Cocos2d-X by Example Beginner’s Guide

Make fun games for any platform using C++, combined with one of the most popular open source frameworks in the world

Overview

• Learn to build multi-device games in simple, easy steps, letting the framework do all the heavy lifting
• Spice things up in your games with easy to apply animations, particle effects, and physics simulation
• Quickly implement and test your own gameplay ideas, with an eye for optimization and portability
• Enjoy building the games as much as you will enjoy playing them

In Detail

Cocos2d-x is the C++ port of arguably the most popular open source 2D framework in the world. Its predecessor was limited to the Apple family but with Cocos2d-x you can take your applications to all major app stores, with minimum extra work. Give your games a larger target audience with almost no extra hassle.

“Cocos2d-X by Example Beginner’s Guide” allows you to build your own cross platform games using all the benefits of a time tested framework, plus the elegance and simplicity of C++.

Each of the six games developed in this book will take you further on the road to becoming an expert game developer with no fuss and plenty of fun.

Follow six tutorials for six very different games that leverage the ease of Cocos2D-X and its quick implementation, moving from simple ideas to more advanced topics in game development.

In easy-to-follow steps, the book teaches you how to take full advantage of the framework by adding animations and special effects, implementing a physics engine, and optimizing your games.

Prepare your project for multiple platforms and learn how to take your game concepts to completion.

“Cocos2d-X by Example Beginner’s Guide” will present to you, in six different games, the topics necessary to build some of the most popular and fun types of games today.

What you will learn from this book

• Make your games look cooler with particle effects
• Create place holder sprites to quickly test your game ideas
• Load external data into your games
• Build game menus and tutorials
• Implement game-wide events with notifications
• Create a dash game with a textured terrain
• Build a Box2D puzzle game with multiple levels
• Create a hybrid iOS and Android project

Approach

Get to grips with Cocos2D-X using step-by-step examples. Roger Engelbert will have you smiling throughout and learning valuable information at every turn.

Who this book is written for

If you have brilliant ideas for amazing games and want to bring them to life, then this book is what you need. Work through easy-to-follow examples and learn exactly what you need to know to make your games a reality. No programming experience necessary!

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Installation
Chapter 2: You plus C++ plus Cocos2d-x
Chapter 3: Your First Game – Air Hockey
Chapter 4: Fun with Sprites – Sky Defense
Chapter 5: On the Line – Rocket Through
Chapter 6: Quick and Easy Sprite – Victorian Rush Hour
Chapter 7: Adding the Looks – Victorian Rush Hour
Chapter 8: Getting Physical – Box2D
Chapter 9: The Last Game – Eskimo
Chapter 10: Code Once. Retire.
Appendix A: Vector Calculations with Cocos2d-x
Appendix B: Pop Quiz Answers