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| xcom genre: XCOM 2: Resurrection Greg Keyes, 2015-11-10 In the world of XCOM, the governments of Earth unite under threat of an alien invasion and form XCOM, an elite paramilitary organization tasked with repelling the extraterrestrial offensive and defending humanity. Woefully outgunned, XCOM's only hope is to outsmart and outmaneuver the enemy by turning the aliens' power against them. |
| xcom genre: Anti-Intellectual Representations of American Colleges and Universities Barbara F. Tobolowsky, Pauline J. Reynolds, 2017-01-27 This book explores popular media depictions of higher education from an American perspective. Each chapter in this book investigates the portrait of higher education in an exciting array of media including novels, television, film, comic books, and video games revealing the ways anti-intellectualism manifests through time. Examining a wide range of narratives, the authors in this book provide incisive commentary on the role of the university as well as the life of students, faculty, and staff in fictional college campuses. |
| xcom genre: The Puppet Masters Robert A. Heinlein, 2025-03-04 The whole world to take over...one human at a time It is the summer of 2007. The sun is shining, music is dancing on the air, and kids are playing in the streets. What they don't know, though, is that slug-like creatures have come to Earth in flying saucers, attacking the world and its people. By attaching themselves to people's backs and taking control of their nervous systems, the slug's use humans as puppets with the intention of taking over the whole world. Earth is quietly thrown into chaos-but a few special agents could save them all. Sam, Mary, and The Old Man-the head of the clandestine national security agency called the Section-travel to Iowa to investigate a report involving a flying saucer as well as the disappearance of six agents previously on the case. Learning that the city is being overrun by slugs, they are disheartened to learn that they can't convince the US President to officially declare an emergency. The three are attacked but manage to escape. However, a slug is able to escape with them. The situation becomes more dire when Sam gets taken over and the slug starts using Sam's vast skills and knowledge to facilitate the invasion. Is this the beginning of the end for the human race? |
| xcom genre: Network World , 1997-11-03 For more than 20 years, Network World has been the premier provider of information, intelligence and insight for network and IT executives responsible for the digital nervous systems of large organizations. Readers are responsible for designing, implementing and managing the voice, data and video systems their companies use to support everything from business critical applications to employee collaboration and electronic commerce. |
| xcom genre: Brooklyn Colm Toibin, 2010-04-06 Winner of the Costa Novel Award and longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Colm Tóibín's internationally bestselling novel is a story of devastating emotional power. At the centre of Colm Tóibín's internationally celebrated novel is Eilis Lacey, one among many of her generation who has come of age in 1950s Ireland but cannot find work at home. When she receives a job offer in America, it is clear to everyone that she must go. Leaving her family and country behind, Eilis heads for unfamiliar Brooklyn, and to a crowded boarding house where the landlady's intense scrutiny and the small jealousies of her fellow residents only deepen her isolation. Slowly, however, the pain of parting and a longing for home are buried beneath the rhythms of her new life—until she begins to realize that she has found a sort of happiness. But just as Eilis begins to fall in love, tragic news summons her back to Ireland, where she unexpectedly finds herself facing an impossible decision. |
| xcom genre: Gamification in Learning and Education Sangkyun Kim, Kibong Song, Barbara Lockee, John Burton, 2017-09-19 This book explores the theoretical foundations of gamification in learning and education. It has become increasingly difficult to engage and motivate students. Gamification not only makes learning interesting, but also allows game players to solve problems and learn lessons through repeated attempts and failures. This positive failure can motivate students to attempt a difficult mission. Chapters in this volume cover topics such as the definition and characteristics of gamification, gamification in learning and education, theories, research on gamification, framework, strategy, and cases. |
| xcom genre: Video Games and the Mind Bernard Perron, Felix Schröter, 2016-07-19 Can a video game make you cry? Why do you relate to the characters and how do you engage with the storyworlds they inhabit? How is your body engaged in play? How are your actions guided by sociocultural norms and experiences? Questions like these address a core aspect of digital gaming--the video game experience itself--and are of interest to many game scholars and designers. With psychological theories of cognition, affect and emotion as reference points, this collection of new essays offers various perspectives on how players think and feel about video games and how game design and analysis can build on these processes. |
| xcom genre: XCOM 2 Rick Barba, 2017-12-12 Continue the fight against an imposing alien force with this original novel based on the hit video game XCOM 2. Under constant threat by the alien invasion, humanity's fate is in the hands of the last remaining military resistance: XCOM. The elite unit is the only hope for the people of Earth. The novel follows XCOM as they continue to fight for freedom, redemption, and survival. Fans of XCOM 2: Resurrection will enjoy this exciting addition to the XCOM story and its use of elements of the popular game. |
