Since there are no XNA 4.0 books out there yet (lots due for release in the next 2 months though) I picked up a 3.0 one. This one had some really great reviews and just into Chapter 3, I’m really impressed.
Thus far, I don’t think I’ve seen any major differences between what the book describes (3.0) and what I’m using (4.0). I’m sure some will crop up, but I’m not worried.
Despite the fact that I honestly think this is a great book, part of my reason for posting this is to try out this new Amazon feature, where I can embed the first chunk of a book right in this post. They’re actually kind enough to let you read the first three chapters here, which rocks pretty solidly. (I suggest you go full screen with it.)
Of course, if you are willing to wait, the 4.0 version of the book is due out in December, and will contain WP7 specific content:
hi Keith.
one my flash “mythus” is moving away from flash huh?
in any case
a big big hug
i’ve learned a lot from you … and I want to say thank you.
roberto.
There are actually a LOT of differences between XNA 3 and 4. More than in any other new version of XNA. Effects are applied differently (in general), point sprites no longer exist (which kills a lot of existing particle engines), and a whole lot more.
Here’s a blog entry from one of the Microsoft devs on breaking changes:
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/shawnhar/archive/2010/03/16/breaking-changes-in-xna-game-studio-4-0.aspx
Most of the changes are an effort for future compatibility with DirectX 10/11.
Thanks Benjamin. I didn’t mean to say there are no differences between 3 and 4. Just that even though the book is written for 3.0, it will get you up and running and give you a good understanding of the framework and how to do things. Up through chapter 3-4, I haven’t had to make any changes in the code presented in the book to get it running in 4.0.