I am somewhat of a beginner when it comes to game programming. I know a bit of Java and have made basic games like snake and a very basic capture the flag game. But now I want to venture further and learn C++/OpenGL eventually creating my own game engine. I know this is no easy feat and will take time, but I have done a little research and have a lineup of books I want to read to aid me along my journey. Please provide me with some feedback and let me know if I am reading the right material. Also feel free to recommend any books you believe would be useful.

My list in order of how I am going to read them:

1. Jumping into C++

2. C++ Primer (5th Edition)

3. Real-Time Rendering (Third Edition)

4. Real-Time Collision Detection

5. Game Coding Complete (Fourth Edition)

6. Game Engine Architecture (Second Edition)

Thanks for your advice I get what you mean. I already bought my first book a while ago (Jumping into C++) and am only on like the 4th chapter because I can't get myself to read it. Mostly because everything I am reading I already know. I would skip ahead but I am afraid there are some little things I might miss in between that are more specific to C++. Once I get more proficient in C++ I will definitely try out some modding though!

I don't think I've had the pleasure of reading Real Time Rendering, but am a big fan of Frank luna's introduction to directx...(what ever is the latest) they seem to get better with each iteration, as one would hope.

In my opinion, Crister's book, RTCD, should be read after Game coding complete. I have the 2nd edition of Mike's book, and it seemed to hit a lot of things at an introductory level. RTCD on the other hand, I would say is more technical, and it's a can of worms that you may not want to eat just yet.

Jason's book is probably one of the best bang for your buck books with a price tag in that range, but works best if you've been exposed to the concepts ahead of time, perhaps in an earlier project from GCC.

I have read bits and pieces of Real Time Rendering, for me it has been more of a reference when I am implementing my own collision detection than reading it from start to finish. It is a really great book from what I've seen though so I don't want to deter you from reading it start to finish, just my two cents.

I'd add a 3D mathematics book to that list. I was pleasantly surprised on the value I got from diving into some mathematics when doing things like matrix transformations, vector math and lighting, what not. The book I have read on the subject is: Mathematics for 3D Game Programming and Computer Graphics, Third Edition by Eric Lengyel.

I'd agree with braindigitalis in that the best thing you can do is just build a game or something involving graphics in parallel with the books. It's important to practice the concepts on your own. In a book I have been reading, Computer Graphics Principles and Practice the author encourages a "3 step approach" to learning a subject, that is application-theory-application, or something similar. So try something before you seek a more theoretical understanding of it and then apply it again. It will give you a better understanding of the subject that way I think. So implement some game or some bits and knobs to an engine in your mind, go read about it and do it again.