| xcom genre: Game Balance Ian Schreiber, Brenda Romero, 2021-08-16 Within the field of game design, game balance can best be described as a black art. It is the process by which game designers make a game simultaneously fair for players while providing them just the right amount of difficulty to be both exciting and challenging without making the game entirely predictable. This involves a combination of mathematics, psychology, and occasionally other fields such as economics and game theory. Game Balance offers readers a dynamic look into game design and player theory. Throughout the book, relevant topics on the use of spreadsheet programs will be included in each chapter. This book therefore doubles as a useful reference on Microsoft Excel, Google Spreadsheets, and other spreadsheet programs and their uses for game designers. FEATURES The first and only book to explore game balance as a topic in depth Topics range from intermediate to advanced, while written in an accessible style that demystifies even the most challenging mathematical concepts to the point where a novice student of game design can understand and apply them Contains powerful spreadsheet techniques which have been tested with all major spreadsheet programs and battle-tested with real-world game design tasks Provides short-form exercises at the end of each chapter to allow for practice of the techniques discussed therein along with three long-term projects divided into parts throughout the book that involve their creation Written by award-winning designers with decades of experience in the field Ian Schreiber has been in the industry since 2000, first as a programmer and then as a game designer. He has worked on eight published game titles, training/simulation games for three Fortune 500 companies, and has advised countless student projects. He is the co-founder of Global Game Jam, the largest in-person game jam event in the world. Ian has taught game design and development courses at a variety of colleges and universities since 2006. Brenda Romero is a BAFTA award-winning game director, entrepreneur, artist, and Fulbright award recipient and is presently game director and creator of the Empire of Sin franchise. As a game director, she has worked on 50 games and contributed to many seminal titles, including the Wizardry and Jagged Alliance series and titles in the Ghost Recon, Dungeons & Dragons, and Def Jam franchises. |
| xcom genre: XCOM Tim Bogenn, Kenny Sims, 2012 XCOM: Enemy Unknown Official Strategy Guide from BradyGames is the complete campaign guide to the brand new game from the XCOM team. Create the best teams and squad kits, follow exclusive tactical maps and advice and get in the research lab on the road to gaming success.With the amazing aliens encyclopedia you can profile and defeat every enemy. See how to develop weapons and build the best bases and follow the best strategies to minimize casualties.Form the best alliance of all with XCOM: Enemy Unknown Official Strategy Guide and defend Earth from the alien threat. |
| xcom genre: Machine of Death Ryan North, Matthew Bennardo, David Malki, 2010 MACHINE OF DEATH tells thirty-four different stories about people who know how they will die. Prepare to have your tears jerked, your spine tingled, your funny bone tickled, your mind blown, your pulse quickened, or your heart warmed. Or better yet, simply prepare to be surprised. Because even when people do have perfect knowledge of the future, there's no telling exactly how things will turn out. |
| xcom genre: Risen Benedict Jacka, 2021-12-07 Alex Verus must keep his friends close—and his enemies closer—in the epic conclusion to the bestselling urban fantasy series about a London-based mage. Mage Alex Verus has gone from a Camden shopkeeper to one of the most powerful mages in Britain. Now his last and most dangerous battle lies before him. His lover, the life mage Anne, has fallen fully under the control of the deadly creature she made a bargain with, and it is preparing to create an army of mages subject to its every whim. Alex, the Council, and the Dark mage Richard Drakh agree to call a truce in their war, and plans are made for a joint attack. But Alex knows that it's only a matter of time before Drakh and the Council turn on each other . . . and neither cares about keeping Anne alive. Can Alex figure out a way to stop Anne and to free her from possession before time runs out? |
| xcom genre: Sid Meier's Memoir! Sid Meier, 2021-09-07 The life and career of the legendary developer celebrated as the “godfather of computer gaming,” and creator of Civilization. Over his four-decade career, Sid Meier has produced some of the world’s most popular video games, including Sid Meier’s Civilization, which has sold more than 51 million units worldwide and accumulated more than one billion hours of play. Sid Meier’s Memoir! is the story of an obsessive young computer enthusiast who helped launch a multibillion-dollar industry. Writing with warmth and ironic humor, Meier describes the genesis of his influential studio, MicroProse, founded in 1982 after a trip to a Las Vegas arcade, and recounts the development of landmark games, from vintage classics like Pirates! and Railroad Tycoon, to Civilization and beyond. Articulating his philosophy that a video game should be “a series of interesting decisions,” Meier also shares his perspective on the history of the industry, the psychology of gamers, and fascinating insights into the creative process, including his rules of good game design. |
