, it’s your turn to step into the spotlight and unleash your creativity upon the world.

Within the pages of this book, you will discover a treasure trove of knowledge and insights meticulously crafted to empower you on your quest for game development mastery. From the thrill of crafting immersive worlds to the satisfaction of overcoming technical challenges, each chapter is designed to fuel your passion and propel you toward greatness.

But this is more than just a book—it’s your ticket to adventure, your roadmap to success, and your guide through the exhilarating landscape of game development. So, brace yourself for an epic journey filled with twists, turns, and moments of pure exhilaration. The world of C++ Game Development awaits.

Acknowledgement

This book would not have been possible without the contributions, support, and encouragement of countless individuals who have lent their expertise, insights, and inspiration along the way.

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ethan Reynolds, whose unwavering guidance and mentorship have been invaluable throughout this journey. Their wisdom, patience, and encouragement have shaped this book into what it is today.

I am also immensely grateful to Emma Martinez, Olivia Chang, and Noah Thompson for their tireless efforts in reviewing and providing feedback on the manuscript. Their keen insights and attention to detail have helped refine the content and ensure its accuracy and relevance.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire team at Quantum Publishing, whose dedication and professionalism have made the publication of this book a reality. From editing and design to marketing and distribution, their support has been instrumental every step of the way.

Last but not least, I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, encouragement, and understanding throughout the ups and downs of this journey. Their support has been the driving force behind my passion for game development and the inspiration behind every word written in these pages.

To all those who have played a part in bringing this book to life, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your contributions have made a difference, and I am forever grateful for your support.

I

Foundations of C++ Game Development

Introduction to Game Development with C++

Game development is an exciting and rewarding field that combines creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. C++ is a powerful and versatile programming language that has been widely used in the game development industry for decades. In this introduction, we will explore the fundamentals of game development with C++ and provide you with a solid foundation to start your journey.

Why C++ for Game Development?

C++ is a popular choice for game development due to its performance, flexibility, and low-level control over hardware. It allows developers to optimize code for maximum efficiency, which is crucial in the fast-paced and resource-intensive world of game development. Additionally, C++ provides access to powerful libraries and frameworks that simplify the development process and enable the creation of complex and visually stunning games.

Key Concepts in Game Development with C++

Game Engines: Game engines are software frameworks that provide a comprehensive set of tools and features for building games. Popular C++ game engines include Unreal Engine, Unity, and Cocos2D-x. These engines handle tasks such as rendering, input handling, physics simulation, and asset management, allowing developers to focus on the game’s logic and design.

Graphics Programming: C++ provides low-level access to graphics APIs like OpenGL and DirectX, enabling developers to create high-performance, visually stunning graphics for their games. This includes techniques such as 3D rendering, texture mapping, and shader programming.

Game Loops and Event Handling: The game loop is the core of a game’s logic, responsible for continuously updating the game state and rendering the game world. C++ allows for precise control over the game loop, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.

Data Structures and Algorithms: Efficient data structures and algorithms are crucial in game development, as they help manage large amounts of game data and perform complex calculations quickly. C++ provides a wide range of data structures, such as arrays, linked lists, and hash tables, as well as powerful algorithms for tasks like pathfinding and collision detection.

Networking and Multiplayer: C++ is well-suited for developing networked and multiplayer games, thanks to its support for low-level network programming and the availability of libraries like Boost.Asio and SFML.Network.

Memory Management: C++‘s manual memory management, through the use of pointers and dynamic memory allocation, allows developers to optimize memory usage and performance, which is essential in resource-constrained game environments.

Getting Started with Game Development in C++

To begin your journey in game development with C++, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following:

C++ Programming Fundamentals: Ensure you have a solid understanding of C++ syntax, data types, control structures, and object-oriented programming concepts.

Game Development Frameworks and Libraries: Explore popular C++ game engines and libraries, such as Unreal Engine, Unity, SFML, and Cocos2D-x, to understand their features and capabilities.

Graphics Programming: Learn about 2D and 3D graphics programming, including topics like rendering, texture mapping, and shader programming.

Game Loop and Event Handling: Understand the game loop structure and how to handle user input and other game events effectively.

Data Structures and Algorithms: Study common data structures and algorithms used in game development, such as arrays, linked lists, and pathfinding algorithms.

Networking and Multiplayer: Familiarize yourself with network programming concepts and libraries for developing networked and multiplayer games.

Game Design and Project Management: Develop an understanding of game design principles and project management techniques to create successful game projects.

All these concepts will be demonstrated later in this book. Remember, game development is a continuous learning process, so be prepared to explore, experiment, and continuously expand your knowledge and skills.

Understanding the Basics of Game Development

At its core, game programming revolves around the implementation of gameplay mechanics, systems, and features that define the interactive elements of a game. Whether it’s controlling character movement, simulating physics interactions, or managing player input, game programming is responsible for translating