Are you ready to create your own Android games using the Unity 3D engine? Look no further! This comprehensive guide takes you by the hand and walks you through the process of building fully functional Android games, from scratch. With a focus on practical learning through real-world examples, this book is perfect for complete beginners with little or no programming skills, Unity knowledge, or Android development background.

Overview

The Unity Android Game Development by Example Beginner's Guide serves as a hands-on tutorial that leads readers from start to finish in creating fully functional Android games using the Unity 3D engine. This project-based approach centers on building complete, playable games of progressive complexity to teach core concepts in context.

Building Complete Games

Throughout this guide, you'll construct fully functional projects including a tic-tac-toe game to explore graphical interfaces, a tank battle game with 3D models and AI, a space shooter utilizing mobile touch and tilt controls, and a physics-based game modeled after Angry Birds. These real-world examples demonstrate essential concepts such as user input handling, animations, pathfinding, particle effects, audio implementation, and performance optimization techniques tailored to mobile devices.

Scripting and Flexibility

Scripting primarily uses C#, with JavaScript alternatives supplied for the final projects to offer flexibility in coding approach. This comprehensive coverage spans the entire Android game development pipeline, from initial environment setup and asset integration through user input handling, animations, pathfinding, particle effects, audio implementation, and performance optimization techniques tailored to mobile devices.

Target Audience

This guide is aimed at complete beginners who have no prior experience with programming, the Unity game engine, or Android application development. Whether you're a hobbyist, aspiring game developer, or individual new to mobile game development, this project-based book welcomes you with hands-on examples and step-by-step progression.

Prerequisites and Requirements

To follow along, you'll need a Windows-based computer, as all examples and development processes are presented within a Windows environment. You'll also require the Unity 3D game engine, Java Development Kit (JDK), and Android SDK to build and deploy Android games. A physical Android-powered device is essential for testing builds and gameplay, with the book recommending installation of the Unity Remote app on the device.

Author Background

Thomas Finnegan, the author of this guide, has years of experience as a game developer and educator. He graduated from Brown College in 2010 and has worked with various clients, including Carmichael Lynch, Coleco, and Subaru. His expertise lies in making Unity accessible to beginners through hands-on, step-by-step exercises and clear practical examples.

Publication Details

Unity Android Game Development by Example Beginner's Guide was published by Packt Publishing on December 23, 2013. The paperback edition carries the ISBN-13 9781849692014 and ISBN-10 1849692017. Digital editions are also available in formats such as PDF, ePub, and Kindle-compatible versions.

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