Product guide

Data Structures and Algorithms for Game Programming in C++

Data Structures and Algorithms for Game Programming in C++ is a 384-page Packt book on applying C++ techniques to practical game-development systems. It covers 2D and 3D rendering, animation, camera controls, game AI, and performance-minded approaches such as object pooling. The examples use raylib and the Knight engine layer, so it is a focused learning resource rather than a guide tied to a major commercial engine.

At a glance

Examples develop 2D and 3D game systems in C++ using raylib and the Knight engine layer.
Topics span shaders and effects, terrain, camera systems, skeletal animation, and inverse kinematics.
AI coverage includes finite state machines, behavior trees, A* pathfinding, steering, and neural networks.
Performance-related subjects include object pooling, level of detail, terrain partitioning, and procedural techniques.

Price

$29.99Save 40%

Reference price: ~~$49.99~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Connects data structures and algorithms to concrete game systems rather than treating them as isolated topics.
Covers a broad progression from rendering and camera control through animation and AI.
Listing says chapter examples are practical and executable, which may suit readers who learn by building.

Cons

The material uses raylib and the Knight engine layer, so readers seeking step-by-step instruction for a specific commercial engine may need other resources.
Some familiarity with C++ is helpful, so it is not presented as a completely language-free introduction.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Book details
Publisher	Packt Publishing
Publication date	June 30, 2025
Language	English
Print length	384 pages
ISBN-10	1835889875
ISBN-13	978-1835889879

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	1.61 pounds
Dimensions	7.5 x 0.97 x 9.25 inches

What to know before buying

A DRM-free PDF and access to Packt's Reader are claimed with the book, but email sign-up and proof of purchase are required.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Junior game developers, hobbyists, and computer science students who want to apply C++ concepts to game systems.
C++ programmers looking to explore rendering, animation, gameplay AI, and practical performance techniques.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a tutorial centered on a particular commercial game engine.
Readers wanting an introduction that assumes no prior familiarity with C++.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4 / 5 · 12 ratings

5 stars34%34%
4 stars55%55%
3 stars0%0%
2 stars0%0%
1 star11%11%

Aggregate ratings lean toward four- and five-star responses, but also include a one-star share. The small rating pool gives only a limited snapshot and does not identify what customers liked or disliked, so it cannot establish whether the book's approach, examples, or topic coverage will suit a particular reader.

Frequently asked questions

What game-development topics does the book cover?

The listing describes data structures and algorithms for gameplay, 2D and 3D rendering, camera systems, animation, AI, and performance techniques such as object pooling and LOD.

Does the book use a specific engine?

The examples start with raylib and a custom Knight engine layer. The listing presents patterns as reusable across game engines, but does not describe a commercial-engine-specific tutorial.

Is a digital version included?

The listing claims a DRM-free PDF and Packt Reader access with the book. Email sign-up and proof of purchase are required.

Is this suitable for someone new to C++?

The listing says some familiarity with C++ is helpful and describes the examples as explained step by step. It is aimed at developing game-programming skills, not solely teaching C++ from scratch.