Recommended resources and books?

chefdez

Member
Hi all,

I'm looking for your recommendation on strong reference and self-learning books that can help me get a broader understanding of programming through the use of mathematics. Concepts like creating theories, algorithms, linear programming, to subjects like deductive reasoning and game design.

I don't mind math based books either - titles that will help me understand numbers in general. I don't have a strong mathematical background from school but I do have a deep respect and awareness for the world it builds around us. I appreciate any recommendations and I'm looking forward to it!

One of the titles I was currently looking for purchase was this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0201...athematics&dpPl=1&dpID=61oqP3wQsiL&ref=plSrch

Thoughts?
 

chefdez

Member
Wow I didn't expect that...

I only ask because I'm interested in developing programming skills even beyond GM. I feel like a proper foundation is in order...
 
R

Rukiri

Guest
There's a lot of good content on Youtube, books are useless with how much GM has changed... not aware of any GMS2 books yet, plenty for 5 and 6 tho (don't use them at this point).

There's a lot of written stuff online, and the reddit community is helpful :)
 
That looks like a reasonable choice. I haven't personally read it or anything, but it looks like it covers important topics.

A guy named Ben Tyers wrote a bunch of Gamemaker books. He has several 1.4 books, (I own one), which will serve fine for GMS2 if you're willing to look up the differences. (And I think he's working on, or already done with some GMS2 books). He's on the forum too, but I forgot his username.

As a side note: if you're interested in skills beyond GM, (or even with GM), then math is very important. I'm constantly amazing at people who say they program without math; I use math constantly when I program (even in GM) and it's awesome because it makes my life easier. (Yeah I know, to some people that sounds unbelievable. But trust me, math is really, really, cool and really useful).
 
D

Domain_Studio

Guest
Hi all,

I'm looking for your recommendation on strong reference and self-learning books that can help me get a broader understanding of programming through the use of mathematics. Concepts like creating theories, algorithms, linear programming, to subjects like deductive reasoning and game design.

I don't mind math based books either - titles that will help me understand numbers in general. I don't have a strong mathematical background from school but I do have a deep respect and awareness for the world it builds around us. I appreciate any recommendations and I'm looking forward to it!

One of the titles I was currently looking for purchase was this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0201...athematics&dpPl=1&dpID=61oqP3wQsiL&ref=plSrch

Thoughts?
Hi chefdez I run a small YouTube Channel and help develop Gamemaker Studio Tutorial so if your ever interested come pasted and say hi on my channel I'm more then happy to help out.

Link : https://www.youtube.com/user/DomainStudios
 
G

Guest

Guest
There's a YouTube channel called Math for Game Developers. As for developing transferrable programming skills, GMS isn't conducive to that. You'll learn loops, checks, and arrays but, the more I've learned about data types and architecture, and increased the complexity of my game, the more I've realized that GMS tends toward a freewheeling crazy spinning mess. Its structure, or anti-structure, arises from the goal of making things accessible for non-programmers, but only a programmer would understand how to beat it into rigid order for a large project.
 

chefdez

Member
Oh cool, thanks everyone for breathing some life back into this thread! I was beginning to think no one actually used proper mathematics in conjunction with Game Maker.

Ben Tyers, got it! Thanks for the info. Would you recommend reading through Heartbeast's GML e-book?

Hey Domain, thanks for linking your videos! I've definitely been needing help with views - making my game full screen and looking appropriate. I'll check them out.

I had no idea about Math for Game Developers, I find math to be very intimidating but at this point I'm really willing to face that challenge. I know if I wanted to evolve into 3D programming, math is a must. I think GML is really genius as it gives a lot of people accessibility, albeit in the form of cutting corners in many ways, but definitely all around access to creating games. I think that's a big positive, however like you said, I know that if I want to create a large project that I need those general programmer skills and foundations in order to keep it concise.
 

klys

Member
I have see many good effect and very complex script using math and they totally worth it.

So all that people that say that they dont use math you can see how inmature this community can be, go to programming section in this forum and you will found a lot of complex script who do so great things using math.

math rules FTW
 

chefdez

Member
Did you know the guy who maintains the math for developers channel is the one who programmed Double Action Boogaloo? Which is based off my favorite HL mod "The Specialists", one of the very reasons I want to make games in the first place?!

Thanks so much for introducing me! I was able to speak directly to him and gain some insightful and valuable knowledge! Woah.
 
T

The Sentient

Guest
Oh cool, thanks everyone for breathing some life back into this thread! I was beginning to think no one actually used proper mathematics in conjunction with Game Maker.
What would you call 'proper mathematics'?

All of my mathematical problems are solved by equations that I have written for purpose. Isn't this what everyone does?

Is this what you mean by 'proper'?
 
A

Active Avi

Guest
My advice would be to familiarize yourself with GML and mathematics in general. Once you've become proficient at both, melding the two shouldn't be too difficult. Before deduction, there's induction.

Also, use google to search for relevant information. I cant post links because I'm a new user, but when I searched 'gaming algorithms' I found a bunch of useful information.
 
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