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Product Description
Get Started Fast with HTML5 Online Game Programming!
HTML5 will transform web and mobile gaming. As new browsers rapidly adopt it, HTML5 will do everything “legacy” technologies such as Flash and Silverlight have done—and much more. In Learning HTML5 Game Programming, pioneering developer James L. Williams gives you all the knowledge, code, and insights you’ll need to get started fast!
Williams combines detailed explanations of HTML5’s key innovations with examples, including two case study applications that address the entire development process. He guides you through setting up a state-of-the-art HTML5 development environment; making the most of HTML5’s canvas tag, SVG vector graphics, and WebGL 3D; and targeting diverse mobile and social platforms. It’s all here: from the essentials of online game design to the nitty-gritty details of performance optimization.
About the Website
All code samples and answers to chapter exercises are available for download at www.informit.com/title/9780321767363 and on Github at https://github.com/jwill/html5-game-book.
Coverage includes
· Understanding the HTML5 innovations that make it possible to create amazingly rich games
· Setting up a state-of-the-art open source HTML5 game development environment
· Using JavaScript to drive sophisticated interactions between users and games
· Building basic games fast, with the prototype-based Simple Game Framework (SGF)
· Generating movement and gameplay with the canvas tag and surface
· Creating games with SVG vector graphics using the RaphaëlJS Javascript library
· Using Three.js to build powerful WebGL 3D games with far less complexity
· Developing games without JavaScript, using Google Web Toolkit (GWT) or CoffeeScript
· Building a complete multiplayer game server using Node.js and WebSockets
· Planning and choosing tools for mobile game development with HTML5
· Optimizing game performance with offline cache, minification, and other techniques
Learning HTML5 Game Programming is the fastest route to success with HTML5 game development—whether you’re a long-time game developer or a web/mobile programmer building games for the first time.
About the Author
James L. Williams is an experienced Silicon Valley developer and speaker who has presented worldwide on Java, user interfaces, and game programming. He created SwingXBuilder, a domain-specific language for creating user interfaces utilizing SwingX components, and is co-despot of Griffon, a framework for building rich applications with Groovy. While riding a coach bus to South by Southwest Interactive (SXSW), he and his team conceived, coded, and created a winning product in the StartupBus 2011 competition.
Inside This Book
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Disclosure: I have written this review having received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher.
This title is a timely introduction to an area of growing significance. HTML5 starts to resolve issues of application development both on the web and on devices. By implementing interfaces in HTML and Javascript, a wide compatability layer is leveraged. So what could be more cutting edge in this area than game development in HTML5 ? Games are a challenging application of the technology, so this is a great and fun way to learn more.
This may interest both game developers looking for new opportunities, as well as web developers expanding their HTML5 knowlege.
In this book the author introduces the new HTML5 technologies and their historical context. Then chapter 2 advises on tools to download and install. In chapter 3 Javascript is covered from the basics of the language to related frameworks, such as jQuery as well as server side environments. For readers with web development knowlege, this concise coverage should be mostly a common knowlege. Anyone new to the topics would be advised to research further, and I would suggest deeper learning of Javascript. However in chapter 8 alternatives to Javascript are presented - effectively compiling to javascript.
In chapter 4, ambitiously titled "how games work" the author focusses on an example using a javascript framework (simple game framework) and covers topics related to game development including for example game physics. Again, some readers with background in games will already be au fait with all this, but otherwise the reader would do well to further research approaches to game design and development.
Following chapters cover canvas, SVG, and WebGL; each using relevant frameworks, and with good advice. There seems to be wisdom in the choice of framworks, and the material is fairly accessible. As well, in working though examples in each of these technologies, the reader should learn a lot about practical game development. Chapter 9 is an interesting look at server development for multiplayer games and we are exposed to various options. I think in the real world security and measures against cheating, real time latency etc, would make challenging work. The author does not go into discussion of this. But despite this, the material is interesting, and offers coding insights to applicable technology. Remaining chapters are on mobile framworks, and packaging and publishing HTML5 games.
