Android Game Programming For Dummies

Get your head in the game and start developing engaging Android apps that game gurus will love!

Games challenge our minds, relieve our boredom, bring us closer to family and friends, and are just plain fun. It′s no wonder developers are geared up to get going on the next great game. It′s easy to join in the fun with For Dummies! A bit of Java knowledge is helpful, but even if you lack that, this book will walk you through creating two Android games and getting them into Google Play. Once you′ve got the basics down, let your imagination lead the way!

Understand Android — learn about the capabilities of the Android platform and why it′s suited for mobile gaming Plan your game — decide on the game type, the number of players, how and when users might play, and who would be most interested in your app Get started — set up your development environment and explore the parts of an Android app Learn variety — follow step–by–step directions to create a two–player card game and an arcade–style game with sound and animation Market your creations — explore the market for your game, publish it to Google Play, and keep it up to date

Open the book and find:

What you should know about the Android gaming industry Project planning tips How to identify the market for your game The ins and outs of good interface design The lifecycle of an activity Advice on screen orientation How to create simple animations How to monetize your game and turn a profit

Learn to:

Develop fun and interactive games for Android–based smartphones Apply fundamental game design principles to create realistic animation Make use of Android′s rich feature set in your games Publish your game, keep it current, and make some money

Introduction  1

Part I: Adopting the Android Gaming Mindset  7

Chapter 1: Getting to Know Android Gaming 9

Chapter 2: Designing Your Game 27

Chapter 3: Setting Up Your Development Environment 51

Part II: Starting to Program  77

Chapter 4: Dissecting an Android App 79

Part III: Making Your First Game: Crazy Eights  109

Chapter 5: Creating a Simple Title Screen 111

Chapter 6: Creating a Basic Play Screen 135

Chapter 7: Finishing Your First Game 181

Part IV: Moving On to Your Second Game: Whack–a–Mole  199

Chapter 8: Creating a Complex Title Screen 201

Chapter 9: Creating an Animated Play Screen 217

Chapter 10: Storing and Retrieving Game Information 245

Part V: Managing Your Game in the Market 261

Chapter 11: Making Money with Your Game 263

Chapter 12: Publishing and Updating Your Game 277

Part VI:The Part of Tens  295

Chapter 13: Ten Open–Source Game Projects 297

Chapter 14: Ten Game Engines and Tools 307

Chapter 15: Ten More Places to Distribute Your Game 317

Chapter 16: Ten Websites for Android Game Developers 327

Glossary  339

Index  343

Derek James is the principal and founder of Polyclef Software, LLC, a creator of Android games including WordWise Pro, Golf Solitaire, Proxity, Puzzle Lords Free, and Spades, among others. Derek created some of the first Android games on the market.