Programming Game AI by Example

The book has great examples for incorporating good artificial intelligence in games. The author knows how to organize code effectively, and if you're a beginner programmer with C++, you'll learn a few things there as well. I also like that the extra material for the book that is usually included as a CD in other books can be found online for download instead, so you don't have to worry if you're missing something when buying the book. Some of things I've learned in the book include agent movement behavior, using finite state machines, and message handling for state changes. A good understanding of C++ or some object oriented language is a must. Otherwise, the author uses easy to understand language and relates the subject very well.