Acknowledgments

First and foremost, I'd like to thank my girlfriend, Lizzy, for her unbelievable patience and support throughout the past six months. I can't even begin to understand how frustrating I must have been during the writing of this book, particularly when locking myself away and stressing over the smallest of details. I'm very much looking forward to being there for you, just as you have been for me.

I wouldn't even be here today without my parents (quite literally). I'd like to thank them for supporting my unhealthy obsession with technology and computers as a child, and for nurturing that obsession as I grew up. I'll never forget the sheer amazement I experienced spending time at my dad's Internet cafe back in the day, particularly playing Doom with awesome virtual reality goggles. It's weird, virtual reality never seemed to take the world by storm as it promised to. Back to the point, you guys may not have fully understood how all this technology worked and why I was so interested in it, but I'm so glad that you continued to let me play with and learn about it. Thank you so much.

My sibling, Laura, has been an inspiration to me. We've been through a lot together, and being able to see how well she is doing in her life and work is plenty enough to keep me happy. We may bicker, we may fight, but I couldn't have asked for a better sister.

On a more technical note, I'd like to thank David Burton and the rest of the guys at Redweb for letting me work on some crazy stuff in the Innovation Department for the past two summers. David was the person who gave me the time and encouragement to really push HTML5 canvas and to learn exactly how it works. For this I thank you, as without those few weeks of solid experimentation, I probably wouldn't have written this book!

John and Hannah, two of my closest friends, have kept me grounded and have not been afraid to question me about my opinions and work. Not many people have the guts to do that, and for that I am eternally grateful; you've both prevented me from looking like a fool on multiple occasions. I also want to thank you both or the spirited and humorous debate on the ExplicitWeb podcast; I don't think I've ever laughed so hard as I do when we record the show together.

Finally, I'd like to thank the whole team at Apress and friends of ED. Particularly, I'd like to thank my editors, Ben and Corbin, for their immense patience and help throughout the writing process. You have both helped keep my stress levels below critical. This book wouldn't have even happened without Ben and his trust in me, and for that I owe you one. And I can't forget Doug, my technical reviewer, who sifted through all of my code and technical content with amazing precision. The accuracy and experience that you've shown me is truly inspirational. Thank you.

I'm sure that there are plenty more people that have helped me throughout the development of this book, like my friends on Twitter who showed immense enthusiasm about the book and helped test all the games for me. I could go on forever if I listed you all (so I won't). Just rest assured that I appreciate each and every one of you who have supported and encouraged me. You're all awesome.