The Beginner's Guide to Android Game Development

Book excerpt: Android Game Development Made Easy. If you've always wanted to make Android games but didn't know where to start, this book is for you. Whether you are an absolute beginner with no programming experience or an experienced Java developer wanting to get started with game development, this comprehensive book will help you accomplish your goals and teach you how to build your own games from scratch-no game engines needed. In this beginner-friendly guide, you will find focused, step-by-step approaches designed to help you learn and practice one fundamental concept at a time. You will study Java and write object-oriented applications. You will experiment with the building blocks of Android and create fun, interactive 2D games with touch controls. You will even learn how to integrate social features such as a global leaderboard and publish your game to be shared with the billion Android users across the world. This book provides access to an extensive library of sample Java and Android game projects via its companion website so that you can continue learning on your own and grow as a game programmer. With this up-to-date guide in your hand, you will be able to successfully navigate common pitfalls and get up and running with your own projects in no time. Tested on Android Lollipop. All the code in the book has been tested on the Android Lollipop SDK (5.0), and is available under the open source MIT license at the book's companion site. Table of Contents: *Unit 1: Java Basics *Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Programming, *Chapter 2: Beginning Java, *Chapter 3: Designing Better Objects, *Unit 2: Java Game Development, *Chapter 4: Laying the Foundations, *Chapter 5: Keeping It Simple, *Chapter 6: The Next Level, *Unit 3: Android Game Development, *Chapter 7: Beginning Android Development, *Chapter 8: The Android Game Framework, *Chapter 9: Building the Game, *Unit 4: Finishing Touches, * Chapter 10: Releasing Your Game, *Chapter 11: Continuing the Journey