- ISBN13: 9781598633689
- Condition: New
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XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360 is the ultimate resource for hobbyists and students who want to write games for Windows and the Xbox 360 game console. Learn how you can create your own games using the amazing tools of XNA and Game Studio Express, the free game development tools and APIs from Microsoft, based on the incredibly popular Visual Studio IDE. You’ll begin with an introduction to the XNA platform and the Game Studio Express development environment.
Rating: 
(out of 12 reviews)
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Review by Daniel K. Ray for XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360
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I originally bought the book because it was one of two that I was thinking about buying that came with a CD. I’ve dabbled in C# over the last two or so years (C++ guy turned Java guy – turning C# guy – turning older…) and became curious about the whole XNA hype, so I settled on this book.
I am simply amazed at how easy it is to read, how clear the code base is, and I can’t help thinking that the author is sitting next to me eager to show me something new. This is an author who thinks like a reader.
It is my intent to purchase further books by this author. I’m sure they will find a home near my laptop and sit next to the greats like Andre Lamothe.
Review by Redgy for XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360
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and he presents it in an approachable way.
It isn’t dumbed down — but at the same time it gives an idea of what one is getting into when programming games. Most definitely, a decent understanding of object oriented programming is a huge plus, and of the C# flavor is even better, however, don’t throw in the towel if you have neither one…especially if you really love games — that’s the reason Microsoft created this tool. It’s worth the effort to learn.
Another good thing about this book, IMHO, is the sense of humor the author displays — although he still doesn’t reveal who Will is.
This book is something you’d WANT to read, not like when you HAD to read a novel’s CliffNotes, or when you HAD to eat that dry turkey during the holidays to be polite.
Do yourself a favor and at LEAST thumb through it in your local Bookstore.
Review by RB for XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360
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This book talks about 3D, but it’s main focus is 2D. I would have liked to seen some more information on 3D, but obviously you can only fit so many things in a book. This book was released after the 1.0 refresh was out, but it still has it’s own font class instead of using the built in font class in XNA. This annoyed me a little, but nothing major.
The author does a great job at explaining most of the code. He has good text information as well. My biggest complaint was all of the “redundant” 2D games. Granted, they are different games but it is really more of the same. This is just my jaded view to wish there was more information on 3D.
If you are looking for only 2D games, this is the book for you. It also has some basic info on 3D that is beneficial, but if you are looking to actually create a 3D game you will want to grab a different XNA book on the market. Check my reviews to see which ones I like. This book gets my second highest review because it is such a good book. The author did a great job … main reason for the dock of one star is for the lack of 3D content.
The book has updated code and doesn’t seem to change to much from what is printed in the book. That is a good thing!
Review by Gary Spillman for XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360
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I’m going completely against the grain of the previous reviews and giving this book 1 star. This book had a lot of promise that was unfortunately ruined by a lack of organization and forethought on the part of the author and editor(s).
The book attempts to teach the reader how to program games using XNA however repeatedly skips fundamental concepts (e.g. telling you to load textures into the game without explaining how to import graphic files into Visual Studio for use as a game resource).
This problem is compounded by a lack of thought put into the order the book’s content is presented to the reader, which at times is rather awkward (you better understand how to use MathHelper by chapter 4 but sprite fonts won’t be covered until chapter 21?).
Ultimately, this book was seemingly written for reader who already understand how to program games in XNA – which rather defeats the purpose of the book.
I found the Beginning XNA 2.0 Game Programming book from Apress to be a far more useful book. If you’re going to spend ~$40 on an XNA textbook, you would be better off with the Apress book than this one.
Review by Alexandre Nogueira for XNA Game Studio Express: Developing Games for Windows and the Xbox 360
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The difference this book is that it teaches the engine of a good variety of simple games that can be made by amateur programmers.
The only negative point that I thought it was the fact that the examples contained in the CD are in XNA version 1.0, and that to be returned to that version, is a bit outdated.
But in terms of learning, this has an excellent didactic.