| xcom genre: Artificial Intelligence and Games Georgios N. Yannakakis, Julian Togelius, 2025-07-04 This book covers artificial intelligence methods applied to games, both in research and game development. It is aimed at graduate students, researchers, game developers, and readers with a technical background interested in the intersection of AI and games. The book covers a range of AI methods, from traditional search, planning, and optimization, to modern machine learning methods, including diffusion models and large language models. It discusses applications to playing games, generating content, and modeling players, including use cases such as level generation, game testing, intelligent non-player characters, player retention, player experience analysis, and game adaptation. It also covers the use of games, including video games, to test and benchmark AI algorithms. The book is informed by decades of research and practice in the field and combines insights into game design with deep technical knowledge from the authors, who have pioneered many of the methods and approaches used in the field. This second edition of the 2018 textbook captures significant developments in AI and gaming over the past 7 years, incorporating advancements in computer vision, reinforcement learning, deep learning, and the emergence of transformer-based large language models and generative AI. The book has been reorganized to provide an updated overview of AI in games, with separate sections dedicated to AI’s core uses in playing and generating games, and modeling their players, along with a new chapter on ethical considerations. Aimed at readers with foundational AI knowledge, the book primarily targets three audiences: graduate or advanced undergraduate students pursuing careers in game AI, AI researchers and educators seeking teaching resources, and game programmers interested in creative AI applications. The text is complemented by a website featuring exercises, lecture slides, and additional educational materials suitable for undergraduate and graduate courses. |
| xcom genre: The Blood Knight Greg Keyes, 2007-05-01 “[A] sophisticated and intelligent high fantasy epic.”—Publishers Weekly The legendary Briar King has awakened, spreading madness and destruction across a land devastated by a royal family’s fall from power through treachery and dark magic. Half-remembered prophecies may point to the young princess Anne Dare, rightful heir to the throne of Crotheny, as the world’s only hope. But a mysterious assassin stalks her, so skilled that even Anne’s friend and protector Cazio cannot stand against him, nor can her sworn defender, the young knight Neil MeqVren. Though Anne herself is the conduit of fearsome powers beyond her understanding and control, it is time for girl to become woman, princess to become queen. Anne must stop running and instead march at the head of an army to take back her kingdom . . . or die trying. Praise for The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone “A graceful, artful tale . . . a snare ofterse imagery and compelling characters that grips tightly and never lets up.”—Elizabeth Haydon, author of The Assassin King, on The Briar King “There is adventure and intrigue, swordplay anddark sorcery aplenty.”—Realms of Fantasy, on The Charnel Prince |
| xcom genre: Designing Video Games Stuart Maine, 2025-07-30 Have you ever played a video game and wondered how it was made? Do you have an idea for a game but dont know how to create it? Maybe youre curious about the skills needed to land a job as a video games developer? This book breaks down the tools and techniques behind making games, providing practical advice to help you create experiences that grab players and transport them to worlds of mystery and adventure. Packed with examples and tips, Designing Video Games details each step in the process: * Thinking up and evaluating ideas. * Turning ideas into designs. * Understanding your audience. * Creating game content. * Using psychological techniques. * Fixing common development problems. * Polishing, marketing, and releasing games. Yes, you absolutely have what it takes to make great video games. This book will show you how. |
| xcom genre: Game Design Deep Dive Joshua Bycer, 2019-09-20 The Game Design Deep Dive series examines specific game systems or mechanics over the course of the history of the industry. This book examines the history of jumping – one of the oldest mechanics in the industry – and how it has evolved and changed over the years. The author looks at the transition from 2D to 3D and multiple elements that make jumping more complicated than it looks from a design perspective. Key Selling Points: The first in a series of books that focus entirely on a singular game design system or mechanic, in this case: jumping. A perfect read for anyone interested in understanding game design, or just curious from a historical standpoint. A must read for anyone interested in building their own platformer or just interested in the history of the game industry’s most famous game mechanic. This book is a perfect companion for someone building their first game or as part of a game design classroom. Includes real game examples to highlight the discussed topics and mechanics. Joshua Bycer is a Game Design Critic with more than seven years of experience critically analyzing game design and the industry itself. In that time, through Game-Wisdom, he has interviewed hundreds of game developers and members of the industry about what it means to design video games. He also strives to raise awareness about the importance of studying game design by giving lectures and presentations; his first book was titled 20 Essential Games to Study. |
