Review of PHP Game Programming (Paperback)

... not that good.It's unfortunate that the only book dedicated to php game programming really falls short on many levels.The main problem with this book, is it jumps from the very basics of php and mysql to extremely advanced topics all within a matter of a few pages... entirely omitting users of intermediate php/mysql knowledge.The book has a chapter about creating a MMO (my sole purpose for buying the book).. yet it doesn't tell you anything about HOW to make the MMO.The source code for the MMO has 150+ files, yet the chapter is only 20 pages long...

The author does a great job explaining how to use php and mysql.. including great instructions for installation... the problem is that other books dedicated to learning these subjects do it better.This book should be about learning how to program a game in php/mysql, and it's not.This book is a book about learning the basics of php/mysql with some source code WAY more advanced than anything the book will cover.If you're advanced enough to decipher the authors code, then you don't need this book in the first place becaues you could already make games if you wanted.This book contains no content on game planning or design.

The author write effectively..I'd love for him to take a second pass at writing this...perhaps sit down and write a book dedicated to teaching you how to program a game.The MMO that comes within the book is certainly complex enough to deserve a book of it's own.Ultimately, this book is 280 pages long.. you cannot teach someone how to make a game in php/mysql in 280 pages.

I'd love to see an author write a book that illustrates making a game from concept to design to code... the how and the why of the processes, and have it return a good game you can use as a foundation for creating other game.

I really looked forward to getting this book before it was published.Now almost a year later, having been through the book 3 times fully, I can say I'm no closer to having any idea how to make a game than when I started.

Product Description
Wouldn't it be great if you could get on any web browser, go to your favorite site and start playing a game of hearts or canasta; or even watch a riveting game of chess, or better yet, play a riveting game of chess? All of this without needing custom software to connect you to servers; it would all be done through the web browser. People on cell phones, palm pilots, lap tops, any device that could get on the Internet would be able to play your games. PHP is a powerful, dynamic programming language that gives you the ability to make some killer Web-based games. It's portable, allowing for quick development cycles. As a result, even a beginning PHP programmer could have great games running in no time at all. Starting with a brief overview of HTML and web servers, PHP Game Programming gives you everything you need to know to become a master of PHP. The only thing missing is a programmer with the skills to make it happen!

From the Publisher
Provides programmers with the tools and knowledge they need to get PHP running, create dynamic pages, manage data, dynamically generate graphics and even create sockets. Readers will walk away from this book as hard core web game developers with an advanced knowledge base beyond average web developers. Part of the succesful Game Development series, this book presents PHP game programming in a clear and concise manner to ensure ease of learning.

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