Flash Games

Macromedia Flash arrived in 1996, and was initially designed to add animation and interactivity to otherwise largely media free websites. However, it wasn't long before developers began to realize the potential of the software, and added functionality became available with each iteration.

In the beginning, the focus was more on animation, as primitive scripting allowed little in the way of interactivity. However, with the introduction of ActionScript in version 5, Flash became a strong platform for developing simple web-based games. This transition from basic animation and user interaction to full-blown scripting was a huge step for developers, and allowed sophisticated web-based applications and interactive games possible.

By 2001, Flash games began appearing on websites everywhere, and while early attempts were primitive and tended to focus on remakes of arcade classics such as Asteroids and Tempest, they remained highly popular amongst the online community. Despite their initial popularity, Flash games were known as little more than addictive time-fillers, perfect to whittle away ten minutes at work.

However, even with the basic tools in place, developers were coming up with a wide variety of Flash based games. Platform remakes of favorites such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Mario Brothers were highly popular, and the improving graphic capabilities allowed for much more immersing game play. Although PC and console games had little to worry about in terms of competition, Flash games were already an integral part of many online communities. The integration of Flash arcades into popular forum software led to vast competition between members of small and large communities alike. It wasn't a case of wasting five or ten minutes anymore, it was about coming top on the scoreboard!

There were still problems though, particularly with performance on lower specification machines. As Flash was not designed to run games in particular, it was inevitably not that quick or smooth running on some machines, which inhibited many action games. That was all set to change significantly with the next version.

With the release of Flash MX in 2004 came ActionScript 2.0, which allowed greater control over Flash applications, and featured improved data and media handling. Although most genres had already been explored, from arcade to first person shooters to racing games, the best was yet to come. The recent integration of improved data handling allowed many game developers to implement levels and scoreboards much more effectively, thus adding to the appeal.

Since 2004, Flash games have come on in leaps and bounds, and are hardly recognizable from the slow, blocky titles released just a few short years ago. The level of sophistication continues to develop, and while it will be a long before something groundbreaking is released, there are already many classic Flash games already available on the web. Titles such as 'Stick Cricket', 'Bejeweled' and 'Yeti Sports' are all immensely popular, and attract thousands of visitors each day. The playability and execution of a simple idea make these Flash games some of the most popular ever released.

The sites that offer these free games are also changing; the public do not have to visit individual sites (such as the authors website) to find new games, instead developers are submitting their games to massive "flash games" websites " sites that offer 1000's of games for free " one such example is www.itsall3.com, a site with free games, and free funny videos for your mobile phones (3gp videos).

What are the benefits to developers submitting their games to such massive collections of games? These arcade sites receive 1000's of visitors a day, so developers game get more hits ? there's no bandwidth costs as the sites host the games, and there's always a link in the game back to the developers website if needed.

These enthusiasts are not too dissimilar from the back bedroom programmers of the early 1990's. Many young developers thrived on the availability of programming languages such as BASIC, and the more recent arrival of Flash sparked the same levels of creativity and inspiration. Although Flash contains more scripting than actual programming, the underlying appeal of being able to create your own games (relatively) easily has been a major part of its success.

Perhaps Adobe/Macromedia will lean towards the game creation side in the future, or perhaps the focus will always be on animation and the development of web-based applications. Either way, there is no doubting that Flash game have become an integral part of the web and are set to stay for the foreseeable future. With the next version in the pipeline, it will be interesting to see what the next generation of Flash games have in store.

read more “Flash Games”

Online Games for Child

While the World Wide Web expands, more and more individuals are getting online for all their necessities and for their enjoyment.  Online game are just one of the many different ways to enjoy the Internet.  However, there is a newer trend happening right now.  Instead of just throwing our attentions to online gaming atmospheres, we can also allow our children to enjoy the wider world of entertaining online.  However, is it safe?  And, even if it is, should we allow our children to be using online gaming at all?  Is it any better than them sitting in front of a television?

Many parents simply do not have the time to monitor all the activity their children are having online.  All parents need to know that there are many predators online that are seeking out our youngsters.  However, there are ways to prevent them from coming near our children.  For example, in online gaming rooms, you can easily disable chatting and interaction.  You can also disable instant messages as well.  Yet, an even more effective manner for protecting our children while they are online is to keep simply the computer they will be using right in the living room, the kitchen or in any area that is open where you can see what's going on just by turning your head.  When parents understand what is going on while their children are online, they can keep their children better protected.  And, it?s never too soon to talk to your children about stranger danger even on the computer.

Okay, but what about the gaming?  Should we allow our children online to play games?

It is important to break down some age levels here.  For children who are young, it is essential to allow them time to learn about computers, but you need to do it in a one on one situation.  In these cases, there are many games that are actually quite beneficial for them to play.  Many games can teach reading skills, math skills, and many other aspects of learning.  And, because it is fun, kids simply love to do it.  They enjoy the colors, the sounds, and the idea of playing with Mommy or Daddy.  It?s a great time for some bonding as well.

Then, we can look towards the older age.  Those who enjoy cartoons on television will love the games that focus around these topics.  And, you'll find many games that do.  Online games like these can help with motor skills and computer usage skills.  Nevertheless, why not teach them little by getting them into a different type of game, one that will challenge them.  For example, word puzzles and just puzzles in general can stimulate the mind in many ways.  Or, teach them a little history with a program like Oregon (or Amazon) Trail in which they need to survive a treacherous trek through the wilderness.  Even older children can benefit from the "Sim" games as well.  The less violent ones are better because they teach your little entrepreneurs to use many skills to build cities, buildings, companies...You get the idea.

When it comes to allow teens online, you really need to allow at least some online time.  At that age, they are into communicating with their friends through email and instant messages, but interactive games are very popular.  Competing against friends is a definite need that many kids have.  Is it any worse or any better than a Playstation or Xbox system?  Probably not, but at least they are interacting with others.  And, you can somewhat monitor their actions or limit their Internet exploring when you provide them with what many ISP's are offering and that is parental controls on accounts set up just for kids.

So, where does that leave us and the online gaming world?  Should children be allowed online?  Yes, we believe these kids of all ages should at least have the opportunity to learn how to use the computer.  It is an essential skill.  Nevertheless, what about playing games?  Yes, they need this too.  In a safe environment, there are few other places that you can play so many games for a low cost.  They can learn from them as well.  You can monitor just what they are doing.  If you are a parent trying to figure out where you stand with your children being online, consider it a learning experience to allow them to surf with you, even if it's just once.  Then, you will be able to see just what is out there to offer your children and how well they enjoy it.

read more “Online Games for Child”