subject: How To Create A Simple Flash Game. [print this page] What is Flash? What is Flash?
I believe that many of you saw it - for example: flash games (click to check what the flash games are) but not all of you know why we call them "flash" games. It is really simple. The name come from the name of the software that people used to create those games. Firstly, the software name was Macromedia Flash, but since Adobe bought the Macromedia company, name of software changed to Adobe Flash. Newest version of that Flash is Adobe Flash CS5.5.
Why Flash?
Flash became such popular in the gaming market because it was easy enough that almost every programmer or even designer, could make some easy games. After many years Flash was improved and the language is more complex and allow to create really amazing stuff. But still it is easy to start for all beginners. That is why we have so many games created with that tool. All you need to learn are basics of the ActionScript. The newest version of ActionScript (AS) is 3. You can do almost every kind of game using that programming language - even some 3D games.
Do I really need Flash to do a flash game?
This is really good question. And the answer is really interesting. No, you don't need an Adobe Flash to create flash game. This software is pretty expensive and I believe that it is not available for all beginners. Instead of Flash itself you can use free software FlashDevelop where you can compile all of your games. Flash is good tool to create some graphics to the game and you can create .swc file with game library of assets - but still you can create game even without a single asset in library. Using AS3 (ActionScript3) you can easily create game where all assets (music, design elements) will be loaded before the game will start. That way you can use GIMP (free software) to create all design elements and then load it to your game.
However, it is a lot easier if you use .swc library. With .swc library you can create game that only need one .swf file. So you can easily distribute that game arround the world, uploading it to many different websites.
Where should I start?
You should start with Google. It is always the best way to start. Just type in search engine words "flash game tutorial" and you will find many tutorials that will help you to learn ActionScript. You can alway buy some books about it, but they are not for free. I believe that all knowledge that you need is waiting for you in the Internet. You just need to search it in the proper way. You can also use some well known forums: flashkit.com or actionscript.org.
The best way to learn it is to start with some projects. First you should try to create some easy action game. It could be something that count how many times you clicked on the screen or some easy shooter. When you will have some idea, then you can start searching how to solve your problem.
Why should I create a flash game?
The answer depends on you. You can create it because you always dreamed about being games programmer, you can do it for money (yes, there are a lot of money out there in that industry) or maybe you would like to impress your friends with your skills. Either way, remember to stay focus on your target and don't give up. Every great programmer started in the exactly same way without understanding of a single line of code. Just go straight and use the Google!