| xcom genre: Celestial Conquests Barrett Williams, ChatGPT, 2025-02-05 **Celestial Conquests Master the Art of Strategy in the Realm of Sci-Fi Fantasy** Dive into the enthralling realms of strategy like never before with Celestial Conquests, the definitive guide for gamers, educators, and anyone fascinated by the intricate dance of decision-making and creativity. This comprehensive eBook bridges the gap between the imaginative worlds of science fiction and fantasy and the calculated brilliance of strategy games, offering fresh perspectives and insightful knowledge. Begin your journey with an exploration of the multiverse, the elusive and exciting foundation for many beloved games. Understand how these universes are crafted and why they capture our imagination, changing the landscape of gaming forever. Unravel the psychological allure of strategy games, learning how they enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills through deeply engaging narratives. This eBook illuminates the pivotal role of game mechanics, showing how player agency and complex puzzles foster learning and creativity. Discover how iconic games influence contemporary game design and how they can serve as powerful educational tools. Gain insights from the gaming community, understanding the importance of collaboration and learning from shared experiences. Celestial Conquests also assesses the transformative potential of gaming in education. It addresses the balance of maintaining engagement without falling into the pitfalls of addiction, offering strategies for integrating game-based learning into curricula effectively. Gain front-row access to interviews with industry pioneers, offering unique perspectives from those who shape the worlds we love to explore. For aspiring game creators, this eBook provides a roadmap to conceptualizing and developing your own sci-fi fantasy games, equipped with foundational design principles and testing methodologies. Embrace the multiverse mindset to not only conquer in-game challenges but to apply strategic acumen to real-world problems. Celestial Conquests is your bridge to a new era of strategic and educational enlightenmentâwhere the boundaries of reality blur and infinite possibilities await. Unlock the potential of strategy and imagination today with this compelling eBook. |
| xcom genre: StarCraft Field Manual , 2015-11-05 Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft saga has captivated millions of players worldwide since its initial release in 1998. A genre-defining military strategy and sci-fi adventure, gamers are drawn to StarCraft’s iconic central characters, Sarah Kerrigan and Jim Raynor, and its thrilling storyline chronicling the battle between the scrappy Terrans, mystifying Protoss and terrifying Zerg swarm. Published in anticipation of the latest expansion, Legacy of the Void, StarCraft Field Manual draws on more than a decade’s worth of lore to create an all-encompassing collector’s item for fans, filling in every detail of the game’s extensive tech, races and units. A visually distinctive, in-world overview of the entire StarCraft franchise, this unique book unveils new details about the wide range of combat forces and technology employed by each of the three primary races within the game universe. A definitive field-guide, original illustrations pair with an engaging narrative that showcases all of the vital statistics, origins, lore and other interesting facts that have emerged in each expansion. This beautiful hardback edition is an ideal gift for StarCraft fans. |
| xcom genre: Clockwork Game Design Keith Burgun, 2024-12-24 By finding and building around a strong core mechanism, we can access new levels of elegance and discover fresh new ideas in our game designs. Clockwork Game Design is a functional and directly applicable theory for game design, particularly focusing on strategic and tactical games, but also more broadly applicable to many kinds of games. It details the Clockwork Game Design pattern, which focuses on building around a fundamental core functionality. You can then use this understanding to build a system of tools that helps a designer refine their rulesets. A game can achieve clarity of purpose by starting with a strong core, then removing elements that conflict with that core while also adding elements that support it. The Second Edition is filled with examples and exercises detailing how to put the clockwork game design pattern into use, this book is a helpful tool in the toolbox of game designers. Key Features: A hands-on, practical book that outlines a very specific approach to designing games Develop the mechanics that make your game great, and limit or remove factors that disrupt the core concept Practice designing games through the featured exercises and illustrations |
| xcom genre: The Hive Construct Alexander Maskill, 2014-09-25 Situated deep in the Sahara Desert, New Cairo is a city built on technology – from the huge, life-giving solar panels that keep it functioning in a radically changed, resource-scarce world to the artificial implants that have become the answer to all and any of mankind's medical problems. But it is also a divided city, dominated by a handful of omnipotent corporate dynasties. And when a devastating new computer virus begins to spread through the poorest districts, shutting down the life-giving implants that enable so many to survive, the city begins to slide into the anarchy of violent class struggle. Hiding amidst the chaos is Zala Ulora. A gifted hacker and fugitive from justice, she believes she might be able to earn her life back by tracing the virus to its source and destroying it before it destroys the city. Or before the city destroys itself . . . With its vivid characters, bold ideas and explosive action, The Hive is science fiction at its most exciting, inventive and accessible. |
