Panda3D is a game engine, a framework for 3D rendering and game development for Python and C++ programs. It includes graphics, audio, I/O, collision detection, and other abilities relevant to the creation of 3D games. Also, Panda3D is Open Source and free for any purpose, including commercial ventures. This book will enable you to create finished, marketable computer games using Panda3D and other entirely open source tools, and then sell those games without paying a cent for licensing.

Panda3D 1.6 Game Engine Beginner's Guide follows a logical progression from a zero start through the game development process all the way to a finished, packaged installer. Packed with examples and detailed tutorials in every section, it teaches the reader through firsthand experience. These tutorials are followed by explanations that describe what happened in the tutorial and why.

You will start by setting up a workspace, and then move on to the basics of starting up Panda3D. From there, you will begin adding objects such as a level and a character to the world inside Panda3D. Then, the book will teach you to put the game's player in control by adding changes over time and responses to user input. Then, you will learn how to make it possible for objects in the world to interact with each other by using collision detection and beautify your game with Panda3D's built-in filters, shaders, and texturing. Finally, you will add an interface, audio, and package it all up for the customer.

This is a simple but detailed guide to using Panda3D, which will take you from a blank text file all the way through the Python programming process to a finished game with a single level, including such topics as handling tasks over time, event handling and response, collision set up and detection, audio, and more.