Computational Game Dynamics

Useful in parts. Fine as a reference, less so as a cover-to-cover read.

A colleague recommended this and I can see why. It does something that few technical books manage: it respects the reader's time. The progression from chapter to chapter is well thought out; nothing feels out of order. I particularly liked the way the author builds up from simple cases before introducing the harder material. It is denser than the page count suggests, and I found myself slowing down around the middle. Useful as a reference, less so as a straight read from cover to cover.

An enjoyable and informative read, though it could have been shorter.

I have been working with game programming for a few years now and I still found plenty here that was new to me. The author avoids over-explaining, which keeps the pace up but means you need to pay attention. The balance between theory and practice is well judged; neither side dominates. Recommended, with the caveat that it is not a gentle introduction.