Note: This book was writtem in 2002 and is for older versions of Flash. Looking for my more recent book on Flash game development?

Brief Description

   Flash MX is probably the most popular tool for creating multimedia for the Web. The real power behind Flash MX is its programming language, ActionScript. This book teaches you how to use ActionScript to create design effects, toys and games. It starts with a tutorial that teaches you ActionScript from the ground up. Then it moves on to show you example after example of complete games. The code listings are included, along with details about how the games were built. You can use these games on your own Web site, modify them to fit your needs, or use what you have learned to create your own games.

What Is In This Book?

   This book is full of games. Not just descriptions and theory, but the actual games themselves. This book contains all of the source code for each game. You can read the code, learn from it, and even copy the code to make your own games.
   The early chapters take you through a 24-lesson tutorial that teaches you ActionScript in small steps. This prepares you for the more complex code found later in the book. Chapters 5 through 16 are full of complete examples. You can view the code listings in the book, or use the book's Web site to get the source files. The last chapter deals with more advanced techniques like high score boards and copy protection.
If you want a book that contains a lot of code examples, this is it.

How Is This Book Different Than the Flash 5 Version?

   This is the second edition of For Fun & Games, the first being for Flash 5. So what changes were made from the first edition? First, minor updates were made in chapters 1 through 4 to bring the information up-to-date with Flash MX ActionScript. Then, a new game was added to each chapter 5 through 16, for a total of 12 new games! If you think of the Flash 5 version of this book as volume I, then this new version is volume I and volume II combined. To see the new games in action, look for the (NEW!) tag in the game listing below. Another difference is that the Flash MX book comes with a CD-ROM. All of the files for the examples in the book are on the CD. If I need to update any files, you can find them through the support link at the bottom of this page.