If you are interested in creating games for the casual game market, then get ready to set the wheels in motion! This hands-on guide for beginners allows you to increase your skill level along the way as you create a game full of cool artwork and intricate details. This book is not an introductory guide to the Java programming language, but instead serves as an introduction to the field of game programming using Java. From the basics of creating simple Java programs and writing graphics code to utilizing Java?s advanced 2D library and adding sound effects and music, this book?s step-by-step instructions will help you acquire all the skills you need to create a professional-quality, sprite-based game.