Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Game Development (Game Development Series)

From Book News, Inc.
This book introduces the elements of game design, discusses methods for triggering sound effects and music in a game, explains basic physics concepts that can add realistic motion to a game, presents a few tricks for creating 3D effects, and walks through the design of eight simple games. The CD-ROM contains game images, SWF files, and demo versions of Northcode SWF Studio and Macromedia Flash MX Professional.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Creating games with Macromedia Flash MX 2004 is a rewarding endeavor for aspiring and seasoned programmers alike. With its quick download time, cross-platform deployment, ease of use, and power, Flash is quickly becoming the program of choice or online game development. The use of vector graphics also makes the games scalable for any resolution from full screen to cell phone. Intended for both game and Web developers, Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Game Development teaches developers how to maximize Flash for the creation of online and standalone games. The entire development process is covered, from design, story and character development, to the physics and motion of a game, audio issues, optimization, and deployment. As you work through the book, you’ll create eight fun games as you learn and apply the tools of Flash. After completing these projects, you’ll be ready to produce your own high-quality games, and you’ll have the skills needed to take on more complex games. KEY FEATURES * Covers the essential elements of good game design, including challenge, reward, plot, story, and motivation * Explains advanced topics in an easy-to-understand way, such as physics, collision detection, and more * Provides specific tricks for game optimization including bitmaps versus vectors, and details game performance enhancement ideas * Details the various issues of multi-platform development for the PC, Mac, and handheld/ wireless devices * Teaches how to develop standalone games with executables stored on the local hard drive * Explains how to develop games for mobile devices such as the Pocket PC * Teaches a variety of enhancement topics, including adding sound, saving data, and 3D graphics * Uses eight games to teach the essentials skills and tools of Flash game programming, including Whack a Capsule, Block Breaker, Moon Fighter, Sound Hunter, Word Search, Mars Racer, AA Bomb, and Asteroid Run * Includes an ActionScript for games primer


About the Author
Glen Rhodes has been developing games professionally for 10 years. He is currently a senior Flash developer for the dot com Entertainment Group. He has developed games such as Catch the Train for Nike and Domino Dementia for Shockwave.com. He has also written and co-authored a number of successful titles on Flash MX.


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Glen Rhodes (Toronto, Ontario) has been developing games professionally for 10 years. He is currently a Senior Flash Developer for the dot com entertainment Group. He has developed games such as Catch the Train for Nike and Domino Dementia for www.shockwave.com. He has also written and co-authored a number of successful titles on FlashMX.


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