Hello,

My son is interested in creating computer games. What books and software do you recommend for him to get started?

Thank you!

As far as software goes I'd recommend getting a trail version of maya and 3d studio max if possible they are both very good programs and the trial versions are free to download online. For books my class will be using an introductory book called Game Development Essentials, 2nd Ed. What I've read so far is very interesting and easy to read. Covers everything from arcade games like Pac-Man to Character Development to Basic Level Design to Production and Management. It also has a companion DVD that comes packed with two game engines (Torque and Game Maker), 3d studio Max and Maya (trial version i think), game demos and other very cool stuff. And best of all it's just $52.89 on amazon.
A quick search on google or amazon will get you hundreds of books on game development for all levels but this seems a like very good starting point for your son.
Hope this helped, and spread the word about my blog. thanks.

Hi Melvin,

Best of luck in your studies at Full Sail, that's a great school.

For access to Autodesk Educational software, students from a recognized school (high school, vocational, college, university, etc) can download a 6 month trial of Maya, 3ds max or 3ds Max Design on our Education Community site: http://students.autodesk.com/

Also, on the same site you'll find curriculum, training materials and more, there's a lot of info there for students & teachers.

Best Regards,

Jennifer Goldfinch
Marketing Manager, Education
Autodesk Media & Entertainment

Join the Autodesk Media & Entertainment User Community on Facebook and Twitter today!

Jennifer thank you so much for those incouraging words and for the information. I'll look into it and pass the word at my class.