I think the book covers a lot in just 200 pages, so represents an introduction and survey of languages and technologies available. While much information can be gained online, in book form, it is concise and coherent and well explained throughout. I think anyone with an interest would be encouraged by the book, and hopefully deepen their knowlege by trying to make some games and developing expertese in some of the skills required.
This title is a timely introduction to an area of growing significance. HTML5 starts to resolve issues of application development both on the web and on devices. By implementing interfaces in HTML and Javascript, a wide compatability layer is leveraged. So what could be more cutting edge in this area than game development in HTML5 ? Games are a challenging application of the technology, so this is a great and fun way to learn more.
This may interest both game developers looking for new opportunities, as well as web developers expanding their HTML5 knowlege.
In this book the author introduces the new HTML5 technologies and their historical context. Then chapter 2 advises on tools to download and install. In chapter 3 Javascript is covered from the basics of the language to related frameworks, such as jQuery as well as server side environments. For readers with web development knowlege, this concise coverage should be mostly a common knowlege. Anyone new to the topics would be advised to research further, and I would suggest deeper learning of Javascript. However in chapter 8 alternatives to Javascript are presented - effectively compiling to javascript.
In chapter 4, ambitiously titled "how games work" the author focusses on an example using a javascript framework (simple game framework) and covers topics related to game development including for example game physics. Again, some readers with background in games will already be au fait with all this, but otherwise the reader would do well to further research approaches to game design and development.
Following chapters cover canvas, SVG, and WebGL; each using relevant frameworks, and with good advice. There seems to be wisdom in the choice of framworks, and the material is fairly accessible. As well, in working though examples in each of these technologies, the reader should learn a lot about practical game development. Chapter 9 is an interesting look at server development for multiplayer games and we are exposed to various options. I think in the real world security and measures against cheating, real time latency etc, would make challenging work. The author does not go into discussion of this. But despite this, the material is interesting, and offers coding insights to applicable technology. Remaining chapters are on mobile framworks, and packaging and publishing HTML5 games.
I think the book covers a lot in just 200 pages, so represents an introduction and survey of languages and technologies available. While much information can be gained online, in book form, it is concise and coherent and well explained throughout. I think anyone with an interest would be encouraged by the book, and hopefully deepen their knowlege by trying to make some games and developing expertese in some of the skills required.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
10 reviews
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
A very good book on HTML5 Game Programming
21 Nov 2011
Format:Paperback
Since April 2011, I've been exploring developing games utlizing HTML5 out of interest.
My resource from this time on has been what others have posted on the Internet.
I was excited to hear about the book "Learning HTML5 Game Programming" and even more excited to read it.
Below is my brief analysis of every chapter, but overall I found this book to be quite value to anyone interested in learning HTML5 programming but haven't really explored it, they should really get this book. I am not a professional HTML5 game developer, but as a hobbyiest I found this quite beneficial. It is well written, well organized, and covers what I feel are very important topics. Compared to what books that are currently out there, this is definitley one of best books to get on this subject to my knowledge.
Chapter 1, "Introducting HTML5", give a nice history of
Web technologies and a nice background of the
technologies through the years. While it's not necessary
to read, it is well worth reading.
Chapter 2, "Setting Up Your Development Environment", is
a very welcome and much needed chapter. While most books
would brush over this topic, this book does the courtesy
of dedicating a chapter to setting up the development
environment! On top of an entire chapter, he graciously
suggests free tools to use. As a developer, nothing is
more frustrating than struggling with your development
environment instead of doing actual development! I find
this chapter VERY valuable.
Chapter 3, "Learning JavaScript" is a nice chapter and
should speak well to beginners that want to make games
but don't know JavaScript so well. What's nice is he also
covers learning JQuery, JQuery with AJAX, and JSON. This
is valuable and I think it's part of the thoroughness of
the book. I also appreciate how he discusses client side
and server side JavaScript.
