Data Structures and Algorithms for Game Programming in C++

Learn C++ game programming through real-world demos of AI systems, animation, and rendering to build scalable, high-performance games using patterns you can reuse across any game engine
Free with your book: DRM-free PDF version + access to Packt's next-gen Reader*

Key Features

Build real-time 2D and 3D games using C++ with practical, executable examples
Gain proficiency in game programming domains like AI pathfinding, camera systems, animation, and rendering effects
Boost runtime efficiency with object pooling, LOD patterns, and terrain partitioning to create smoother, more responsive gameplay systems
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Book DescriptionCreating responsive, intelligent games takes more than just following engine tutorials. It requires solving real development challenges with practical, efficient code. This book bridges theory and practice with proven algorithms and techniques grounded in real-world production needs, emphasizing clean, portable C++ implementations.
Starting with raylib and the custom Knight engine layer, you'll be introduced to a simple object-oriented scene and game object system. From there, you'll build responsive gameplay systems using essential data structures and algorithms, progressing through 2D rendering, collision detection, effects, and camera control before advancing to 3D graphics environments built using shaders, lighting, quad-tree terrain, and dynamic camera setups.
You'll animate characters using skeletal rigs, interpolation, and inverse kinematics for fluid movement and then develop game AI using FSMs, behavior trees, A* pathfinding, and steering behaviors. The book also covers neural networks, exploring their underlying theories, training processes, and tools. Throughout, the code is written in legacy-compatible C++ to ensure broad support across platforms and compilers.
By the end, you'll have gained the skills to build game systems that not only work but also scale, perform, and adapt like professional-grade code.What you will learn

Use C++ data structures and algorithms to build core gameplay features
Implement 2D/3D rendering with shaders, particle effects, and terrain systems
Design camera systems like third-person, top-down, and split-screen views
Optimize performance using object pooling and LOD
Animate characters using skeletal rigging, interpolation, and inverse kinematics
Build game AI with FSMs, behavior trees, pathfinding, and steering
Apply neural network concepts in a turret defense project

Who this book is forThis book is for junior game developers, hobbyists, and computer science students entering game development, as well as C++ programmers looking to strengthen their skills. While some familiarity with C++ is helpful, the examples are explained step by step to remain approachable. Whether you're starting out or reinforcing your skills before diving into game engines down the road, this book offers a clear and practical foundation to make you a more effective developer, regardless of which tools you choose later.