| xcom genre: The Cambridge Companion to American Science Fiction Eric Carl Link, Gerry Canavan, 2015-01-26 This Companion explores the relationship between the ideas and themes of American science fiction and their roots in the American cultural experience. |
| xcom genre: Age of Wonders II Barba Rick, Bart Farkas, 2002 BradyGames Age of Wonders II: The Wizard's Throne Official Strategy Guide provides detailed strategies and area maps for the challenging scenarios in the game. Complete unit list and rundown of the Spheres of Magic to help players defeat enemies. Tactics for customizing magical skills and abilities and how to specialize in each. Tips for building intimidating defenses including training grounds for armies and more. Multiplayer tips and strategies. |
| xcom genre: The Essential Guide to Game Audio Steve Horowitz, Scott R. Looney, 2014-03-05 The Essential Guide to Game Audio: The Theory and Practice of Sound for Games is a first of its kind textbook and must-have reference guide for everything you ever wanted to know about sound for games. This book provides a basic overview of game audio, how it has developed over time, and how you can make a career in this industry. Each chapter gives you the background and context you will need to understand the unique workflow associated with interactive media. The practical, easy to understand interactive examples provide hands-on experience applying the concepts in real world situations. |
| xcom genre: The Traitor God Cameron Johnston, 2018-06-05 A city threatened by unimaginable horrors must trust their most hated outcast—or lose everything—in this sword and sorcery debut with a grimdark twist. “Epic fantasy meets hardboiled noir, with a foul-mouthed, seen-it-all narrator you won’t soon forget.” —Barnes & Noble Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog After 10 years on the run, dodging daemons and debt, reviled magician Edrin Walker returns home to avenge the brutal murder of his friend. Lynas had uncovered a terrible secret, something that threatened to devour the entire city. He tried to warn the Arcanum, the sorcerers who rule the city. He failed. Lynas was skinned alive and Walker felt every cut. Now, nothing will stop him from finding the murderer. Magi, mortals, daemons, and even the gods—Walker will burn them all if he has to. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time he’s killed a god. |
| xcom genre: Global Frequency Warren Ellis, |
| xcom genre: The Four Winds Kristin Hannah, 2021-01-27 'Powerful and compelling, I loved it' Delia Owens, bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing The Four Winds is a deeply moving, powerful story about the strength and resilience of women and the bond between mother and daughter, by the multi-million copy number one bestselling author Kristin Hannah. She will discover the best of herself in the worst of times . . . Texas, 1934. Elsa Martinelli had finally found the life she'd yearned for. A family, a home and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when drought threatens all she and her community hold dear, Elsa's world is shattered to the winds. Fearful of the future, when Elsa wakes to find her husband has fled, she is forced to make the most agonizing decision of her life. Fight for the land she loves or take her beloved children, Loreda and Ant, west to California in search of a better life. Will it be the land of milk and honey? Or will their experience challenge every ounce of strength they possess? From the overriding love of a mother for her child, the value of female friendship, and the ability to love again - against all odds, Elsa's incredible journey is a story of survival, hope and what we do for the ones we love. WINNER OF THE BOOK OF THE MONTH BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021 PRAISE FOR THE FOUR WINDS 'Its message is galvanizing and hopeful' The New York Times 'Through one woman's survival during the harsh and haunting Dust Bowl, master storyteller, Kristin Hannah, reminds us that the human heart and our Earth are as tough, yet as fragile, as a change in the wind.' Delia Owens, bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing 'Brutally beautiful.' Newsweek 'Epic and transporting, a stirring story of hardship and love...Majestic and absorbing.' USA Today 'Hannah brings Dust Bowl migration to life in this riveting story of love, courage, and sacrifice...combines gritty realism with emotionally rich characters and lyrical prose that rings brightly and true from the first line.' Publishers Weekly (starred review) |
| xcom genre: Imaginative Culture and Human Nature: Evolutionary Perspectives on the Arts, Religion, and Ideology Joseph Carroll, John Anthony Johnson, Valerie van Mulukom, Emelie Jonsson, Rex Eugene Jung, 2022-10-11 |
| xcom genre: Shadow Hearts Kathleen Pleet, Rick Barba, 2004-10 Shadow Hearts: Covenant is a deep, engaging role-playing game set in a fantastical world filled with ancient magic, mystical lore, and a diabolical plot. The game's story puts players amidst the chaos of World War I over a year after the original Shadow Hearts ended. Yuri and Karin embark on an epic journey testing their power and magic skills to combat terrifying creatures and conquer the evil that Rasputin plans to unleash upon the world. The epic adventure fills two DVDs with over 40 hours of intense gameplay and brings back its innovative combat system, The Judgment Ring. Players must combine split second timing and skillful combat strategy to master the Judgment Ring's powerful and stackable attacks. This improved system allows players to choose which characters to bring to battle and features new team-based combo attacks and defensive formations. Also featured is an inventive magic system where gamers must build skill sets, and more. Not Final Cover. |
