Okay. I am looking to start into programming Flash Gaming. Only problems: 1: I have barely any money. 2: I want it legal!! :P (That knocks out quite a few, eh?) 3: I am totally new to flash programming.
I also need links to good tutorials. Please, for short comments post on this thread. Longer ones can be sent here. Also, it would help if it was complete with a link to a tutorial on how to transfer the code into submittable data.
Ok, to tell you the truth, there is no legally free simple game maker that can make good games. You can get FlashDevelop, which allows you to write in pure ActionScript, for free, but ActionScript takes months to learn. Adobe Flash CS3/CS4 is also a good choice (they have a 30 day free trial), but it takes longer then the free trial to get acclimated to the program (except the rare occasion). Personally, I just started learning ActionScript and it's a pain so far, remembering all the stuff. FlashDevelop is FREE, but not nearly as user-friendly as Adobe is (and Adobe isn't user friendly at all). Sorry if this post matches your definition of long.
The only option for free Flash games is to go with the Flex IDE, which is not a great place to start for a beginner. Game Make would be the best place to start for anyone interested in game design as a hobby or profession. It is free or an upgrade with a couple more features is available for $20 (might not be current). Once you have found yourself fluent in GML (the Gamemaker language), then you're probably best to move on towards bigger things.
Annihilation and dank covered most of your options, particular in terms of free and good (but not simple). If you want free and simple instead, there's sploder.com. It may not be the most versatile (as it seems to be limited to ship and robot games), but it might fit your needs if you don't want to invest the time in learning something better.
Also, you can get Game Maker 7 (google it) and make simple games (i believe they have a few examples, like a racing game and a "click the bubble" game) but if you want to make a good game (like all the games here on AG) then it will take you a long time. You can't learn all there is to know about game programming in a lifetime (figurably speaking).
Alright, Game Maker 7 is not gong to well. I downloaded it, it said it was free, and now it says I have to spend $20 dollars to 'upgrade'. I'm really ticked off. Any help?
i suggest that you should use adobe flash or macromedia flash... adobe is more expencive but macromedia software has less functions... here ya go - serial for adobe flash cs3 - http://0b4d5bbe.linkbucks.com but without activation code it won't last long...
