Charles River Media.

Charles River Media

20 Downer Ave., Hingham, MA 02043

www.charlesriver.com

Many modern computer games are being released simultaneously on all platforms, so it's no longer enough to hone programming skills for one alone. For a definitive game development guide for advanced game programmers, don't miss Steven Goodwin's Cross-Platform Game Programming (1584503793 $49.95), which promotes code which can behave identically on all machines and platforms. A handy CD-Rom includes the book code, audio and graphics tools, and more utilities to accomplish this goal, while veteran game industry programmer Goodwin uses his cross-platform skills to explore the methods for creating solid results. Mike Wellins' Storytelling Through Animation (1584503947, $49.95) provides animators with a detailed guide to the process of conceiving and producing an animated or live action media production. From using Flash effectively to creating a workable story line which makes the most of lighting, art direction, and film tools, Storytelling Through Animation focuses on the story itself, and what can be done to enhance it. Included with the handy CD-ROM are film clips to evaluate and study along with the techniques recommended. Adam Watkins and Anson Call's Cinema 4D 9/9.1 Handbook (1584504021, $49.95) is a recommended pick for newcomers to the Cinema 4D program: it teaches beginners how to harness C4D's tools and many functions, covers the new facets of this major program update, and uses tutorials to link images and documentation. From reviews of the new interface enhancements to new features, the tutorial files combined with the demo are invaluable.