hi everyone
Iam already an intermidate java programmer (fundamentals, GUI, some Data Structures …).
I want to begin to design or develop games(2D) but I don’t know how to start .
I have seen some books on amazon.com but I don’t know which one I should begin with.
Iam waiting for your advices, just give me the best titles.
thanks
I don’t have any book recommendations for you… there are quite a lot available.
However I would recommend that you do your 2d game development using OpenGL (either JOGL or LWJGL). This may sound strange if you think OpenGL is just for 3d. However, it is dirt-simple to put OpenGL into 2d rendering mode with whatever 2d coordinate bounds you like for the viewable area. The benefit to using OpenGL is that you can make your graphics as simple or flashy as you like. You have a huge level of flexibility you have for texturing, blending, and a million other effects. None of the other game APIs for 2d java games even comes close.
Please note that the above advice is valid if you are targeting PCs & Macs, I don’t know what you should do if you are going to mobile platforms.
If you want to go OpenGL, the OpenGL ‘Red Book’ is important, although it contains much information that you won’t need. The OpenGL ‘Orange Book’, although a book on shaders, contains an excellent chapter near the beginning of the book giving a great overview of OpenGLs features and functionality. I’m sure some of the more experienced ppl on these boards can recommend good, concise books.
Book:
“Developing Games in Java”
By: David Brackeen
First pecie of advice:
You need to decide on what your evnrionment is going to be?
Are you coding Applets (really only a good idea if you absolutely must embed your game within a larger HJTML page) or Applications or Midlets (J2ME for cell phones)?
Java Applications can still be launched from the web via Java Web Start, they will just run in their own window.
Midlets are the most limtie and really thhus the harderst to write. Applets ae the next most limited and thus the next hardest. Applications give you the msot choices.
Next, where are you going to deploy? CellPhone (and if so, which one)? Desktop (mac? WIn32? Linux? Others?)
The answers to these questiosn will drive your API choices.
JK
Mr. anarchotron… I think it’s diffecult to begin with openGL because I’ve just 3 weeks from now before returing to the university. However, Iam familiar with java lang
Mr. Tzan… I’ve decided to buy the book which you’ve mentioned after reading some reviews and if you’ve any info about (killer game programming) book
Mr. Jeff… I want to begin with applications (win32) so Iam waiting for (your 2nd piece of advice)
thanks all
The Killer game Programing book is written in Java3D, so if you are looking to use that I hear it’s pretty good, if you want to use the LWJGL or JOGL then it may not be that helpful!
are you referring to “Developing Games in Java” by David Brackeen? I own this book. There is no Java3D at all, in fact you create your own custom 3D engine to better understand how they work… crazy fun 
Mr. cborders
What I’ve understood that (killer game programming ) is not suitable for me because I’m looking for Java2D
Mr. woogley
Do u advise me to get that book for java2D?
I totally advise “Developing Games in Java” by David Brackeen. I’m not a huge fan of books, but this one is a charm. If you already know Java, this is the book for you
By chapter 5 you create a functional 2D platform game, then the rest of the book focuses on memory management, game networking, game saving, 3D programming, etc. It gives you a pretty good boost into game programming.
See http://brackeen.com/javagamebook/ to take a peek at the soure code he uses in his book and play the example game
Actually I was refering to this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0596007302/qid=1123596813/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_ur_2_1/102-1030849-2880162
But that’s really good to know, I was already thinking about getting that one, I may have to do it sooner than I thought originally!
CBorders
I dont have the "Killer Game Programming " book so I cant comment on it.
For 2d, the one I mentioned will keep you busy for a long time 
For 2D there are some good resources around here. I believe a few of our members have even written sample apps. The Java2D discussion trhead is a good thing tow ander through.
I would advise you keep your first game simple, we often suggest a "classiC’ game like asteroids or defender as a good first project. DOing that wil lteach yo uall the fundementals, then you cna move onto a more exciting project.
thanks for all of these advices
I got some benfits so I know where should I begin
thanks again and
good luck