Beginning C++ Game Programming - Second Edition

Chapter 18: Particle Systems and Shaders

In this chapter, we will look at what a particle system is and then go ahead and code one into our game. We will scratch the surface of the topic of OpenGL shaders and see how writing code in another language (GLSL), that can be run directly on the graphics card, can lead to smooth graphical effects that might otherwise be impossible. As usual, we will also use our new skills and knowledge to enhance the current project.

In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:

• Building a particle system
• OpenGL shaders and GLSL
• Using shaders in the Thomas Was Late game

Building a particle system

Before we start coding, it will be helpful to see exactly what it is that we are trying to achieve.

Take a look ...