I've been thinking of getting some books on software engineering/engine design because I've never been able to understand how all the parts of the game come together properly and efficiently. I've been looking at: Software Engineering for Game Developers Programming Role Playing Games with DirectX, Second Edition and maybe: Ultimate 3D Game Engine Design & Architecture I'll use the RPG with Directx to learn DX9 and as an example of a complete game, and use the software engineering book for different ideas and perspectives on it. Will this teach me what I need to know to build a complete, organized (in terms of code), game? Or is there something else I should consider?