| xcom genre: Front Mission 4 Rick Barba, 2004 BradyGames' Front Mission 4 Official Strategy Guide features a step-by-step walkthrough, including maps. Complete coverage of all missions in the two intertwining storylines. Expert combat tactics and stats for every wanzer. Pilot skills, including coverage of the all-new Link System. Game secrets and more, revealed! This product is available for sale in the U.S. and Canada only. |
| xcom genre: The Lost Colony A. G. Riddle, 2019-10-21 Can humanity survive on a new world? On Eos, the last survivors of the Long Winter face their greatest challenge yet--and race to unravel the deepest secrets of the grid. The thrilling conclusion to the Long Winter trilogy--Publisher's description. |
| xcom genre: Ys Rick Barba, 2005 BradyGames' Ys: The Ark of Napishtim Official Strategy Guide includes the following: WALKTHROUGH -- From the ominous beginning of your journey to the firey climax with the Ark, we guide you through every perilous area! MAPS -- Every important area is charted in 3D! BOSS FIGHT TACTICS -- Equip all the right items and weapons, and make all the right moves to defeat every boss in the game! BESTIARY, WEAPONS & ITEMS -- The most complete collection of data available on the characters, creatures, and tools in this richly immersive world! ALMA'S TRIALS -- A bonus appendix to solving these critical puzzles and obtaining the maximum Emel, Gold, and experience! PLUS EXCLUSIVE CHEATS, SECRETS, AND MORE! Platform: PlayStation 2 Genre: Role-Playing Game This product is available for sale in North America only. |
| xcom genre: Writing Interactive Music for Video Games Michael Sweet, 2014-09-19 “This book is a must read for newcomers and experienced composers wanting to learn more about the art of video game composition.” —Chuck Doud, Director of Music, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios All You Need to Know to Create Great Video Game Music Written by the developer of Berklee School of Music’s pioneering game scoring program, this guide covers everything professional composers and music students need to know about composing interactive music for video games, and contains exclusive tools for interactive scoring—tools that were previously available only at Berklee. Drawing on twenty years of professional experience in the game industry, Michael Sweet helps you master the unique language of music storytelling in games. Next, he walks you through the entire music composition process, from initial conceptualization and creative direction through implementation. Inside, you’ll find dozens of examples that illustrate adaptive compositional techniques, from small downloadable games to multimillion dollar console titles. In addition, this guide covers the business side of video game composition, sharing crucial advice about contracts, pricing, sales, and marketing. Coverage includes Overcoming the unique challenges of writing for games Composing music that can adapt in real time to player actions Developing thematic ideas Using audio middleware to create advanced interactive scores Working effectively with game development teams Understanding the life of a video game composer Managing contracts, rights, estimating, and negotiation Finding work The companion website contains software tools to help you master interactive music concepts explored in this book, with additional resources and links to learn more about scoring for games. See Appendix A for details. |
| xcom genre: The Maleficent Seven Cameron Johnston, 2021-08-10 A “wickedly inventive” grimdark fantasy full of non-stop bloody action, shocking plot twists, and snarky gallows humor as a mismatched team of villains gets their shot at heroic glory (SFX). When you are all out of heroes, all that’s left are the villains. Black Herran was a dread demonologist, and the most ruthless general in all Essoran. She assembled the six most fearsome warriors to captain her armies: a necromancer, a vampire lord, a demigod, an orcish warleader, a pirate queen, and a twisted alchemist. Together they brought the whole continent to its knees . . . Until the day she abandoned her army, on the eve of total victory. Forty years later, she must bring her former captains back together for one final stand, in the small town of Tarnbrooke—the last bastion against a fanatical new enemy tearing through the land, intent on finishing the job Black Herran started years before. Seven bloodthirsty monsters. One town. Their last hope. |
| xcom genre: The Briar King Greg Keyes, 2008-12-24 “A wonderful tale . . . It crackles with suspense and excitement from start to finish.”—Terry Brooks Two thousand years ago, the Born Queen defeated the Skasloi lords, freeing humans from the bitter yoke of slavery. But now monstrous creatures roam the land—and destinies become inextricably entangled in a drama of power and seduction. The king’s woodsman, a rebellious girl, a young priest, a roguish adventurer, and a young man made suddenly into a knight—all face malevolent forces that shake the foundations of the kingdom, even as the Briar King, legendary harbinger of death, awakens from his slumber. At the heart of this many-layered tale is Anne Dare, youngest daughter of the royal family . . . upon whom the fate of her world may depend. Praise for The Briar King “Starts off with a bang, spinning a snare of terse imagery and compelling characters that grips tightly and never lets up. . . . A graceful, artful tale from a master storyteller.”—Elizabeth Haydon, bestselling author of Prophecy: Child of Earth “The characters in The Briar King absolutely brim with life. . . . Keyes hooked me from the first page,and I’ll now be eagerly anticipating sitting down with each future volume of the Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series.”—Charles de Lint, award-winning author of Forests of the Heartand The Onion Girl “A thrill ride to the end, with plenty of treachery, revelation, and even a few bombshell surprises.”—Monroe News-Star (LA) |
