The multimedia and computer-games industry has exploded in recentyears.  Games have gotten incredibly sophisticated?andincredibly entertaining. The programs used to create them haveimproved also, to the point that you don?t necessarily haveto be a nerd deluxe to do it yourself. Even so, game programmingcan be challenging?even if you?re a veteran C/C++programmer and licensed technogeek. Challenging, sure?butalso incredibly cool. Using DirectX?the latest and greatest technology formaking games on PCs?Windows Game Programming ForDummies will help you write just about any 2D game you canconjure. Now updated to cover new DirectX and Windows releases,your friendly yellow-and-black companion will show you: The basics of video game design The nuts and bolts of Windows programming How to work with DirectX?and play with DirectDraw How to make a real game, with an actual, step-by-stepexample How to market your mind-blowing new creation The ten biggest mistakes made by game programmers?and howto avoid them From graphics to sound to input and installation, legendary gamedeveloper and Xtreme Games CEO André LaMothe takes you rightinto the guts of the game?in an entertaining style thatwon?t send you retreating to the nearest joystick.André?s witty, he?s tons of fun, and before youknow it he?ll have you up to speed on: Setting up your game programming workstation Getting into DirectDraw: animation techniques, bitmaps, colorkeying, and more Adding Direct X subsystems such as DirectSound, DirectInput,and AutoPlay Getting your hands dirty by making a real game The physics of asteroids and other flying objects: time,velocity, force, and all that Game programming websites, downloads, 3D engines, usenetgroups, and more!