Chapter 4, "How Games Work", may be the most overlooked
chapter by wanna-be game developers who mistakenly think
"I know all about games". I cannot express enough how
important I think writing a game design document can be,
and thankfully he covers it. In addtion, he covers
Resources API and Networking APIs, which is also very
good.
It is this chapter where goes through life cycle of
developing a Pong game, and then Tic-Tac-Toe, classic
examples, but they work well.
Chapter 5, "Creating Games With The Canvas Tag", is
really the heart of the book, which is appropriate
because I believe the Canvas object is the heart and soul
of HTML5 games. He covers all the basic canvas options
you will need, and even 'Creates a Parallax Effect'
Sound is covered this same chapter. Normally most books
dedicate an entire chapter to sound, but it is still
covered well. MIDI Files are utilized and multiple sounds
are covered as well.
I should also state that practically every chapter has
examples and code samples. These can also be downloaded
where applicable.
Chapter 6, "Creating Games with SVG (Scalable Vector
Graphics) and RaphealJS". In this chapter a card game is
developed for examples and it is quite interesting.
Those interested in this type of development should be
find this chapter a welcome addition.
Chapter 7, "Creating Games with WebGL and Three.js" is
beneficial for those that want to use 3D objects and
extended graphic libraries. Its a good read about
rendering, texturing, particle systems, and real-world
physics.
Chapter 8, "Creating Games Without JavasScript" is
exactly what it says. While it's something I wasn't
considering, I find I might want to explore. It utilizes
GWT Widgets (Google Web Toolkit).
It also explores CoffeeScript a bit, then briefly
mentions Cappuccino and Pyjamas
Chapter 9, "Building a Multiplayer Game Server", is a
great read. It covers this indepth and is a lengthy
chapter, as it should be. It goes as far as covering the
'Game Lobby' and covering the use of Web Sockets.
Chapter 10, "Developing Mobile Games", is one of the
longest chapters. It is a topic that could be it's own
book itself, but it's covered quite well here. It's a good read if you are new and interested in developing mobile games, this is the one chapter you should check out.
Chapter 11, "Publishing Your Games", is the final chapter of the book and fittingly so. It talks about how to setup your game so that it runs offline for performance, hosting your own server, publishing applications on the Chrome Web Store. This isn't a chapter that is quickly written, but covers many of the areas of publishing. It's really worth your time to give this chapter much attention once you get to the point of publishing.
My resource from this time on has been what others have posted on the Internet.
I was excited to hear about the book "Learning HTML5 Game Programming" and even more excited to read it.
Below is my brief analysis of every chapter, but overall I found this book to be quite value to anyone interested in learning HTML5 programming but haven't really explored it, they should really get this book. I am not a professional HTML5 game developer, but as a hobbyiest I found this quite beneficial. It is well written, well organized, and covers what I feel are very important topics. Compared to what books that are currently out there, this is definitley one of best books to get on this subject to my knowledge.
Chapter 1, "Introducting HTML5", give a nice history of
Web technologies and a nice background of the
technologies through the years. While it's not necessary
to read, it is well worth reading.
Chapter 2, "Setting Up Your Development Environment", is
a very welcome and much needed chapter. While most books
would brush over this topic, this book does the courtesy
of dedicating a chapter to setting up the development
environment! On top of an entire chapter, he graciously
suggests free tools to use. As a developer, nothing is
more frustrating than struggling with your development
environment instead of doing actual development! I find
this chapter VERY valuable.
Chapter 3, "Learning JavaScript" is a nice chapter and
should speak well to beginners that want to make games
but don't know JavaScript so well. What's nice is he also
covers learning JQuery, JQuery with AJAX, and JSON. This
is valuable and I think it's part of the thoroughness of
the book. I also appreciate how he discusses client side
and server side JavaScript.
Chapter 4, "How Games Work", may be the most overlooked
chapter by wanna-be game developers who mistakenly think
"I know all about games". I cannot express enough how
important I think writing a game design document can be,
and thankfully he covers it. In addtion, he covers
Resources API and Networking APIs, which is also very
good.
It is this chapter where goes through life cycle of
developing a Pong game, and then Tic-Tac-Toe, classic
examples, but they work well.
