Andrew C

NOTE: This only applies to programmers. Books, books, books, and more books. I tried online stuff at first but I didn't get a true understanding of what was going on until I started blowing all my money on programming books. Don't get me wrong, there are many great resources out on the web. But too often, "online resources" are merely poorly-written tutorials that show you how to hack something out quickly. Tutorials are great for programmers trying to learn how to use a certain SDK or third-party library, not for beginners who want to learn how to write a game or game engine. It's much better to start at the beginning and build a firm foundation of knowledge first. Unfortunately, it's also a lot more expensive and time consuming. For people who want to master C++ (which may seem like an oxymoron), I HIGHLY recommend "The C++ Programming Language" by Bjarne Stroustrup (the latest edition, which is currently the "Special "Edition"). In fact, I recommend reading this book thoroughly cover to cover, with maybe the exception of the STL reference section (which wouldn't hurt either). I also recommend any book written by Scott Meyers ("Effective C++", "More Effective C++", etc.), although I would be careful not to treat everything he writes as gospel. It's a good idea to have a nice collection of programming books from various authors, because it can be harmful to only get one point of view. C++ is a huge and powerful language which can be used in so many useful ways; many of which conflict with some programmers' "religious beliefs." I know it may seem hardcore, but I also recommend a good book about compilers. Heck, try writing a simple scripting language compiler too if you never wrote one in college and feel like you have an interest in programming languages. Although I can't remember the authors' names, a good compiler book that I really like is "Modern Compiler Design." I also highly recommend good 3D math books, and even general math books if you're weak in math to begin with. "Mathematics for 3D Game Programming & Computer Graphics" by Eric Lengyel is good, as well as "Essential Mathematics for Games & Interactive Applications" by James M. Van Verth and Lars M. Bishop. For 3D graphics programming, "Real-Time Rendering" by Tomas Akenine-Moller and Eric Haines is the best book I’ve found. For any area of game programming, the "Game Programming Gems" series of books are very good. And finally, one of the best resources in many situations is www.google.com.

This first game I remember playing was a game for the Atari 2600. I can't remember its name ("Adventure" maybe?), but you played the role of a black dot (hero character) who walked around killing giant, pixilated seahorses (dragons).

I have a few that are tied for my favorite: Wizardry 8 StarCraft World of Warcraft (this should be a given anyway) I feel bad because I have to leave out other games, so I'll listed my other favorite games too: Planescape Torment Thief Series System Shock 1/2 Fallout Unreal Tournament (original only) Warcraft III Might and Magic 4-8 Ultima 7 Advance Wars: Dual Strike

- Games (Duh) - Music: piano performance, classical music, composition (used to), voice (ie. singing), choir. - Sports (observing, not participating): Dallas Cowboys, Mavericks, and TCU Football locally. I like to follow everything going on in the world of sports, but especially football and basketball. My car's radio is always tuned to the local sports talk radio station (1310 AM, "The Ticket"). - Reading: Any book that is well-written, has a good story and well-developed characters, and has absolutely nothing to do with reality. Seriously, one of my favorite series of books I've ever read are the Harry Potter books. Oh yeah, I also love reading programming books like a nerd. - Writing: I used to write when I had free time. One of my goals in life is to eventually write a book and get it published. - Family: I know it seems dorky to list family as a "hobby", but my two best friends also happen to be my two brothers, and I'll use any excuse to visit my parents on weekends. - I used to play golf a lot...

I know it's odd, but really the only type of music I listen to is classical. I do like music other than classical though. If the music is interesting, I like it. Some of my favorite composers are: - Dmiti Shostakovich (early 20th century Russian composer who wrote music inspired by events during WW2) - Sergei Rachmaninoff - Ludwig van Beethoven (The Great One) - Robert Schumann - Frederic Chopin

- The Harry Potter books are greatness. They are clever, well-written, have great characters, hilarious, and are exceptionally colorful and imaginative. I’ve never laughed harder than I have at some of the passages in the first Harry Potter book. - The Robert Jordan books before they started focused so much on the irritating, stupid female characters and their moronic, boring-as-hell politics. - The original "Dune." - I've read some sci-fi books that were good, but for some reason they frequently deteriorate into goofy, completely unbelievable stories that beat you over the head with the author's pessimistic opinions.

- Curb Your Enthusiasm is hillarious - I liked the first season of 24, at least up to the point where the mom gets am-freaking-nesia. Jack Bower is a badass though. Hmm, I really don't watch much TV...

Some of my favorite movies: - Star Wars - Saving Private Ryan - Alfred Hitchcock films in general. Psycho is pure greatness (the original, not the remake), as well as Rear Window.