Introducing Maya 8: 3D for Beginners

The latest edition of this popular bestseller is the ideal initiation to 3D and Maya. Starting with the basics, it builds from the ground up, combining straightforward text with practical examples that make it fun and easy to learn Maya's core features while introducing new Maya 8 elements such as improved polygon tools and enhanced rendering with mental ray. Clear-cut, engaging lessons let you experiment using the wealth of files provided on the CD. You'll also find an abundance of instructional and inspirational Maya creations in the full-color insert.

The enclosed CD features images, movies, and scene files that let you view material from the book right on your own computer. Tackle all-new rendering and dynamics tutorials and much more. The CD includes Maya Personal Learning Edition software.

3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop

Learn how to create stunning, professional-quality game textures from an award-winning industry expert. This book is your one-stop-shop to learn everything you'll need to know about texturing game worlds, from the research that goes into creating a world to tips, tricks and tools of the trade. Learn how to create everything from bullet holes and flames to windows and walls in tutorials that walk you through the process of developing textures (game art) for the most common game settings - from modern urban to fantasy - based on professional concept art. Most importantly, you'll learn how to think like a game artist.

The companion CD includes sample textures and electronic versions of images you saw in the book all the tools you need in one place! Hit the ground running or get a leg up on the competition with the tips, tricks, and real world examples featured in this comprehensive guide.

Introduction to 3D Game Programming with DirectX 9.0c

This book presents an introduction to programming interactive computer graphics, with an emphasis on game development, using real-time shaders with DirectX 9.0. The book is divided into three parts that explain basic mathematical and 3D concepts, show how to describe 3D worlds and implement fundamental 3D rendering techniques, and demonstrate the application of Direct3D to create a variety of special effects.

Features include: understand basic mathematical tools used in video game creation such as vectors, matrices, and transformations; discover how to describe and draw interactive 3D scenes using Direct3D and the D3DX library; learn how to implement lighting, texture mapping, alpha blending, and stencilling using shaders and the high-level shading language (HLSL); explore a variety of techniques for creating special effects, including vertex blending, character animation, terrain rendering, multi-texturing, particle systems, reflections, shadows, and normal mapping; find out how to work with meshes, load and render .X files, program terrain/camera collision detection, and implement 3D object picking; and review key ideas, gain programming experience, and explore new topics with th The example files are available at the book's website.

Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision with Magic Eye

When Magic Eye images hit the publishing world in the 1990s, the response was as magical as the 3D images popping from their colourful backgrounds. Viewers couldn't get these best-selling books fast enough. In fact, Magic Eye I, II, and III rode the New York Times best-seller list for 34 weeks and eventually sold more than 20 million copies. Now Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision with Magic Eye takes this phenomenon to another level. Beyond 3D examines the medical benefits and scientific possibilities related to viewing these remarkable images.

Clearly explained in lay terms and through the use of numerous Magic Eye illustrations, the book not only helps readers "see" the images, it identifies and demonstrates the many physical and performance-related enrichments that may result. Magic Eye has long been a worldwide hit. Besides North America, Japan has been a highly receptive market for the Magic Eye way of seeing. Magic Eye Inc. has already produced a similar scientific-based book for that market - with a notable reception. Beyond 3D promises to bring its benefits to a wider audience, a group eager to experience results ranging from reduced computer eyestrain and diminished stress levels to improved overall vision and lengthened attention spans.

Inspired 3D Short Film Production

This book brilliantly guides readers, using colorful images and step-by-step instructions, through all aspects of creating a digital short film, from the development stage (story, character design, animatics), through the production process (animation, camera direction, lighting), as well as the post-production phase (editing, submitting to festivals and contests).

By the time readers complete "Inspired 3D Short Film Production", they will have received an overview of all the steps involved in creating a digital short, as well as having witnessed the production of a student's short film from concept through completion. Co-Author Jeremy Cantor's latest CG short film, "Squaring Off" will be featured in "North America's Best Animated Shorts" (DVD collection) scheduled for release this Spring.