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Game Development Essentials book series gets mobile focused edition

Co-authored by Kimberly Unger and Jeannie Novak

Game Development Essentials book series gets mobile focused edition
A new book has been released to help introduce developers to the fast growing world of mobile development.

Co-authored by industry veterans Kimberly Unger and Jeannie Novak, Game Development Essentials: Mobile Game Development represents the first entry in the Game Development Essentials series to focus solely on mobile gaming.

The book features insight on popular tools, production tips and case studies with guidance on mobile game design, art, and programming. It also deals with less common subjects in student texts on development, such as marketing and distribution.

Multi-platform

The book covers iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Java ME and BlackBerry formats and will provide detailed insights into platforms such as Unity and GameSalad.

"With mobile games, you can try anything, experiment with a new type of gameplay, kick the tires on an unusual type of storytelling or test out an all-new gameplay mechanic," says Kimberly Unger, co-author and CEO of indie mobile studio Bushi-go.

"We wanted Mobile Game Development to give students the kind of solid foundation they need to launch a career in an industry that is evolving and innovating on a weekly basis."

Case the place

Co-author and series editor Jeannie Novak outlined the need for momentum.

"In a world where console games cost $60 and the economy is tanking, mobile development has quickly become one of the last bastions for fresh ideas, new IP, and innovative gameplay," she said.

"Mobile Game Development was written so that students can keep the momentum going - pumping new blood into the industry and helping it survive disruptive technologies such as affordable smartphones, next-gen social games, and the advent of 4G wireless networks."

The book also contains profiles and interviews with some successful mobile developers, including Headcase Games, Appy Entertainment, ZeniMax, Spacetime Studios, 2K Games, Digital Chocolate, and GameSalad.

You can find the book on Amazon here

When Matt was 7 years old he didn't write to Santa like the other little boys and girls. He wrote to Mario. When the rotund plumber replied, Matt's dedication to a life of gaming was established. Like an otaku David Carradine, he wandered the planet until becoming a writer at Pocket Gamer.