Chapter 5, "Creating Games With The Canvas Tag", is
really the heart of the book, which is appropriate
because I believe the Canvas object is the heart and soul
of HTML5 games. He covers all the basic canvas options
you will need, and even 'Creates a Parallax Effect'
Sound is covered this same chapter. Normally most books
dedicate an entire chapter to sound, but it is still
covered well. MIDI Files are utilized and multiple sounds
are covered as well.
I should also state that practically every chapter has
examples and code samples. These can also be downloaded
where applicable.
Chapter 6, "Creating Games with SVG (Scalable Vector
Graphics) and RaphealJS". In this chapter a card game is
developed for examples and it is quite interesting.
Those interested in this type of development should be
find this chapter a welcome addition.
Chapter 7, "Creating Games with WebGL and Three.js" is
beneficial for those that want to use 3D objects and
extended graphic libraries. Its a good read about
rendering, texturing, particle systems, and real-world
physics.
Chapter 8, "Creating Games Without JavasScript" is
exactly what it says. While it's something I wasn't
considering, I find I might want to explore. It utilizes
GWT Widgets (Google Web Toolkit).
It also explores CoffeeScript a bit, then briefly
mentions Cappuccino and Pyjamas
Chapter 9, "Building a Multiplayer Game Server", is a
great read. It covers this indepth and is a lengthy
chapter, as it should be. It goes as far as covering the
'Game Lobby' and covering the use of Web Sockets.
Chapter 10, "Developing Mobile Games", is one of the
longest chapters. It is a topic that could be it's own
book itself, but it's covered quite well here. It's a good read if you are new and interested in developing mobile games, this is the one chapter you should check out.
Chapter 11, "Publishing Your Games", is the final chapter of the book and fittingly so. It talks about how to setup your game so that it runs offline for performance, hosting your own server, publishing applications on the Chrome Web Store. This isn't a chapter that is quickly written, but covers many of the areas of publishing. It's really worth your time to give this chapter much attention once you get to the point of publishing.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A very good overview for those starting with HTML5 !
22 Nov 2011
Format:Paperback
At first a little disappointed by this book, as I found it maybe too much scattered (covering too much topics), I finally found it very useful as it actually allowed me to expand my field of knowledge on each of the subjects. For sure this book do not provide any ancient secret knowledge to become a guru, but it will however show you the magic, and how to use it with some real examples. Which at the end is more than enough to give you a first overview of the various possibilities around HTML5.
So would I recommend this book ? If you are an advanced JS/HTML5 developer looking to push your knowledge further : maybe not. But if you don't have a clue about how to start with HTML5, this book will come very handy in giving you the right kickstart to get you up and running in no times.
So would I recommend this book ? If you are an advanced JS/HTML5 developer looking to push your knowledge further : maybe not. But if you don't have a clue about how to start with HTML5, this book will come very handy in giving you the right kickstart to get you up and running in no times.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Good Intro to a Tough Topic
26 Oct 2011
Format:Paperback
I picked up this book with the intention of gaining some knowledge about WebGL and that's exactly what is gave me. The topic alone is very difficult to teach to a Web audience that probably doesn't have a whole lot of experience dealing with graphics card interaction.
The book latched onto a specific library which, I agree, does date it slightly. But the library components use are things that I certainly would not want to build myself although there is great value in examining the guts of any code-base. I felt that the author did a good job explaining that libraries are not always the answer but in the few cases of Vertex and Frame buffers, its probably best to grab something pre-built and learn the basics.
I certainly got what I was looking for out of the book and if was presented in a consumable format (short book).
The book latched onto a specific library which, I agree, does date it slightly. But the library components use are things that I certainly would not want to build myself although there is great value in examining the guts of any code-base. I felt that the author did a good job explaining that libraries are not always the answer but in the few cases of Vertex and Frame buffers, its probably best to grab something pre-built and learn the basics.
I certainly got what I was looking for out of the book and if was presented in a consumable format (short book).
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