| xcom genre: Game Design Deep Dive Joshua Bycer, 2025-01-02 Game Design Deep Dive: Real‐Time Strategy focuses on what was once one of the most popular genres in the world and the one that truly kicked off the rise of eSports. It has seen more fundamental changes as a genre than any other genre, and Game Design Critic Josh Bycer will talk about its history and where it stands today with regard to its relevancy in the market. Key Features: Discusses balancing and designing asymmetrical features and units. Explores user interface (UI)/user experience (UX) design and building effective GUIs. Examines the differences between multiplayer and single‐player balancing and how to appeal to both audiences. Provides predictions on the next big trend for the genre. |
| xcom genre: Game Development Essentials: An Introduction (4th Edition) Jeannie Novak, 2022-02-22 The fourth edition of Game Development Essentials: An Introduction takes readers on a fascinating journey through the game development process and the industry itself. This thoroughly updated, highly anticipated new edition includes 12 chapters divided into three parts: The chapters in Part I explore game development history, platforms, genres, and player stats. Part II delves into content creation and concepts behind story and character development, gameplay, level design, interface design, and audio. Finally, Part III focuses on team roles, production, management, and marketing. All the current industry trends and technologies are covered-including: next-generation platforms PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S; usability and accessibility; virtual, mixed, and augmented reality; and development tools and techniques. Game Development Essentials: An Introduction is the starting point for anyone who's interested in learning everything there is to know about the thriving, fast-moving game industry. • High-impact game screenshots, photos, diagrams, and illustrations. • Revealing case studies, profiles, quotes, and tips contributed by industry experts. • Insightful objectives, exercises, notes, and sidebars that help readers hone their critical thinking skills. |
| xcom genre: The Blackgod Greg Keyes, 2014-11-27 The River flowed from the mountains to the distant sea, and everywhere he touched, he ruled. And his blood ran thick in the veins of Nhol's Royal Family. But the god's power had a price: some members of the Family were never seen after puberty, and dark rumours abounded concerning their fate. When the magic woke in her, Princess Hezhi fled for her life into the lands beyond the River's reach. With Perkar, a youth in search of honour, and loyal Tsem, her half-Giant bodyguard, she sought refuge among the barbarian Mang. But in those demon-infested hinterlands, until she learned to wield the powers of her birthright, her sanity and her soul would be at risk. And grisly danger pursued her - the River bent all his might and slumbrous cunning to the task of finding his wayward child. Only the Blackgod knew how to defeat the River. But the Blackgod was a creature of guile and limitless duplicity; to trust him might be the most perilous move she could make ... |
| xcom genre: Exploring Videogames with Deleuze and Guattari Ciara Cremin, 2015-08-13 Videogames are a unique artistic form, and to analyse and understand them an equally unique language is required. Cremin turns to Deleuze and Guattari’s non-representational philosophy to develop a conceptual toolkit for thinking anew about videogames and our relationship to them. Rather than approach videogames through a language suited to other media forms, Cremin invites us to think in terms of a videogame plane and the compositions of developers and players who bring them to life. According to Cremin, we are not simply playing videogames, we are creating them. We exceed our own bodily limitations by assembling forces with the elements they are made up of. The book develops a critical methodology that can explain what every videogame, irrespective of genre or technology, has in common and proceeds on this basis to analyse their differences. Drawing from a wide range of examples spanning the history of the medium, Cremin discerns the qualities inherent to those regarded as classics and what those qualities enable the player to do. Exploring Videogames with Deleuze and Guattari analyses different aspects of the medium, including the social and cultural context in which videogames are played, to develop a nuanced perspective on gendered narratives, caricatures and glorifications of war. It considers the processes and relationships that have given rise to industrial giants, the spiralling costs of making videogames and the pressure this places developers under to produce standard variations of winning formulas. The book invites the reader to embark on a molecular journey through worlds neither ‘virtual’ nor ‘real’ exceeding image, analogy and metaphor. With clear explanations and detailed analysis, Cremin demonstrates the value of a Deleuzian approach to the study of videogames, making it an accessible and valuable resource for students, scholars, developers and enthusiasts. |
