Learning Java by Building Android Games

Get ready for a fun-filled experience of learning Java by developing games for the Android platform

About This Book

• Acquaint yourself with Java and object-oriented programming, from zero previous experience
• Build four cool games for your phone and tablet, from retro arcade-style games to memory and education games, and gain the knowledge to design and create your own games too
• Walk through the fundamentals of building games and use that experience as a springboard to study advanced game development or just have fun

Who This Book Is For

If you are completely new to either Java, Android, or game programming and are aiming to publish Android games, then this book is for you. This book also acts as a refresher for those who already have experience in Java on another platforms or other object-oriented languages.

In Detail

Android is the fastest growing operating system (OS) with one of the largest installed bases of any mobile OS. Android uses one of the most popular programming languages, Java, as the primary language for building apps of all types. So, you should first obtain a solid grasp of the Java language and its foundation APIs to improve the chances of succeeding as an Android app developer.

This book will show you how to get your Android development environment set up and you will soon have your first working game. The difficulty level grows steadily with the introduction of key Java topics such as loops, methods, and OOP. You’ll then use them in the development of games. You will learn how to build a math test game, a Simon-like memory game, a retro pong-style game, and for the grand finale, a Snake-style, retro arcade game with real Google Play leaderboards and achievements. The book has a hands-on approach and is packed with screenshots.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Why Java, Android, and Games?
Chapter 2: Getting Started with Android
Chapter 3: Speaking Java – Your First Game
Chapter 4: Discovering Loops and Methods
Chapter 5: Gaming and Java Essentials
Chapter 6: OOP – Using Other People’s Hard Work
Chapter 7: Retro Squash Game
Chapter 8: The Snake Game
Chapter 9: Making Your Game the Next Big Thing
Appendix: Self-test Questions and Answers