Android Game Programming For Dummies Android Game Programming For Dummies

Get your head in the game and start developing engaging Android apps that game gurus will love!Games challenge our minds, relieve our boredom, bring us closer to family and friends, and are just plain fun. Its no wonder developers are geared up to get going on the next great game. Its easy to join in the fun with For Dummies! A bit of Java knowledge is helpful, but even if you lack that, this book will walk you through creating two Android games and getting them into Google Play. Once youve got the basics down, let your imagination lead the way!Understand Android — learn about the capabilities of the Android platform and why its suited for mobile gamingPlan your game — decide on the game type, the number of players, how and when users might play, and who would be most interested in your appGet started — set up your development environment and explore the parts of an Android appLearn variety — follow step-by-step directions to create a two-player card game and an arcade-style game with sound and animationMarket your creations — explore the market for your game, publish it to Google Play, and keep it up to date.Open the book and find:What you should know about the Android gaming industryProject planning tipsHow to identify the market for your gameThe ins and outs of good interface designThe lifecycle of an activityAdvice on screen orientationHow to create simple animationsHow to monetize your game and turn a profitLearn to:Develop fun and interactive games for Android-based smartphonesApply fundamental game design principles to create realistic animationMake use of Androids rich feature set in your gamesPublish your game, keep it current, and make some money Content: Introduction 1 Part I: Adopting the Android Gaming Mindset 7 Chapter 1: Getting to Know Android Gaming 9 Chapter 2: Designing Your Game 27 Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Development Environment 51 Part II: Starting to Program 77 Chapter 4: Dissecting an Android App 79 Part III: Making Your First Game: Crazy Eights 109 Chapter 5: Creating a Simple Title Screen 111 Chapter 6: Creating a Basic Play Screen 135 Chapter 7: Finishing Your First Game 181 Part IV: Moving On to Your Second Game: Whack-a-Mole 199 Chapter 8: Creating a Complex Title Screen 201 Chapter 9: Creating an Animated Play Screen 217 Chapter 10: Storing and Retrieving Game Information 245 Part V: Managing Your Game in the Market 261 Chapter 11: Making Money with Your Game 263 Chapter 12: Publishing and Updating Your Game 277 Part VI:The Part of Tens 295 Chapter 13: Ten Open-Source Game Projects 297 Chapter 14: Ten Game Engines and Tools 307 Chapter 15: Ten More Places to Distribute Your Game 317 Chapter 16: Ten Websites for Android Game Developers 327 Glossary 339 Index 343

Learn how to create great games for Android phones

Android phones are rapidly gaining market share, nudging the iPhone out of the top spot. Games are the most frequently downloaded apps in the Android market, and users are willing to pay for them. Game programming can be challenging, but this step-by-step guide explains the process in easily understood terms. A companion Web site offers all the programming examples for download.

• Presents tricky game programming topics—animation, battery conservation, touch screen input, and adaptive interface issues—in the straightforward, easy-to-follow For Dummies fashion
• Explains how to avoid pitfalls and create fun games based on best programming practices for mobile devices
• A companion web site includes all programming examples

If you have some programming knowledge, Android Game Programming For Dummies will have you creating cool games for the Android platform quickly and easily.