Introduction to Game Programming using Processing: For Designers, Artists, Players, Non-Tech People and Everybody Else

This is an introductory textbook focusing on games (specifically interaction and graphics) as a pathway into programming. It empowers readers to do basic programming, prototyping, game creation, and other highly interactive applications, all from scratch and without any prior programming knowledge.

Using the popular programming language Processing, this book describes, explains, and demonstrates the basic and general programming principles and mechanisms used in typical game algorithms and concrete game projects. Chapters cover basic graphics, text output, loops, data types and variables, movement, time, audio and sound, debugging, classes and objects, event-based programming, real-time input controls, computer speed compensation, animation, tiling, scrolling, collision detection, basic AI, and much more. Additional support materials such as code examples and demo programs are available to download from the book’s webpage: dace.de/gameswithprocessing

This book is a great resource for students and aspiring professionals looking for an approachable entry into game programming.

Daniel Cermak-Sassenrath is former Associate Professor at the IT University, Copenhagen, member of the Center for Digital Play, and co-head of the Games Group. He teaches in the Game Design track programme. Daniel has taught university courses since 2002 and introductory courses to programming for design students since 2010.