This book explores the latest developments in advanced rendering techniques in interactive media and games that run on the DirectX or OpenGL run-times or any other run-time with any language available. It covers geometry manipulation, handheld devices programming, effects in image space, shadows, 3D engine design, and environmental effects. A dedicated section on general purpose GPU programming focuses on CUDA, DirectCompute, and OpenCL examples. The book also provides tips on how to render real-time special effects and visualize data on common consumer software platforms.