Good books for general game architecture and programming

[HarryW]

Hi all.

I'd like to do some simple-ish games programming, and hopefully learn some DirectX, and generally learn about the way games are programmed. I'd like to look at some 3D stuff but I think I need to do some more 2D stuff first. I want a book that has some of everything really, graphics programming, sound, input, networking, that kind of thing. Most importantly though is how a game is structured, how to implement different types of game like adventure games and scrolling shooters, beat em ups, whatever.

Does anybody know of any books that come close to that or am I asking too much? ;) I have a reasonable amount of experience in VB, but to be honest I don't mind whether source code is in VB or C++ because I want it for the general principles involved and I'm also learning C++ in my spare time.

If anybody has any ideas, please post em here. Thanks :)

[HarryW]

Also, what kind of maths is involved in this kind of thing? What sort of maths should I be familiar with to properly work with simulations of 3D environments?

[HarryW]

I know you know something, now talk!

[SteveCRM]

I think for 3D you need trigonometry. This book doesnt have to do with the vb aspect, but ways to design levels and characters. Aspects that make good games...

by Brady Games: Game Design, secrets of the sages

[HarryW]

Thanks Steve.

I already have that book, and it's a bit pants. Doesn't really tell you much about the structure of a game.

I have an A-Level in maths so I can do trig pretty easily, I was expecting something more complicated for 3D surface modelling, like Calculus.

[HarryW]

Wow you're all in a talkative mood. If the book doesn't exist, tell me? Better yet write one!

[Fox]

try "black art of game programming". Don't have the book but seems to be usefull... (not especially DX as I remember)