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 Programming Believable Characters For Computer Games

 

Published by: CHARLES RIVER MEDIA
Author: Baillie-de Byl, Penny
Number of pages: 470
Group: PROGRAMMING - GAME AI
ISBN: 1584503238/9781584503231
User level: Programmer - Int/Adv
Objective: Reference
Date Published: July 2004
 RRP £42.99 Save 34%
  Our Price £28.37

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  Book Information

Computer games have evolved from simple, little programs to major Hollywood-type productions. And today's player expectations have kept pace with this evolution - they expect truly believable gaming environments with complex stories, characters, and action. To achieve this quality, developers need to incorporate the most cutting-edge tools and techniques available. Programming Believable Characters for Computer Games is written to provide such a resource. It takes current research in artificial intelligence and games and presents both the concepts and architectures through practical programming examples.The book focuses on the higher-level AI needed to develop interesting and believable, non-player characters that can learn and express emotions. With an emphasis on pathfinding, decision trees, finite-state machines, rule-based systems, and goal-oriented action planning, it addresses the current topics in game development.Throughout the book, programmers work through the step-by-step creation of a 3D animated autonomous character. Each chapter covers the theory of the topic and then applies it through practical hands-on exercises. The creation process works from design, modeling, and animation to the development of the artificial brain, which includes techniques for learning, socializing, communicating, navigating, and adapting to its environment.This is a comprehensive resource that brings current games research into the hands of programmers.