| xcom genre: The Gaming Mind Alexander Kriss, 2020-03-31 Are videogames bad for us? It’s the question on everyone’s mind, given teenagers’ captive attention to videogames and the media’s tendency to scapegoat them. It’s also—if you ask clinical psychologist Alexander Kriss—the wrong question. In his therapy office, Kriss looks at videogames as a window into the mind. Is his patient Liz really “addicted” to Candy Crush—or is she evading a deeper problem? Why would aspiring model Patricia craft a hideous avatar named “Pat”? And when Jack immerses himself in Mass Effect, is he eroding his social skills—or honing them via relationship-building gameplay? Weaving together Kriss’s personal history, patients’ experiences, and professional insight—and without shying away from complex subjects, such as online harassment—The Gaming Mind disrupts our assumptions about “gamers” and explores how gaming can be good for us. It offers guidance for parents, clinicians, and the rest of us to better understand the gaming mind. Like any mode of play, at their best, videogames reveal who we are—and what we want from our lives. |
I Want To Start Playing XCOM, In What Order Should I Play The
Nov 8, 2020 · Bureau: XCOM Declassified is not necessary and it's not considered as very good game, but you can play it before or after EU/EW if you want to. XCOM 2 (also has expansion, …
XCOM 2 - Reddit
I have a powerful PC but for some reason it struggles with xcom 2 on max settings at times. I changed my game settings from full-screen to borderless window and I went from 40-50 fps to …
XCOM 1 or 2? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Oct 26, 2022 · Xcom 2 I would say is the better game mechanically and polish-wise. A better tutorial, more forgiving, and while some people may hate the turn timers, it prevents new …
Series chronological order? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Then XCOM 2 said everything in EU / EW was a simulation but kept dropping hints in the final mission that the victory scenario may have happened after all. TL;DR - The reboot series is …
Is Xcom 3 ever going to happen? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Nov 3, 2023 · Xcom 2 is a competent enough game that it can satisfy my xcom cravings for years to come. what cant be satisfied is my curiosity in exactly where the series was going, and thats …
r/Xcom on Reddit: Which continent do you prefer to start on in …
Mar 22, 2023 · North America. Mostly for roleplay reasons. If a war with aliens kicks off, you know XCOM's HQ will be in Cheyenne Mountain or someplace similar.
So, which X-com game is generally considered to be the best one?
XCOM 2 WOTC is my favourite. The variety of classes and skills, procedural maps, and randomized strategy layer all give it much more replayability than EU/EW, and WOTC …
Best continent bonus for Xcom enemy unknown? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Jan 7, 2022 · 25 votes, 16 comments. 124K subscribers in the Xcom community. Africa is the best one overall since more money means more stuff you can buy around the base, but it's also …
Wich is the best order for building/upgrading my facilities
Jun 16, 2020 · Resistance ring or GTS first (depending on if you’re doing the Chosen intro or not). You really don’t need a 2nd resistance comms.
Can Xcom 3 even still happen? : r/Xcom - Reddit
So while I want an xcom 3, I think the best they can do is waiting a couple of years and start another fresh round. Basically a new XCOM:EU. I love XCOM 2 and while the ending is a …
I Want To Start Playing XCOM, In What Order Should I Play The
Nov 8, 2020 · Bureau: XCOM Declassified is not necessary and it's not considered as very good game, but you can play it before or after EU/EW if you want to. XCOM 2 (also has expansion, …
XCOM 2 - Reddit
I have a powerful PC but for some reason it struggles with xcom 2 on max settings at times. I changed my game settings from full-screen to borderless window and I went from 40-50 fps to …
XCOM 1 or 2? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Oct 26, 2022 · Xcom 2 I would say is the better game mechanically and polish-wise. A better tutorial, more forgiving, and while some people may hate the turn timers, it prevents new …
Series chronological order? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Then XCOM 2 said everything in EU / EW was a simulation but kept dropping hints in the final mission that the victory scenario may have happened after all. TL;DR - The reboot series is …
Is Xcom 3 ever going to happen? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Nov 3, 2023 · Xcom 2 is a competent enough game that it can satisfy my xcom cravings for years to come. what cant be satisfied is my curiosity in exactly where the series was going, and thats …
r/Xcom on Reddit: Which continent do you prefer to start on in …
Mar 22, 2023 · North America. Mostly for roleplay reasons. If a war with aliens kicks off, you know XCOM's HQ will be in Cheyenne Mountain or someplace similar.
So, which X-com game is generally considered to be the best one?
XCOM 2 WOTC is my favourite. The variety of classes and skills, procedural maps, and randomized strategy layer all give it much more replayability than EU/EW, and WOTC …
Best continent bonus for Xcom enemy unknown? : r/Xcom - Reddit
Jan 7, 2022 · 25 votes, 16 comments. 124K subscribers in the Xcom community. Africa is the best one overall since more money means more stuff you can buy around the base, but it's also …
Wich is the best order for building/upgrading my facilities
Jun 16, 2020 · Resistance ring or GTS first (depending on if you’re doing the Chosen intro or not). You really don’t need a 2nd resistance comms.
Can Xcom 3 even still happen? : r/Xcom - Reddit
So while I want an xcom 3, I think the best they can do is waiting a couple of years and start another fresh round. Basically a new XCOM:EU. I love XCOM 2 and while the ending is a …
