PROGRAMMING & SWE TOPICS - This is a C++ tutorial using games, not a game programming tutorial using C++. For those that want to learn Java, try "Head First Java".

Purely about Lua, the language, not game programming. Also shows good coding style for this language.

Shows readers how to develop games according to a design and follow a standardized approach to game development. It provides a multitude of exercises that show just how software engineering practices can improve your game. All the basic categories of software engineering are covered.

GAME HARDWARE - You'll need to understand computer architecture at some point. This is very accessible especially for non-engineers.

COMPUTER GRAPHICS - Most of the text deals with your typical computer graphics material- transformations, modeling, texturing, hidden surface removal, etc.-- but the explanations and examples are very well done.

Assumes you already know C++ and teaches you the parts of OpenGL that relate to games. Builds a complete Battle Chess game using OpenGL at the end. See also the sequel "More OpenGL Game Programming".

Computer graphics algorithms in pseudocode are clearly presented in a language-independent way.

Essential techniques for displaying your graphics in real-time. This is not about cool graphics effects and their algorithms. Required reading for conceptual topics in game programming.

In this book, you will find a detailed introduction to the OpenGL Shading Language (GLSL) and the new OpenGL function calls that support it. The text begins by describing the syntax and semantics of this high-level programming language. Once this foundation has been established, the book explores the creation and manipulation of shaders using new OpenGL function calls.

In case you need a comprehensive reference on college level Physics. This older edition has everything the new one has minus modern physics and the price tag.

NETWORKING FOR GAMES - A practical networking book with examples and programming projects in Java. Starts with the application layer and works down to the physical layer. Needed knowledge for networked games.

In each article, a member of the MMP development community explains their experience with a particular topic - telling stories in online games, automated testing, anti-cheat mechanisms, etc. Some of the technical essays supply pseudocode. Most articles present examples from existing games and other ideas. Don't expect to build an MMP engine or even detailed designs based solely on the book.

Physical modeling of sound focuses on interactive sound effects. Written at an intro level with math foundations in appendices. Updated source code at http://ccrma.stanford.edu/software/stk/.

An applied book on AI as a companion to the previous item. Has programming examples of many specific aspects of AI. Make sure you get the 2nd edition.

GAME ENGINE TOPICS - This is an OK gentle introduction to the topic of 3D game engine design. It also talks about adding audio, networking, and AI to your engine. Most other game engine design books don't touch on all of these subjects.

Tours mathematical techniques for 3-D game engines & the source code that's used to implement them in video game engines. This book provides the math, the previous book provides the architecture.

The authors provide a conceptual framework for striking the tricky balance between increasing levels of detail (LOD) and the need for smooth, flowing animation.

DESIGN CONCEPTS - This is not a programming book. There is no code, no discussion of VRML, MPEG-4, or X3D. Instead, this book stands back and takes a "big picture" look at the design of a virtual world from the viewpoint of systems engineering, social engineering, philosophy, history, and psychology. Ethical considerations are even tossed in for good measure.

2nd in a series that is the only one of its kind for graphics professionals that are familiar with GPU's and shading languages already, and want to exploit them for the maximum speed and effect achievable using today's technology. It is not a "how-to" book on shading or GPUs or even advanced graphics.

A more advanced book on Java game programming that includes advanced concepts on sound and 3D. Extra chapters plus source code at http://fivedots.coe.psu.ac.th/~ad/jg/.