Interactivity in Action : Case Studies of Way Cool Web Sites, Multimedia Masterworks, Innovative Games and Other Successful Interactive Products

An inside look at the technology, artistry, and finances of interactive multimedia development-- Portrays how successful developers have overcome technical, artistic, and financial challenges to create innovative interactive productsFor developers interested in defining the paradigms of interactive fiction, education, and electronic communication, this book and CD-ROM provide detailed how-to information on the tools and techniques used, as well as thought-provoking insights on the creative challenges involved.Through specific case studies, the book examines a wide range of interactive products, including games, Web sites, children's "edutainment" CD-ROMs, enhanced audio CDs, interactive television, and more. The products examined in these case studies include smash hits and market leaders like Myst, the 7th Guest, and Hotwired, plus many award-winning products.Readers learn how successful developers have used techniques such as motion capture and performance animation technology, blue-screen photography, live-action video, Web animation, texture mapping, QuickTime VR, and 3D modeling. These developers reveal which software and hardware they rely on and which they've abandoned; original tricks and hacks for overcoming limitations; technical roadblocks and sinkholes; and insights on why some of their products have failed and others have succeeded phenomenally.Interactivity in Action also provides firsthand advice on key business issues. The companion CD-ROM features demos of several case study products plus sample code from some products, including HTML coding, Java applets, Director Lingo scripts, and more.