Any Resources for Pure Actionscript 3 Games?

Question

What resources (books or website/tutorials) are available, that cover game development using pure Actionscript 3 code? By pure, I mean not using Flash CS4 and its timeline, and not using Flex MXML components. Everything done using only Actionscript code.

In another question, I asked about using certain objects of the Flex SDK for simple games, and the consensus was that I shouldn't use it at all, but only Actionscript for a game. Sounds reasonable, but the books/website tutorials that I have found on the subject of games, all use AS3 in the context of Flash CS4. They assume your objects will be movieclips, with timelines, etc.

I realize that you can learn game programming from books in other languages, and/or ignore the Flash aspect of AS3 books. I guess what I'm looking for, is whatever information is specific to AS3, such as best practices for AS3-only games, how to make architectural/design decisions, etc. If it exists, anyway :) Thanks in advance.

John C>

Answer 1

If you want to write a game in AS3, you will basically be designing a game that could work in other languages, so your game design won't change, but you will then need to look at how to do the graphics and user interaction. That would be the part that changes.

So, if you want to do 3D graphics, you may need to either find a 3D API you like, or just write your own framework, which isn't too hard, just a bit time-consuming, depending on how much work you want to put into it.

So, for architectural/design decisions, find a website that talks about it, regardless of the language, realizing that you are abstracted more from the hardware than C# or C++ would be.

You may find not only the book on the page useful, but look at the books at the bottom of the page: http://www.friendsofed.com/book.html?isbn=1430216085

Answer 2

• Flash Adventure Game Tutorial series shows you how to create a Flash adventure game with Flex and ActionScript.
• FlexFighters shows you how to make a shoot'em'up with Flex and ActionScript.
• This is a tutorial series that shows you how to make a 3D Flash game with Flex and Away3D

Answer 3

You may want to take a look at Flixel.

What is flixel?

flixel is a completely free collection of Actionscript 3 files that helps organize, automate, and optimize Flash games; an object-oriented framework that lets anyone create original and complex games with thousands of objects on screen in just a few hours.

Flixel is licensed under the MIT license and the site has quite a few tutorials to get you started.