"Beginning Role Playing Games Programming with VB 2005: From Novice to Professional" deals with computers/software.

Beginning Role-Playing Games Programming with VB 2005 begins by outlining special challenges of role-playing games like character development, game balance, and maintaining world state. Early chapters focus on building the framework and data structures, followed by implementing this information in VB code. This book will meet all of your game development needs.

    The author is a Master-level RPGA (Role Playing Gamers Association) Games Master.
    The underlying engine is built to support almost any interface style.
    The book describes an extensible game framework that allows reuse of parts and easy implementation of expansions.
    You can download the VB Express product for free and start following through the book immediately, with no costly software outlay.
    The product provides a random-number generator to replace the inadequate system default.

Later chapters delve into map generation, fixed and dynamic quests, character advancement, monsters, treasure, a workable magic system, artificial intelligence, and, of course, combat. The author discusses maintaining game balance along the way, since a game too difficult becomes frustrating, and a game too easy becomes boring.